I have an Abu Garcia Black Max pro and am going into invest in a Lew's Xfinity speed spool. Either one you can't go wrong with! Both are very good brands and very reliable.

The best advise I have ever gotten when it came to fishing was from my grandpa when I was 10. Now that was 26 years ago but it has stuck with me ever since. He said the key to fishing is this....Just go out and have fun and enjoy it. It doesn't matter if you catch one huge fish or 100 tiny fish. Just enjoy your time while fishing.... The more you do it, the more you will pick up and tricks, baits, rods and reels, things like that. If you get stuck I have found that this site is absolutely amazing to get advise and hints from. But the best thing I can personally tell you is Just go out and enjoy it. Good luck and have fun.

My Abu Garcia spinner has broken. The Anti reverse switch is no longer working so I can spin my reel both ways. Is there a way to fix this or should I just cut my loss and get a new one?

Thank you for that GrizzlyAl. I think I may just purchase a kayak. I have been doing my research, and watching videos on YouTube and they look like such a blast for fish from and like you said just get out and enjoy things in a less hectic atmosphere. I do have a pick up truck so loading and unloading would be a breeze and I also have a few trailers if I want to purchase more than one and take them places with a partner. But your insight with the boat is very helpful and mabey in the future I I may purchase a very nice bass boat, but for now I think the best route for me is a good fisherman kayak.

I have been doing my research on different kayaks Steve-o. There are so many different to consider! I am really looking into Jackson kayak but I am always down for getting info on other brands. I am a big guy at 6"2, 260 lbs so I would love to find one with at least a 400 lb capacity.

Yes Plumbob you have seen me post about this before when I was inquiring about boats. Now that I have decided to purchase a water craft of some kind I am again inquiring about what would be the best type to purchase. Kayak fishing look like it can be so much fun and from what I hear much less maintenance. But I have recently gotten the oppertunity to fish off of a bass boat for the first time and it was amazing as well. So the issue for me is what do I want to spend my hard earned pennies on. Right now I am leaning towards the kayak but I could change my mind at the last minute! Decisions decisions

That was an amazing piece and extremely well written!

That was an amazing piece and extremely well written!

I usually fish solo so that isn't a huge issue. Most of the water I fish is ponds, resivoirs, and a few rivers. Don't have experience going to big waters like one of the great lakes. As a welder my job allows me to stay agile and definitely hold on the bathroom breaks.

As the fishing season is starting to slowly come to an end here in Ohio I find myself in a predicament. I know I am going to invest in a water craft. So with that being said I am asking for all of you for advise. What's the advantages between a Kayak over a boat? I have never owned either one of them so any advise would be greatly appreciated.

I just recently did the same switch after using spins my whole life. I love the baitcaster now! I went out about 2 months ago and purchased an Abu Garcia Black Max combo from Wal-Mart and love love love it!. The whole thing cost me about 65$! It's well worth it.

That's good to know. I live in the North and we don't get to fish as much as people in the south due to the cold in the winter time. I always admire advise from fisherman from the south because they have much more oppertunity to get out and fish all year long. Thanks for the advise John D.

Is there a big difference between using a swivel to hook up a lure or is it better to tie directly to the line? I have heard both but wanted others opinions. If it helps I normally use a baitcaster and am a huge fan of jigs and chatter baits, also crank and jerk baits.

A peacock bass does look like a fun one to catch Silversail! Gripnriprod, both of those sound amazing. Especially a 200 plus pound Marlin! If you ever catch your dreams please share pictures so I can see them!

I haven't really had a lot of time to do a bunch of research on kayaks but if I may ask. What is the difference between a paddle boat and and a peddle kayak? I have seen some shape looking fishing kayaks and it fuels my fire to want to give it a try.