J Francho

I was thinking more along the lines of ceiling fan.

That's a no for me. It might be different for you, though. It'll certainly do the job, and do it well. Just wasn't very comfortable for your applications listed above.

Sorry, I was referring to the Advantages in this post. I don't own any Lexas.....yet.

I see things too, but you know the deal - if you're looking for trouble..... I just do my best to educate those that can be educated, and clean up after the schmucks that refuse to comply. Worst case offenders get reported.

No, but many of us target and fish for other species, and we have an "Other Species" category here as well. Keep in mind this is one person's opinion of what is best, and if one of the criteria is having a product line that suits other species, then that's his opinion. I think we get a little pigeon holed with bass gear anyway. There are a few so called walleye rods in the SC line up that are better drop shot rods than many rods designated as "drop shot rods." There are also holes in many bass line ups. Where you can you find a light and sensitive, 7-7.5', heavy power, fast action spinning rod marketed to bass anglers? I know Rhapsody has one in development (my buddy Jim helped design it). You have to turn to an inshore style rod. That's just one example, I'm sure there's others.

Jeff, I just use STRONG line - P-Line CXX in 20#. No reason to adjust the drag. Probably have mine set to about 5 or 6# of resistance. That's plenty to move a big fish and load up enough of the rod so it becomes a shock absorber, which is more important than thinking the line or drag will protect from shake offs.

I had a few, along with the special edition "Black Widow" version. Too bulky and heavy for anything other than pitching jigs and t-rigs. Built like a tank, though. The HSTA has a nicer handle, and is a bit better caster.

Trimmed down? Please detail your "trimming" method, LOL. I know quite a few guys up here that use long, heavy/fast rods for deep cranks. I actually use my light swimbait rod (custom build on the Legend Tourney Swimbait blank, 4C79HF) for big divers when fishing for northern pike.

I completely and totally disagree. I think it's just the bad eggs get more visibility. 99% of the time, the fisherman I meet are solid citizens. Something about the hobby/sport that just attracts good people.

If you're interested in Daiwa, the Lexa 100 has to be close to your price range. I haven't fished one yet, but casted in the yard, and had them apart on my bench. Very well built.

Unobtainium. Manufactured on Mars.

^^^ Yep.

I wasn't really recommending a specific reel, just making a point that it needs to be comfortable. Alphas sell on the used market for well under $200 used. I think I paid $160 for mine.

Nahhhh....

A couple clarifications: NFC has a line of bass rods in the prototype/field testing phase. The blanks are made in the US, and the rods will be assembled here as well. Batson manufactures blanks and many other components for many species and applications. Their Rainshadow line is well known to both bass anglers and trout anglers - both fly and knuckle-dragging pinners, like me. It's relevant only because you mentioned that SC sells blanks. Now this is only opinion....but it would seem silly to me for Dobyns to start selling walleye or trout rods. He is a successful tournament bass fisherman. Sometimes I think it's probably better to stick with what you know. Same would go for Megabass - I mean, it has "bass" in the name, lol.

Sent to me by my friend Bart. These guys know how to celebrate!

Bring your rod, and get a feel for the ergonomics. I prefer a VERY small and light reel for this (Daiwa Alphas) simply because of the hand fatigue this awkward retrieve can sometimes dish out. Comfort trumps all else in this application. Speed isn't necessary, Max drag isn't necessary.

Good grief! Nice work, Deep!

Thanks guys!

Prefish, prefish, prefish. Once you have things somewhat figured out, get some good rest. On tournament day, just relax. Have fun. But stay focused and confident. Above all else, enjoy the fact that you are fishing competitively.

Another vote for solder and shrink wrap.

Dobyns are junk, lol. (KIDDING!!!! :eyebrows: )

My vote is for the knobs. They are the first to chirp. RM and DVT have given you the best advice.

So Cappy likes Saint Croix? Why is it so hard to let it be. I don't know if they're the best, but they're pretty good, and I'm satisfied with my purchases. I'm also satisfied with my G.Loomis, Dobyns, and Shimano rods. It is refreshing that they maintain some of their assembly here in the US. You should also realize many of these companies that import rods also employ many people here in the US. Not sure there's much more to debate here. Time to go fishing ladies!

Nice work man!