WOW! That was a great post - incredibly useful information there,
especially for reading the threads here and catching up on what people
are talking about. Thanks!

I don't know if everybody knew this much when I was a kid, but is
sure seems like there is a level of sophistication that wasn't there
in the sixties (at least I didn't know about it). I wonder - have the
fish gotten smarter too? I didn't even get a bite!

I spent day one fussing with the Mitchell - I will be taking it back
tomorrow. A local store had another spinning reel called an "Okuma
Epixor EF20", I bought it, and that was simple and smooth to use (plus
it didn't tend to suck the line everywhere but onto the spool). It may
not be one of the 100+ reels like they had in the case, but it is way
beyond my ability. The store in Prescott had a wide selection of
lures, and I noticed most were heavy for my pole. Guess I need a
heavier pole, but I will keep this medium light as well.

I did get a spinning lure, and finally got in the groove with it this
morning - still, no fish! I don't feel to bad though, nobody I
encountered could even speak of a bite. Did I have fun? YES!!!!

Can anybody recommend a good book? There is a lot to learn, that's a
fact. The guide idea is good too, any idea what something like that
costs for a day?

Thanks for all the great help guys!

Mike C.