I too love the thump, and being able to sight fish is the only thing that has it beat in my book. Crappie for the table is a real good thing. Something yet to be mentioned is the laid back, everyone's welcome attitude of the crappie fisherman. Very little "keep up with the Jones' " goes on with those I have met. I think we all go off the reservation now and then, and chase fish other than crappie. Too much fun to be overlooked. As to a fly rod, I have 2 that I don't use much, but I just cant bring myself to give em up. Bass fishing can have all the headlines. Like that great restaurant on the two lane backroad, I know where to go to get the best.