allenriddle

I use a G. Loomis IMX MBR782 for this application. It's also phenomenal for suspended jerkbaits. I like the 6'6 length for walking baits, but I think the medium action is the must.

X3 for James A. Reed. That time of the year, I'm not sure how catchable they will be, but that is where I did most of my bank fishing growing up, and they've got big ones. Lake Jacomo doesn't have very good shore fishing, about the only place I caught fish there is in sailboat cove, and you're not allowed to fish on the dock (one guy acted like he was going to kill me). I've had my best luck at Catclaw lake, but I never fished there in March.

Personally, I went with with a 6 1/2 ft rod for jerkbaits so I wouldn't be splashing the water constantly. I'm 6'2 and it seem sot be the perfect length. I can't say I've thrown buzzbaits or jerkbaits on my 783, but I feel that the 782 would be better since the tip is a bit softer and the fish would better be able to engulf a treble hook type bait.

I bought my 782 for that exact application and it excels. Just make sure to follow the recommended weights that the 782 allows. If you're wanting to throw smaller jerkbaits, it doesn't cast as well, and a spinning rod is probably the way to go. The 783 is my favorite rod I have (until I finally buy the 844), but that's because I fish jigs and soft plastics quite a bit. I also use the 782 to for small to medium crank baits and rattle traps. I caught a 6 lber last year using the 782 with a small jig, and it handled her just fine.

I have both rods as well. I bought my 782 for hard jerkbaits, and it excels. I've also use it to throw walking baits, medium sized crankbaits, and rattle traps and it seems to do well, but I have nothing to compare it too. Both rods have soft tips, but I think the 782 tip would be softer and better suited for treble hook baits where the fish needs time to engulf. The 783 is an awesome rod for medium weighted worms and jigs.

I use the BPS Extreme as well based off the Tackle Tour tests. I can tell you it is awesome, but I have nothing to compare it to because I just started using fluorocarbon too. But it is awesome compared to the mono I was using. I spent a lot of time researching knots, and can testify that the San Diego Jam works really well for tying to your hook. Just make sure any knot you use looks pretty and wet it well so it doesn't burn the line.

I purchased the IMX MBR782 for that exact application, and it excels. I Highly recommend it.

Put some KVD Line Conditioner on the line to tame it. That stuff is wicked sweet.

If you've been tying it for 25 years with no problem, I'd guess it's just a bad spool of line. For the sake of spreading information for others on the web to read, I'll say that literally just this weekend, I fished a new knot with fluorocarbon line, which fluorocarbon is infamous for breaking at the knot. The knot was called a San Diego jam knot, and I am sold. It supposedly can handle 95% of the lines strength. I pulled a good amount of fish out of through some very thick stuff with a strong current and had no breaks. I think the most important thing to note when tying your knots is to wet the line when you cinch it so the line doesn't burn, that seems to be the culprit for most breaks. But if you've stuck with a knot for 25 years and have a lot of confidence in it, stay with it and try a different spool of line.

Thanks all, I will go with the 844. I'll be getting the IMX. IMX on up is the only way to go.

Hello, I've been wanting to get a 7' pole for a while. Based on what I've read by a lot of people on here, the Loomis 844c sounds dynamite. I want to use it for pitching into medium cover, worming (7 to 10 inch worms), other soft plastics, and jigs. I live in Missouri, so most of the fishing I do doesn't have a ton of cover, but does have a decent amount of bushes and willows. I'm wandering if the 844c's heavy rating would be too much for most of my fishing. Would the 843c be a better choice? Or should I go ahead and get the all mighty 844c? Thanks.

I think rods might be more important for "catching" bass, but reels make the "fishing" more enjoyable. On average, my reels account for 2/3 - 3/4 of the total cost of a rig. 8-) I will agree with that.

I know your question is about what reel to get, and the rod may be secondary. I'm just throwing this out there, but if you are on a budget, I'd recommend on placing your priority on the rod first, then a reel second. I think most people are happier having a high quality rod.

I have used Stren original for a long time, the only reason I am wanting to take a look at other lines is because you only know if better is out there by experimenting. To make this short as possible, I have a couple questions. Can Yo-Zuri ultrasoft handle flipping or pitching well, and how does it do in heavy cover? Does the ultrasoft excel in all applications (spinnerbaits, worming, jerkbaits, etc)? My last quesion is about the visibility. If you are line watching, is it plenty visible (I can see the Stren original very clearly)? Thanks.

My opinion is that if you are in the market to buy yourself a nice setup, I think the rod is the most important part of the setup. So, it sounds like you are around the $250 range for the total setup. Like ReelMechanic said, you'll have to find a good balanced setup that feels great in your hands. Instead of getting a $150 reel with a $100 rod, I'd flip it around and get a $150 rod with a $100 reel. You could get yourself a St. Croix Avid for around that price point. I personally don't have one and I'm not going to pretend I'm an expert on St. Croix rods, but the Avid series is talked about highly on this forum. If Avid owners agree with me on this, they could provide you with a good model number for fishing jigs and plastics like you had stated you do.