FourCorners

I have the AVC70MM paired up the 200E5 and I'd say it feels pretty good. For the price, I don't think you will find a better reel than the Curado E series. And for the rod; Like the guys above said, it's definitely a 'niche' rod, made for shallow-medium cranking. It also works well for 3/8 lipless cranks but can't really handle the 1/2 ounce and above. I wish the rod had a little more backbone for setting the hook but other than that it's a fun rod to have, especially for tearing up some dinks on ponds. If you're looking for something that's probably gonna be more versatile, I'd look into the AVC70MHM. I haven't been able to get my hands on one, but from what I've heard, it can handle a wider range of applications.

Tackle Tour covered them at Icast. I think they should be out soon, but they look pretty sharp... http://www.tackletour.com/reviewicast11stcroix.html

Just picked up a Curado E7 for $75 in Charlotte so there's still a few floating around. I believe there were one or two left along with a few stradics. The employee had no idea the reels were on clearance and the fishing department seemed pretty sparse. Granted, there's a Bass Pro 10 minutes away so it may be hard to compete with that...

Definitely a zoom super fluke, a senko, and a junior sized lipless crank

I'd definitely give fluorocarbon a try. I mainly fished with P-line but I've gradually started switching my reels over to fluoro due to increased sensitivity. If you do get some, spend a little more and get some decent line. I've only tried Invizx but I've enjoyed it and really haven't had a desire to experiment with other lines. If you're gonna use spinning gear, I wouldn't go above 10# test and also be sure to manually close the bail for fewer line twists. I know a lot of guys like line conditioner but I've never used it. However, my highest rated fluoro is only 12# so it may be necessary for lines greater than 15#

St. Croix Avid 7'0 MF Shimano Curado 200E7 Seaguar 12# Invizx Might not be my nicest combo, but it's definitely the most versatile. I've thrown everything from flukes, to 1/4 oz. jigs, to even a light carolina rig. Certainly tops all my combos in terms of # of fish.

That's a great deal. Thanks for the heads up!

6'8" MXF Avid, Abu Cardinal 804 spinning w/ 8# invisix 7'1" MXF Loomis MB, Abu Soron STX 20 w/ 6# invisix Although lately this site is convincing me I need a finesse baitcasting setup as well

wow this is a beaut! Did you use a template for the fine lines on the side or do you just have a steady hand? I'm still learning with a paintbrush and have had some trouble with fine lines despite thinning my paint and lowering pressure. I think my tip's too wide at .5. Again though, great looking bait

Awesome looking shad! Did you add the glitter or was it already in the paint?

Well, I ended up going to the expo this morning and had a fun time. Caught the end of Peter Ts demonstration and stayed for KVD's presentation on crankbaiting. Someone above said the pro demonstrations are well worth the entry and I agree; although KVD's tips were somewhat redundant, he did build my confidence and gave me better pointers on a few things I overlooked while fishing. Plus watching a bass being caught from a unique angle was awesome. I may actually go back tomorrow for Dean Rojas. As far as the rest of the show, I was somewhat disappointed. There was an abundance of regional guides and boat dealerships; being a broke college student, I steered away. As for the a new rod, a few booths were set up selling your usual gear with some smaller, unique brands also in the mix. I did, however, enter a raffle for a custom g loomis crankbait rod for one dollar. So I may not come away empty handed. Thanks for the replies. Hope this is helpful for any other expo first timers.

A fishing expo began today around my neck of the woods (Greensboro, NC) and I was just wondering if they are worth the hype. If I do go, this would be my first. My only reason not to go is I'd like to break in my new STX as the weekend weather is supposed to be moderately warmer. This would also be my last opportunity to fish at home for a while because I will return to college come Monday. Although I really shouldn't spend any more money, I was possibly considering purchasing a better rod for my new reel. Are there many deals that beat the prices of, say, cabelas or bass pro? Also, will the booths mainly just display gimmicks like the banjo minnow? KVD, Dean Rojas, and Peter Thliveros will also be there for seminars. What do they usually talk about and is the information very useful? I know these are some of the best, but I'm not too interested if its the usual information you could find on this great site. Thanks for the help

I appreciate yalls help. I plan on going fishin tonight and hope to get a better grasp on the technique; I used the rapala knot last night and felt it was best for the action; practice makes perfect, right?

sup guys, I recently purchased a LC Sammy in hopes of learning how to 'walk the dog.' so far my technique is rusty to say the least, although I managed to hook one bass earlier this evening. I was wondering what the difficulty level was to walk the dog with this lure and should I start with something else to properly learn the technique. I'm using 6'6 medium light rod but I duno if that has much to do with the action; also, any knot recommendations for greater action? btw, first post. I come to these boards often and am happy to finally be posting; yall have been very helpful this summer and I thank you.