uicdent11

Never had either in my hand, but was looking for an 844 or 854 for the last 2 weeks. Bronzefly is full of great info and I learned a lot about Loomis rods from him. I wanted a toad/ big TX rig rod which would eventually become just a big TX rig rod. "Wait till you get out of school before you buy anymore rods." - wife. I figured for the bottom contact baits that the BCR would be my ticket. I didn't want a Mossyback so I search for two weeks and finally found an 854 GLX. I have an MBR783 IMX that I have only thrown once and I love it. You will probably make your purchase before I get the BCR in the mail otherwise I could give you a better comparison. Since you seem to want an all around rod, I would vote 844 as well.

It seems like all companies, except G Loomis, have moved at least a couple of their models to split-grip only. It also seems that rod companies put split-grips on their mid-high end models as well. For those that do not care for split grips on their rods, what rods have you found that suit your needs? I had three rods with split grips that I just couldn't get used to throwing two hand casts with that now find themselves in rod tubes on their way to new owners. I am looking at options for future purchases. I like to keep my rods to one or two companies, but I can't find a company with a mid-level rod w/ full cork that covers most applications. Between split-grips and the newer ACS reels, I may never find a rod I like.

I believe they sell it in 1 liters here in Chicago. Funny you bring up DADS, my wife and I were talking about it the other day. PB Max's were great. Heck, I could go for a PBMax and DADS rootbeer right now.

I would keep the ML for the spinning rod and get rid of the MH. St. Croix's ML fishes like a M. I have a M and ML and that covers all my light soft plastic fishing. All the stuff over 3/8 oz can be thrown on either MH baitcasting setup. I agree on the dedicated flippin stick. Get something closer to 7'6.

Sucks to hear that Koopa. I really hope they don't make their way down towards Rockford. I'd lose it on someone if I caught them in the act. Hopefully you can recoup what was stolen one way or another.

2000 size Sol is what I use and highly recommend. I can't believe how much lighter it is than the 2500. I may be looking to trade my 2500 for another 2000 in the near future.

I like to think of it as a "passion".

Great reels. Had both; still have Sol. I've heard good thinks about the Zillion high power if you are strictly looking for a cb rod. I would also look at the Shimano Chronarch D5, but it seems you like you some Daiwas. I would only get a 7:1 gear ratio if you planned on dedicating it to frog, flippin/pitchin, or bottom contact plastics/jigs. If you are thinking multi purpose then I would go 6.3:1'ish range. It can do what the 7:1 can do, but for some reason I have a tough time slowing down a 7:1 when I want it to do what a 6.3:1 would be suited for.

I have used both brands in both spinning and casting. I find that the Avid is a much better spinning rod. I find it more sensitive and the feel is much better in my hands. Now, the casting rods make for a much closer race. I will say that holding each rod w/o a reel that the Crucial feels better. Once fitted with the same reel I think they feel the same. I really can't comment on the sensitivity bc I used both rods for moving baits. I wouldn't hesitate to pick up either. I would have more of each if I didn't just pick up my first IMX.

6'6-7'0 MH rod with at fast tip Low stretch line (basically anything but mono) At least a 6.3:1 reel This is what seems to work for me. I switched to a faster action rod and notice my buzzbait and frog hookup ratio increased dramatically.

Congrats! I go to school with 3/66 people over 30 and the class behind me has someone in their forties. You are right, it's never too late to get an education. Good luck at FSU.

Shimano Reels St. Croix Spinning Rods TBD Casting Rods

I like the St. Croix MXF rods from the Avid on up. I like a nice stiff rod when fishing plastics and this one does it for me. I do know a buddy that likes one of the BPS extreme models for shakeyheads though if you wanted a cheaper rod than the St. Croixs. I don't have any experience with it, but he likes it. I talked to a guy today that has several new St. Croix Avids for 50% off. Would be something like $85 plus $25 for shipping. I don't know what models he has left, but it is a great deal on an awesome rod. PM if you want more info,

Soft Plastics: *** and Zoom (25% off sale at BPS helps) Cranks: Bomber Spinnerbaits/Buzzbaits: still looking

Thanks for the help guys. I think I am going to look for a CBR845 unless I can find a great deal on an avid. I have the MBR783 and I think the handle is fine so it should work out for me. Thanks a lot for the help. I feel a lot better about my decision now.

I just sold two that would have fit your bill for $130 each. Great rods, I just hate the new ACS reel seats.

When you stretch you leg next time, try to remember to point your toes up. You don't have to be on your back, even if you are on your side it will still work. When you stretch out and your leg, the tendency is to point your toes downward which actually contracts your calf muscle. The toes pointing up is a little awkward at first, but will keep it from cramping. Why it is cramping may be another problem in itself. Give it a try and see how it works for ya.

Yea, the jerking of the controller kinda sucks, but it is their way of making it feel like you are reeling in a fish. If you just held down X it would be pretty pointless. The graphics aren't bad, but nowhere near that of COD WAW or some of the newer games. If you could get it for $10-15, I say go for it. If you paid shipping, probably under $5, I would send you mine to try and see if you like it. Just let me know.

Avid or used LTB. I just like to feel of the Avid more than my Crucial's (2). Doesn't mean they aren't nice, but I just prefer St. Croix. On a side note, I did purchase my first IMX which should be here Monday.Decided on it over the 6'6 MH Avid or Crucial I was looking for awhile here on the board.

Really "Arcade'ish". I have it, but do not play it often. If you wanted to try it, you could probably find one used on Amazon for a fair price. If you decide you didn't like it, you could sell it. I would give it 5.5 out of 10.

Do some calf stretches throughout the day. I use the curb next to a stop sign when I walk the dog. Find something study such as the front landing some people have on their houses, curb, or any other incline you may have within a short walk from your house. You could also buy something online. Just search calf stretchers. Most likely you could make something similar for pretty pretty cheap. I would second the potassium, but I would add " drink plenty of water". Cramping and actually headaches can be related to lack of water intake. Also, are you stretching your legs in the bed pointing your toes down?

Would the845 be able to load up with 1/4 oz. traps, model A's, and other 1-6' cranks in that size? It would be great to consolidate my cranking to one rod, but I throw a lot of light stuff and I want to make sure it will be able to them. Would a Sol match well with the 845 or should I look for something with a little more power? Thanks for this helpful info guys.

Let me know how the US works on baitcasters. I was thinking of trying the same thing after using it on spinning gear for the first time. I am pretty sure they have the same breaking strength right? Really interested in how it works out for ya.

There are a couple things I can suggest that have worked for me. - Change lines: P line CXX, although it does have some memory as well, or try Yo Zuri Hybrid 12 or 15 lb in either. Yo Zuri would be my first choice. I have no experience with braid as the hybrid suits my fishing well - Always pre-treat with KVD Line and Lure condition. It really does work well and will decrease memory in the line I would pair it with a Curado E7 or Chronarch D7 depending on your budget. I am sure some will say zillion or Revo too. It is up to your preference, but I would get a 7:1 reel for the techniques you specified. Last but now least; if you really can't find line for the reel that will work, then I suggest you mail the rod to me. I can pm you my shipping info if you'd like. Good luck.

How short of a handle are we talking? I have seen this mentioned before somewhere. Are you able to two-hand cast with the 783 and 845? I wouldn't consider myself to have small hands, so I want to make sure I have enough room to cast. How do the actions between the St Croix and Loomis compare? Either of them more moderate than the other? Specifically compare the 7 MHM to the 845 since you seem to have both. What size cranks do you throw on the 70mm? I was thinking about the 66 model, but may consider a 7fter in either brand. Thanks for your help. I do not have a dealer around here that I can compare them side by side and thus will use this thread and other research in making my decision. Much appreciated.