Rod Reviews
Browning Stalker Pro
Rating: D-
Submitted By: Adam Meeker (06/09/2008)
     I recently bought a \"Browning Stalker Pro\" combo from Bass Pro Shops. The first thing I noticed when I opened the box was that the tip was snapped off, O.k. no big deal. The next thing I noticed was that it was made in China, which made me wonder if Browning sold their name and logo to some cheap fishing pole company in China. My bet would be yes. Then after about two weekends of fishing the reel started making clicking sounds, and then completely stopped reeling. I exchanged it for another one (which also arrived with a broken tip). I wonder how long this one will last. I guess it pays to read product reviews before you buy, because when i did read it i found that every one of the reviews described the all problems i had, almost verbatum. The moral of this story is read the product reviews BEFORE you buy.

Strictly Bass Lures - Rod Shield
Rating: A+
Submitted By: Mike Gilmartin (06/09/2008)
     Besides catching fish, one of the biggest concerns for tournament and weekend anglers is how to protect those expensive fishing rods while traveling to and from the lake every weekend. Rods need to be protected from abnormal wear & tear and abuse if they are going to last very long and perform as intended.

Earlier this year, I met and spoke with Strictly Bass Lures owner, John Duwel, about the SBL\'s line of spinnerbaits, crankbaits and their other great products, and he mentioned a product called a \"Rod Shield\" that was awfully impressive.

http://store02.prostores.com/servlet/strictlybasslures/the-22/Rod-Shields-Bass-fdsh-Walleye-Casting/Detail

The mesh fabric that is used is not only durable, but the Rod Shields are designed to fit the rods perfectly, not coming off until you take them off. The mesh is also great when trying to remove any hooks that might have gotten caught during transport. Just pinch the mesh together and the hook(s) pop right out.

Personally, I used the Bass Pro Rod Socks for years, but there is no comparison when it comes to protection or quality.

The Rod Shields are great for co-anglers that usually throw their rods in the back of the boat for the ride to the lake, or even the angler that stores their rods in their rod locker, where repeatedly pulling rods in and out can cause some damage.

So take a look at the Rod Shields and if you\'re looking for a better way to protect your expensive rods, pick up a few, your rods will last longer, which is money in your pocket.

http://www.strictlybasslures.com

Woo Daves Signature Rods from BPS
Posted BY: Doug Cavin (10/11/2007)
      I have used many different rods over the years while fishing tournaments. At one time or another I have tried everything from low end $20.00 rods to $300+ so called top of the line rods. I ended up with a mix and match set of rods because for my needs one company couldn't give me what I wanted in each rod. In 2006 I had the opportunity to fish several days with the 2000 Bassmaster Classic Champion Woo Daves. He helped design a line of rods for Bass Pro Shops with each rod made for a specific technique. Each rod is made with the right action and length for the technique it was made for. It didn't take long for me to realize that having the best rod made doesn't mean it has to cost $300 or more. I sold all those high dollar rods and got the full line of Woo rods within weeks of fishing with him. I use each rod for what it was made for and have seen a difference in hook up percentage, action of the baits and most importantly to me I feel 100% confident with using the rods. Also with each rod being made for a specific technique I feel more comfortable using techniques I wasn't confident with in the past. The drop shot rod has been a great producer for me this year with the new rod. In the past I would drop shot and did ok with it but I now know it was more luck than skill. I used to heavy of a rod and couldn't feel what was happening under the water. With the new rod I have caught more bass on a drop shot this year than all years in the past combined while drop shotting. It is easy to be confident in your equipment when you can catch more fish in a year than you have in the past 3-4 using one technique. Doug