[spinning rod advice]

Your list is right on...you will be amazed when you get out of the Ugly Stick fiberglass game. There are some really awesome graphite rods that will complement the Slammer. Since the Slammer is heavy, I would not spend too much time/effort trying to go with a light rod.

For chucking plugs and blue/bass fishing, I would go to at least 7' 6". You will gain so much more distance and control over fish. Check out Lamiglas (like theInshor Classic or the Tri-flex series).

[Bad 19' boat]

19 Custom Intruder...nothing like it on the water. Serious inquiries only, please.

Power Pole,

20" casting platform,

24 v 80 lb trolling motor

new Garmin CP/depth finder

Suzuki 175 w/ extended warranty

The only boat I have owned where I could fish in 6" of water and 14 miles off without worry.

This is not a need-to-sell. Let me know if you are interested.

$24,500

[Venice inshore boat rental?]

I am planning a March trip to Venice and it will be my first visit to the area. I would like to fish with guides a couple of days and rent a small inshore boat for the other days. Can anyone point me to a facility that rents boats in the area?

Thanks in advance,

Dan

[Boating and toe nail fungus]

That would be a sweet boat name... Nail Fungus

[Costa Del Mar?]

I bought one pair even years ago and have ruined them 5 times since, with each pair being replaced for free. They are not the primary pair I wear fishing (I wear Smiths), but their warranty has been top notch.

[Diminishing Returns]

A person can put up with a lot of noise and smoke for $10, 000.

[Ocracoke, 4th of July weekend]

Not sure how you are arriving but be aware there is a ferry down and the ferry schedule is all jacked up. The holiday weekend will exacerbate the problem...I got stuck there a couple weeks back.