SoCalRob

The Med. action rod will be the most versatile for all the techniques you mentioned. But it certainly wouldn't be the ideal rod for each technique. I certainly would not throw a senko on a ML action rod...It comes down to if you can afford to buy both rods or one. If only one, I'd go with the M.

DX743 for the win!

I have the Dobyns Extreme DX701SF dropshot rod for sale in the forums for around your budget...its an excellent rod. PM me if interested...price could be negotiable

Make sure you let it fall with slack in your line. IMHO the less action you impart with your rod the better it works. I use 8 lb. floroclear with my senkos as well so thats not the problem.

Now thats a deal right there...nice pickup. I have been looking at that rod as well and would pick it up in an INSTANT at that price.

Spooling 8 lb. line on a 1000 sized reel is a bad idea. for 8 lb. test the 2500 is your best bet.

I guess I will contact War Eagle...see what they say

Went to BPS last week and couldn't help but pick up a War Eagle 3/8 oz. spinnerbait in Firecracker...one of the best looking spinnerbaits I own and have laid eyes on... Anyways long story short...second cast get slammed...nice 3 lber. I'm stoked. SO I fire out another cast and the bait isn't running right. I try everything to get it going and NO luck, including bending the wire, changing positioning of knot, checking swivels for weeds, etc. Turns out the weighted head is partially disconnected from the wire and I'm pretty sure the metal wire is already bent. I'm gonna contact War Eagle and see if I can get a replacement. Anyone else having durability issues with War Eagle baits? They sure CATCH fish, but one fish isn't gonna cut it when I'm spending $6+ on a spinnerbait. In that case, I'll stick to my Strike King 3.49 Walmart baits...at least they last. - Rob

Buy them all and flip em on your fellow BassResourcers... Seriously...buy them all

Yep I was talking about adding rings to the hooks so they can move more freely. Sorry for the confusion on this one... :-[

Hey there... Looking to add split rings to my Spooks...seems like the ones I have without them get thrown by fish more often. As I've never done this, I'm for advice on what brand and size of split rings to use on these. Thanks, Robert

Go to Youtube...there are several videos of the bait in action...give it a shot. I know it works

I use a Powell 702 for Wacky Senkos, Shaky Heads, and Texas Rigs. It works great for these too...with the warranty you HAVE the rod for LIFE... G-Blanks = 1 year warranty Powell = LIFETIME That right there should make it a no-brainer

Thumbs up for the Dobyns 766...if you like longer, the 805 is a versatile stick as well...

on a 10" fish... :'( Thank god it wasn't a 20" I guess thats why everyone changes their treble hooks on the cheaper baits... This leads into a few questions... - What size hooks does this bait use? - Which hooks should I replace them with?

I've heard some bad things about Vicious, but can't comment on them. For me, I REALLY like the Seaguar Invisx Fluoro on spinning and the P-Line 100% Floro has been good to me on baitcasting in my limited time with it. Just be prepared to try out a few brands before you find what you like. Also keep in mind Fluoro can be difficult to work with, so be sure you have your brakes set on your baitcasters.

Giron....stay far away from the Reaction Strike stuff or you will end up :'(

I'm not sure what rods your store stocks...but I would look for a Shimano 7 ft Medium rod...they make a moderate action rod that is good for crankbaits. If you need something more versatile, I would go with the Clarus 7 ft Medium Fast action rod. Either of these rods will set you back about $80. From there, I'd go with an Abu Garcia Revo S for about $100. That would be a great cranking setup on a budget. Robert

Have you considered the Curado 200E5?

Saw this offer and really need a good pait of polarized glasses...can anyone vouch for these glasses? Let me know Robert

what about the Helicopter Lure?

or $20 more for the Clarus rods with lifetime warranty!

Hey guys...here's a question for you swimbait guys... Still looking for my first swimbait fish. Have made two night trips in the past week with no results, but still hopeful something good will happen. I'm doing my fishing from the bank and the water I am fishing drops off quickly from the bank and am generally fishing from 20 - 35 ft deep. I've used the Huddleston the majority of the time with no bites. My question is this: Is the Huddleston a good bait to throw at night? I have come up with this assumption: the bait has a very subtle action and is primarily a sight bait with a very realistic look. I'm thinking I need a bait with more action/vibration/tail kick. Is there a better bait for night swimbaitin? I think you're gonna say like the MS Slammer, but can this bait really call up fish from 30 ft deep at night? Help me out please. Thanks all

I'm right-handed and use my left for retrieving on spinning. However, on casting gear, I like to reel with my right hand with fast-moving lures such as spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, and cranks and use left if a slower presentation is necessary. Anyone else do this?

The biggest issue is line capacity...not too many low-profile reels that can hold 100+ yards of 20-30 lb. test. The low-profile swimbait reel is the Curado 300. For the round reels, I would look at the Shimano Cardiff/Calcutta or Daiwa Luna.