Looking To Create A Buying Guide For Our Members, Looking For Input 2025
BassinNY reply :
I have been lurking this site for years before I became a member and a lot of the same questions appear year after year. So I would like to put together a buying guide including things such as Rods, Reels and Tackle to make it easier for our membership to make informed buying choices. I'm leaning towards making this available online in a pdf document. Just looking for input as to what you guys and gals would want to see in this idea.
Jigfishn10 reply :
BassinNY, please don't be offended by MHO:
What you're proposing is a great idea, although many folks share the same opinion, but some differ and the differing opinions are the ones that keep the discussions alive. The other problem is that fishing products/tackle are constantly changing so by having the same questions popping up just adds to the discussion.
Last thing I want to share: Redundancy is what keeps the site interesting as more and more folks become members. You can participate in the redundant threads or not, it's your choice.
prjavelin reply :
My suggestions would be:
Don't buy too much tackle at first. You don't know what its going to work on the lake you fish. What fits or don't fit your style.
Buy a nice small selection that has a little of everything. Plastics, cranks, spinnerbaits, jigs... I may say two pieces or everything.
Buy a nice baitcasting combo and a spinning combo to start with.
From the books I've read and the experience I've got you gotta match the forage. Give the bass what they want.
royal0014 reply :
Jig' pretty well nailed it. Too many differing opinions.
Besides, there are pu-len-ty of sites to get user-based reviews of all types of products.
BassinNY reply :
No offense taken Jigfishn10!! Discussion is good and the context of my OP was not meant to be negative in any way. I like many others have been fortunate to become a better fisherman because of people like you guys. The plan I had in mind wasn't going to have any reviews what so ever. Just a straight listing of specs, models and pricing. I appreciate any and all input that you guys have, for or against, positive or negative.
roadwarrior reply :
Yep...
What's really surprising is that after literally hundreds of posts by me and members
of the Shimano Posse, we still have so many members fishing other brands!
tomustang reply :
On 6/21/2012 at 10:55 PM, Jigfishn10 said:BassinNY, please don't be offended by MHO:
What you're proposing is a great idea, although many folks share the same opinion, but some differ and the differing opinions are the ones that keep the discussions alive. The other problem is that fishing products/tackle are constantly changing so by having the same questions popping up just adds to the discussion.
Last thing I want to share: Redundancy is what keeps the site interesting as more and more folks become members. You can participate in the redundant threads or not, it's your choice.
I think you missed his part about buyers making informative decisions, there is a difference between info and opinion.
tomustang reply :
On 6/22/2012 at 12:13 AM, roadwarrior said:Buy More Shimano
I swear when I quoted you it said something different
BassinNY reply :
RW I have owned and used BPS Pro Q's, Revo's and now a Core 50. I have to say that I will buying more Core's in the future. That reel just blows me away ever time that I use it.
Jigfishn10 reply :
On 6/22/2012 at 12:24 AM, Tom D. said:I think you missed his part about buyers making informative decisions, there is a difference between info and opinion.
Not at all. When I made my post BassinNY didn't have any info on what his buying guide would contain. He has since clarified this. Again, I think what he's proposing to do is a great idea.
My apologies for the confusion, Tom and BassinNY..
BassinNY reply :
No apologies needed. I should have been more clear from the start.
Busy reply :
I think a set-up guide would be a great idea. Like having a low speed reel and ~7' Medium, Moderate action glass rod for deep diving cranks. Basically what to look for in technique specific rigs for rod, reel, and line. Personally I would stay away from the brand wars or naming specific models because everyone has their own preferences and/or budgets. Or include the more popular/proven models that fit the mold to start people looking.
*Hootie reply :
On 6/22/2012 at 12:13 AM, roadwarrior said:Yep...
What's really surprising is that after literally hundreds of posts by me and members
of the Shimano Posse, we still have so many
members fishing other brands!
ONE TRACK MIND!!
SHEESH!!!!! Aargghh!!!
Hootie
LgMouthGambler reply :
They will just never learn, lol.On 6/22/2012 at 12:13 AM, roadwarrior said:Yep...
What's really surprising is that after literally hundreds of posts by me and members
of the Shimano Posse, we still have so many members fishing other brands!
RobertBG reply :
On 6/22/2012 at 12:55 AM, Busy said:I think a set-up guide would be a great idea. Like having a low speed reel and ~7' Medium, Moderate action glass rod for deep diving cranks. Basically what to look for in technique specific rigs for rod, reel, and line. Personally I would stay away from the brand wars or naming specific models because everyone has their own preferences and/or budgets. Or include the more popular/proven models that fit the mold to start people looking.
Now that is a good idea.Having fished for years only recently have I got serious about lmb bass,something along these lines would be a great help to new members.
Kyle Mahaffey reply :
On 6/22/2012 at 12:13 AM, roadwarrior said:Yep...
What's really surprising is that after literally hundreds of posts by me and members
of the Shimano Posse, we still have so many members fishing other brands!
I would fish a shimano, but you should gift one to me so I can try it out. Then if I like it I would replace all of mine to Shimano. Just saying.
prjavelin reply :
On 6/22/2012 at 12:55 AM, Busy said:I think a set-up guide would be a great idea. Like having a low speed reel and ~7' Medium, Moderate action glass rod for deep diving cranks. Basically what to look for in technique specific rigs for rod, reel, and line. Personally I would stay away from the brand wars or naming specific models because everyone has their own preferences and/or budgets. Or include the more popular/proven models that fit the mold to start people looking.
there are companies right now that name the rods after the style of fishing they are used at for instance:
Skeet reese, g.loomis, a couple of the BPS have the style they are used for.
Now reels are a big puzzle to us newbies. Thanks God I got a lot of info and help from some members.
Gatorbassman reply :
On 6/22/2012 at 12:13 AM, roadwarrior said:Yep...
What's really surprising is that after literally hundreds of posts by me and members
of the Shimano Posse, we still have so many members fishing other brands!
And that my friends is why I refuse to buy a Shimano.
Biased opinions are about as useful as an inflatable anchor.
Michael DiNardo reply :
BassinNY,
With all due respect, at almost 4 times the price of a PQ, the Core better d**n well blow you away.
Mike
SirSnookalot reply :
On 6/22/2012 at 11:31 AM, flukemaster said:And that my friends is why I refuse to buy a Shimano.
Biased opinions are about as useful as an inflatable anchor.
I would agree 1000%. Not saying Shimano is a good or bad product, I own some my self, some of it is top notch and some of it leaves something to be desired. People that catch great fish, catch them because they know what they doing, the rods, reels, lines, etc are secondary.
If I'm catching a 10# fish, it's because I found it, not because I was using reel A or reel B, and to say using one brand vs another gives me more enjoyment, IMO that's pure nonsense. The enjoyment and feeling of fulfillment comes from the fish itself.
A lot people on here follow the professional ranks, does KVD use Shimano?
Sam reply :
On 6/22/2012 at 12:13 AM, roadwarrior said:Yep...
What's really surprising is that after literally hundreds of posts by me and members
of the Shimano Posse, we still have so many members fishing other brands!
X2!!!!
Sam reply :
KVD says he uses Quantum because he is Quantum's #1 pro and I would sumrise he receives Quantum products for free.
What KVD does not tell you is how he modifies his Quantum rods and reels and what modifications he has the manufacturing plant make to the equipment.
So if KVD likes a feature from a Shimano or Abu or Diawa rod and reel he can have that incorporated into his rod or reel and we will never know about it until Quantum decides to mass produce the rods and reels with the upgrades and changes.
I asked in the BAM post for that magazine to consider having an article on how the pros modify their baits. I think we could expand the article on how they modify their rods and reels.
slonezp reply :
Who'd have thought??? Another Shimano vs "All the other better quality reels thread"...................... 
Broke bass fisherman reply :
Back on topic. I would love a buying guide. I have fished all my life but never had anyone teach me what to buy or what to look for. Having something to reference would help me understand what the differences are and what would better suit me.
Love the idea.
roadwarrior reply :
C'mon...Just having some fun. Instead of Shimano insert, Rage Tail Baits, G. Loomis,
St. Croix, Yo-Zuri, Gamakatsu, NorthStar, Siebert Outdoors or any other brand you
like. I'm not sponsored and don't really care what everyone chooses to fish, but for
those looking for suggestions, these are some of the brands I fish.
So, back on topic, here are a few suggestions:
Mike at DVT breaks down comparably priced Shimano, Diawa, Pflueger, Abu Garcia, Lews,
BPS and Pinnacle spinning and/or baitcasting reels. On a spreadsheet or chart, rank
10 specific attributes. For example: design, engineering, craftmanship, quality of
components, weight, strength, smoothness, etc. Some of this cannot be "quantified",
but professional opinions carry some weight in my opinion.
This format could be used across product line so we have a basis for consistant
comparisons. Obviously, there will always be "personal bias", but a systematic
approach would at least minimize the degree to some extent.
00 mod reply :
I don't care what the spreadsheet says, I am still only buying one brand...........Shimano
Jeff
tholmes reply :
On 6/22/2012 at 2:41 AM, LgMouthGambler said:They will just never learn, lol.
Maybe we're the ones that have learned. 
Tom
Jim_M reply :
On 6/22/2012 at 7:39 PM, slonezp said:Who'd have thought??? Another Shimano vs "All the other better quality reels thread"......................
lol plus 1
unionman reply :
On 6/22/2012 at 9:31 PM, 00 mod said:I don't care what the spreadsheet says, I am still only buying one brand...........Shimano
Jeff
Brainwashed...lol
00 mod reply :
On 6/22/2012 at 10:54 PM, unionman said:Brainwashed...lol
Nope, just learned! LOL
Jeff
PS> I also only buy Toyota trucks, Dr. Pepper and filets. Maybe I am just loyal, or a creature of habit, or ocd or........
riskkid 2 reply :
On 6/22/2012 at 11:10 PM, 00 mod said:Nope, just learned! LOL
Jeff
PS> I also only buy Toyota trucks, Dr. Pepper and filets. Maybe I am just loyal, or a creature of habit, or ocd or........
All of thats OK......BUT......that misguided Razorback thing you got going on, not so sure!!! 
SirSnookalot reply :
I don't think anyone is suggesting Shimano is a bad product, but there are other good products too. I like to keep an open mind and willing to try just about anything, I've had some nice surprises.
I've been on this forum for a few years and one thing I've noticed is that some of the fisherman that seem to catch the best fish seldom talk about specific brands, they may or may not be using Shimano. If I'm not mistaken Fish Chris used to fish Okuma, those Okuma's landed him some might fine fish. The reason is simple, he knows what he is doing. If I'm going to take a recommendation it's from a person with a proven track record.
BassinNY reply :
I'm taking notes, so continue with the input. Right now I'm using your suggestion RW for the spreadsheet and modifying it. As far as a set up guide or starters guide, I'm going to make one as a seperate pdf. It seems as though I'm getting a strong response for a beginners guide. Using our website I could put that together using a combination of BR articles. My question now is which do you guys prefer first, the beginnners guide or the buying guide? I have no problem creating both for our membership, but I can only do one at a time.
BassinNY reply :
On 6/22/2012 at 2:42 PM, Michael DiNardo said:BassinNY,
With all due respect, at almost 4 times the price of a PQ, the Core better d**n well blow you away.
Mike
Don't get me wrong I love my Pro-Q'S too. I still believe in the $100 +/- market they're hard to beat. If I hadn't received the Core as a gift I probably wouldn't own one.
BassinNY reply :
Just to clear the confusion regarding the buying guide. There will be NO opinions or reviews for any models in it. It's just pricing and specs. That way people can look, compare and price range what they want w/o any bias or influence. Besides once they narrow down what they want they can ask questions or search it out on the forum. Hope this clears up some confusion.
tholmes reply :
No doubt about it, Shimano makes a fine product, their spinning reels are, IMHO, the best out there. I just happen to prefer Abu baitcasters. Not saying Shimanos are inferior, just a personal preference.
Tom
*Hootie reply :
On 6/22/2012 at 11:10 PM, 00 mod said:Nope, just learned! LOL
Jeff
PS> I also only buy Toyota trucks, Dr. Pepper and filets. Maybe I am just loyal, or a creature of
habit, or ocd or........
Nope, just opinionated.
Hootie
Glenn reply :
Cane pole and twine.
Fishing Rhino reply :
On 6/23/2012 at 9:08 PM, Glenn said:Cane pole and twine.
Hey, that's how I started. The "twine" was kite string. A cork stopper with a lengthwise slice to the center of the cork allowed it to be slipped onto the line, and slipped along the line for fine tuning the distance between the bait and the bobber.
For those thinking about using a bamboo, or better yet, calcutta rod listen to the voice of experience, as learned from my dad.
When you tie the line to the tip of the rod, leave a tag end of several feet. Put a clove hitch around the pole every foot or so. Then, if a lunker happens to break the tip of the rod you won't lose the hook, line, sinker, and fish. With no reel, you'll never get a backlash or a bird's nest. You're not as likely to get your bait tangled in bushes and branches either.
Jigfishn10 reply :
On 6/23/2012 at 9:51 PM, Fishing Rhino said:Hey, that's how I started. The "twine" was kite string. A cork stopper with a lengthwise slice to the center of the cork allowed it to be slipped onto the line, and slipped along the line for fine tuning the distance between the bait and the bobber.
For those thinking about using a bamboo, or better yet, calcutta rod listen to the voice of experience, as learned from my dad.
When you tie the line to the tip of the rod, leave a tag end of several feet. Put a clove hitch around the pole every foot or so. Then, if a lunker happens to break the tip of the rod you won't lose the hook, line, sinker, and fish. With no reel, you'll never get a backlash or a bird's nest. You're not as likely to get your bait tangled in bushes and branches either.
Leave it to you to pass on advice like this...You're good!
riskkid 2 reply :
On 6/23/2012 at 9:08 PM, Glenn said:Cane pole and twine.
Without a doubt Daiwa makes the absolute best Cane Poles.....I prefer Berkely polyester twine
slonezp reply :
On 6/23/2012 at 9:51 PM, Fishing Rhino said:Hey, that's how I started. The "twine" was kite string. A cork stopper with a lengthwise slice to the center of the cork allowed it to be slipped onto the line, and slipped along the line for fine tuning the distance between the bait and the bobber.
For those thinking about using a bamboo, or better yet, calcutta rod listen to the voice of experience, as learned from my dad.
When you tie the line to the tip of the rod, leave a tag end of several feet. Put a clove hitch around the pole every foot or so. Then, if a lunker happens to break the tip of the rod you won't lose the hook, line, sinker, and fish. With no reel, you'll never get a backlash or a bird's nest. You're not as likely to get your bait tangled in bushes and branches either.
You do know it's 2012? 
Long Mike reply :
When you compile your spreadsheet, don't forget to include my favorite, a Zebco-38 on a heavy action Ugly Stick. 
Fishing Rhino reply :
On 6/24/2012 at 11:28 AM, slonezp said:You do know it's 2012?
2012? Are we there yet?
http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Cane-Poles-with-Kit/product/10201590/123613
Be sure to read the reviews.
new2BC4bass reply :
On 6/22/2012 at 8:12 PM, Broke bass fisherman said:Back on topic. I would love a buying guide. I have fished all my life but never had anyone teach me what to buy or what to look for. Having something to reference would help me understand what the differences are and what would better suit me.
Love the idea.
X2. Never knew there where technique specific rods until I started reading Online a few years ago. Used a couple rods for everything. Never gave a thought to one rod being more sensitive than another. Heck, never gave sensitivity a thought......period!
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