[/QUOTE]For the rod, I like (and use) a 5'6" Wally Marshall, bought at Bass Pro Shops. [/qb]

Hey Guy, how's it going!

I can see why someone would misconstrue the above statement as an endorsement. You aren't really giving us the information we need to get the type of rod we need, you are saying "go buy THIS rod from THIS place"...

The problem with BPS is not its excellent selection or great return policies, its that there is only one of them and it is in Grapevine. With gas prices the way they are and where they are going, it doesn't make sense to spend the time and money when Oshmann's, Academy and Walmart all also have great selections, prices and return policies, but if you do need to go, or worse, go back for a return, there is one of them right down the street.

What is the action you need on a good dock shooting rod?

Thanks! Matthew

Guy, I'd like to be your first sponsor. Alsbury Baptist Church in Burleson, Texas. All we ask is for high logo visibility (shirts, caps, side of boat, etc) and the phrase "Where great crappie guides go for prayer support."

Matthew,
Sorry, I sometimes don't realize that everyone doesn't live 4 miles from BPS (like me). IMO, a good dock shooter has to be somewhere between 4'6" and 5'6", have a strong butt and mid section, and a tip that is light but not soft. I also like a parabolic action rod, because when you load the rod, it's the whole of the rod that is loading and not just the tip. Consequently, you will have more control of the jig when shot. That brings up something else...don't over-load the rod when shooting. Remember, you're shooting a jig/body combination that usually weighs something less than 1/8 oz, and if you over-load the rod, it can't accept that much energy.

Sharman,
I guess when a man has Him for a 'sponsor', what else does he need.

Sometimes it just takes common sense to fish. I actually taught my self. I wish I would of had somebody like Guy around when I started. It would of been very helpfull. Just by reading some of the post, I see the Guy goes out of his way to help people. I would like to say thank you.

I am telling you the truth Guy, , so many things I would like to say about this, but I will just say thanks for your advice, and please do us all a favor and don't get discouraged by people questioning your motives. I know they are genuine.

I have been fishing since I was knee-high to a grasshopper and have came to this conclusion. Use whatever works best for you. If a $300.00 reel works best use it. If a $15.00 zebco works, use it. Trust me, the fish really dont know the difference. I once caught a 8.5lb bass on a 33 classic, and used the same reel for crappie for many years until I wore it out.
Like Tracy S said, "sometimes it just takes common sense to fish."

Hey Guy....send flaggert some of those BPS catalogs you were complaining about getting.

Kevin

What Guy says, though, makes a lot of sense. We use 13' surf rods with big open face reels fishing for catfish from the bank at Red River and on Texoma. We use much smaller rods and reels for fishing from the boat with stink bait for cats. Yet another group of rods and reels are
for fishing from the bank for crappie. I have a couple of telescoping 'cane' poles for this type of fishing but have been coveting a couple of 14' or 16' jig poles that I have seen.

Sharon, even though I have been here a relatively short period of time, I too take umbrage at someone suggest Guy having a hidden agenda. I have seen him be very open with fishing tips to total strangers. The post regarding him meeting a fellow fisherman to help him shop for gear going above and beyond a professional guides job and it was free gratis to boot.

I do know I need to plan a trip to CC and use Guy's guide services. I need to learn how to shoot the docks. I need to learn how to fish a jib under a cork. I have tried it, but not experienced success as yet.

Guy, I just want to let you know I appreciate the tips and reports you give us on this forum. You, Ernst, and several others give us valuable information without expecting a return. Thanks guys.

Come on...you guys give Guy way too much credit here.
Asking Guy to go to Bass Pro to help you pick out gear is like asking a five year old to go to Toys R Us to help you pick out the best toy.


Just kidding ya'll.

Guy, Ernest and an entire list of some of the guides and non-guides alike that post here give out lots of valuable information. Sometimes, it's just enough to hang ourselves with.

I'm sure they all know that there are more folks here that appreciate their giving than there are numbers of nay-sayers. But it doesn't hurt to say it every once in a while either.
So...thanks !!!!!

Guy,

I should have listened to you back in May when you said the Eagle 480 was tops for the money. I just put one on this sunday and it kicks the pixels out of my garmin 160's. Got it at BPS for $179. Thanks for the advise.

Jughead

Jughead,
If it weren't for having to keep up with Ernest , I'd still be using my 480 Elite, but I had some customers that had fished with Ernest ask me, "why don't YOU have a color graph like Ernest". What can I say. Since I met him, I've only had to spend $127,987.38 to keep up with him ............ .

guy,

If you ever want to sell the 480 let me know. I promise not to peek, ,at the waypoints!

Regards
Jughead