Hot n Tot

We need to quit hearing about this 'third person'. Anybody who spends money on equipment like that should be posting on the forum with the rest of us tackle junkies. Guide him this way... I second that.

I have a Loomi 843c in IMX and an Avid 7' MH, but I still think I need the Loomis BCR803 in GLX. That extra fast action is interesting. Although I've never handled one, I imaging it would be perfect for jigs and worms.

I think some folks prefer the low profiles because they palm better. Usually the round reels have more capacity. I used to prefer the looks of the round Calcuttas..I think in terms of castability it's just a personal preference.

If you like round reels, the Calcutta 100b's are nice. I have two of these, and the 5.8:1 retrieves make them a good choice for cranking and spinnerbaiting in my opinion.

I also wouldn't frog with a medium power spinning outfit. I think it requires a 7' casting rod such as the MH Avid and a reel spooled with 50# Power Pro. But, everyone has different methods and I'm sure you can fish frogs with spinning tackle if that is your thing.

Ditto what KU-Bassmaster said!

I think you definately need both med and med light rods. The Croix ML is rated for 1/8-3/8 oz lures, and I believe the medium power rods are rated 3/16-5/8 oz. The ML is great for finesse worms and 4" senkos. I prefer it for Rapala minnows as well. I think the Med rod is better for 5" senkos and fluke fishing. I have a 7' ML Croix and it's a blast fishing finesse worms and 4" senkos. I'd get the 7' ML now, and later find a deal on a more powerful Med rod, or find an Avid AS68MXF which is a great finesse rod due to it's extra fast action, but still has the ability to cast the heavier 5" Senkos. That just might be the most versatile of the St. Croix spinning rods. BTW, St. Croix's ML has the same line and lure rating as the medium power Loomis.

I've had great success wacky rigging Zoom Trick Worms and Centipedes, also regular straight tail 6" Creme worms.

That's my favorite topwater method as well. My favorite 'pure' topwater bait is the Heddon Tiny Torpedo

Zoom finesse worm

Last year I didn't catch many fish at all on Senkos. This year it's been my most productive bait. The key is patience, after a few minutes my natural inclination is to cast and reel with search type baits such as cranks and spinnerbaits, covering water to find fish. Senkos require patience, but it does pay off as fish will find them in my experience.

You really need both. I really love spinning gear as well, but not for all techniques.

I like the 5" Natural Shad wacky rigged

Rapala

Check out the Loomis CBR783 for wiggle wart size cranks. This rod also excels with topwaters and jerkbaits.

I like them as well! , I just like my Daiwas better

All correct, but when you get on the water. let all your line out and drag it behind your boat for a few minutes. Then reel it back in and your line will not have twists in it. I do this occasionally and it keeps my line from twisting. I think the real key here is to not overfill the spool, 1/8" from the lip is a good rule of thumb.

Let's see...$50 reels, lots of people like the snoopy spincast reels, but I've always been partial to the Mickey Mouse...My fishing buddy likes the Donald Duck alot though ;D

The same can be said for baitcasting and backlashes! I use spinning gear 100% of the time. I'm not anti baitcaster, just not my style. True enough, but when I get a backlash with a casting reel, I can always blame myself; Lack of concentration, casting into the wind...I never blame the reel. BUT, with spinning it doesn't matter how careful you are...line twist is gonna happen!

Shimano Stradic 2500 is a nice bass reel.

The first time your line gets all twisted up you'll wonder why ytou ever bothered to learn spinning. ;D

I've only bought 6 new casting reels this year: 3 TDZs 1 TD Sol 1 TD Fuego 1 Abu Revo STX : oh, I almost forgt....also a Shimano Stradic 2500

I don't think the 50MGs would balance well on 7' rods (for me). That said, it's all a personal thing.

That's great! I love Browning Hi-Powers too! That's the 9mm that all others should be judged by...sorry, off topic.

No one rod is right for all topwaters, but a Loomis CBR783 will handle most of them very well. I wouldn't use it for buzzbaits or Frogs though.