Hot n Tot

Daiwa Zillion

I have a CBR783 which is really light powered for very small cranks, without directly comaring them it almost sounds like other than being 6" shorter it might do most of the things the PR844C would do. I'm 90% sure I'm going to get another 842. The 10% unsure is that I still don't have an MBR844C. I'm using a 7' MH Avid for that duty. It's a nice rod, but not a GLX. So little money, and so many wants!

Can someone compare these two rods for me? Are they totally different actions? I already have the MBR842 and am thinking about another one. Would the PR844C be better for small cranks and lipless crankbaits...other treble hook lures? Which of these two rods do you prefer overall? Thanks for any replies.

I'm considering a 7' rod for soft plastics fishing. Mainly 5" Senkos and larger minnow baits is what I'm thinking. I'm considering either the Loomis SJR843IMX or the Croix LES70MF. Both are rated for 3/16-5/8 oz lures and very close in line sizes. The Loomis is rated MH and the Croix "medium', but they are basically the same power. Any recommendations between these two rods? If the Loomis was available in GLX, I'd probaby go that way. I'm wondering if the Loomis IMX is on the same level with the Legend Elite. St. Croix's best rod with IPC and ART technologies. The St. Croix is a little more $$, but that is not an issue with a rod I will have for a long time. Which would you choose and why?

would you guys buy a glx if it had a one year warranty and no expiditor service?

what are you guys using to fish lipless cranks? I'm interested to know if you are using crankbait setups, or regular fast action casting rods and high speed reels. I lost alot of fish last year using an MBR782, but I'm not sure that wasn't from using the standard dull hooks, or the rod was the reason. I'd rather use the fast action rod than take along a crankbait rod only for lipless cranks. So, what do you use for Rod, Line, Reel? thanks in advance

Do you guys change out the hooks on your traps? If so, what size trebles? Last summer I hooked numerous bass using an MBR782 rod and they were mostly getting off. I changed to a CBR783 crankbait rod and had better landing percentage. But I'm wondering if the hooks were my main problem. I also have the silver with blue back!

Personally I prefer 6' and 6'-6" rods for most fishing. The exceptions are froggin' and C-rigs. My 7' rods usually stay home unless I'm planning on doing a lot of froggin' or c-rigging that day. Otherwise I just use shorter rods. I do have some nice IMX and Legend Elite rods in the longer lengths and I've tried using them more, just find myself putting them down and using shorter sticks. I guess it's what you get used to.

I broke an MBR782 years back while stupidly trying to free a snag, or more accurately trying to pull the small boat I was in closer to the snag. Well, the rod snapped and Loomis replaced it under warranty. No cost to me at all even though it was totally my fault. I even wrote them a note explaining exactly what had happened. It's unfortunate that some people take advantage of the program and do not take care of their rods because they know they can get them replaced if they break. A guy at the local tackle store told me that some guys intentionally break the rods to get new ones. Loomis should keep track of this and start denying warranties to repeat offenders. It would lower the cost to the rest of us who use our equipment responsibly.

Note, I am not doubting you but I have to ask - is this not an issue when you fish spinning reels with a left-hand crank? I've always wondered how it could be problematic with one reel type but not the other. i.e. setting the hook or working a lure with spinning gear - doesn't that feel awkward? I've always assumed that reeling a casting reel with LH would be different from reeling a spinning reel. I've always imagined the cranking radius being smaller with a casting reel. Also, you hold a spinning rod in your hand differently that you grip a casting rod/reel, at least I do. Also, I've been casting for 25-30 years and do not even consciously place the rod in my left hand to start cranking. It's just something I do without giving it a thought. I've always been real reluctant to try the non-convential LH retrieve when casting. I've never seen it done, but I know lot's of folks on here are doing it. It's not wrong, just different. On the other hand, I could not imagine using a LH spinning outfit. Maybe I'm just too old and set in my ways. Does anyone know how most 'pros' do it?

White Sizmic Toad, 50# power pro braid, 7' MH St. Croix Avid & Castaic CA200 reel. Caught my PB.

I've always reeled with my left hand using spinning equipment, no problem. I've just never tried it with casting equipment and I don't know how I'd like it. It's kind of unconventional as the salesman even thought it was wierd when I mentioned that I was considering a LH retrieve when I bought the two reels originally. He thought it very unusual a RH person would use a LH retrieve, so I'm not at all sure how common it is around here and his reaction had me second guessing the wisdom of purchasing a LH reel.

I recently purchased two new reels, a 50th anniversary Zillion and a Chronarch D7. While I like both reels, the Zillion is the one that I much preferred. I've considered exchanging the Chronarch for another Zillion which I can still do since I've only used it once. But there is only one more Zillion available and it is a LH retrieve. I briefly considered going LH when I purchase my RH, but decided to stay with what I've always used. Still, I think that it might be an advantage not changing hands to start retrieving buzzbaits and traps. Also, I haven't really given the Chronarch a good workout as I only used it once. It casts pretty well with two weights engaged, but all my other current reels and Daiwa TDZs and a Steez so I'm confortable with Daiwa now. A few years ago I had all Curados and while they were great reels for the $, they were no match for the higher end Daiwas. So, should I exchange the Chronarch for a LH Zillion? If I do, I hope I don't prefer LH retrieve and start obsoleting all my RH reels! :-/ What are your thoughts?

Are you guys all casting with your right hand and retrieving with you left?

You will like this rod matched with your reel. Besides flukes, this combination will handle all soft plastics, light jigs, spinnerbaits and buzzbaits. 8-) I have this rod in the Legend Tournament series and it is a very good action for Flukes and soft plastics. I also like to fish Rapalas with it.

I normally use a Loomis 6'-6" M power casting rod or a 6' M power Loomis spinning rod for jerkbaits...depending on the baits and conditions.

7' MHF St. Croix Avid Shimano Castaic SF 50# Power Pro

My personal preference is 6' rods for topwaters and jerkbaits.

I have the 2-powers in 6' and 6'-6". Actually I think the 2 powers are fine for 4" senkos and Finesse worms. Due to the tapers, the 722 oand 782 feel like totally different rods, and I actually prefer the 6' rod for plastics. Some people think tapers do not matter, but this is my experience for what it's worth. I wouldn't use the medium power Loomis rods for 5" Senkos...recommended lure weight is 1/8-3/8 oz and I think the Senkos weigh in the neighborhoold of 3/8 oz.

I agree on the Avid SCIII. The St. Croix med power rod is a much better rod for plastics than the Loomis medium..If you decide on the Loomis get the 3 power..SJR783. I don't think their is anything at all wrong with the GL2 or GL3, they have the same tapers as the IMX rods.

I fish Senkos on spinning tackle. I use a Med power fast action St Croix rod and 20# power pro. Depending on conditions, I use anything from 6' to 7' long rods for senkos.

I have the Avid in 66MF and it's a great 'all around' spinning rod. I have not fished, or even held the other two on your list but you cannot go wrong with St. Croix. I also have the 68MXF in the Legend Tournament which is a great 'finesse' rod. I know they also make this rod in the Avid series. Good luck with your selection, it's always fun buying new rods!

Loomis GL3, although I haven't handled the others the spin jig tapers are made for what you are describing.

I voted for St. Croix, but I also like Loomis spinning rods. I like the handle design and construction of the St. Croix rods, but the Loomis SJR's have some aggressive tapers.

That rod will be great for spinnerbaits, worming and topwater. Get a 7' rod for C-rigs and deep jigging and you should be set there. Then, I would chose a 6'-6" Med or Med light spinning rod for minnow baits and split shotting.