TBAG

Moving this thread to the top hoping to have a good discussion with some other in state people.

I've never ordered from them, I assume they're legit? Oh, and hey to a fellow KY resident and yak fisherman.

I'm a St. Croix fan and still own several Avids, Avid X's and some LTB rods. Unfortunately after kind of denying it for years that they were tip heavy I bought some IMX Pros and realized I really had been in denial. I've since sold those and moved up to NRX's and have seen the light. With that said, I've always liked the feel of the Legend Xtreme handle even though it was quite different than what I was used to. I'm excited to see the changes St. Croix makes. Might have to try one again.

Yeah, if you don't want cork then St. Croix Legend Xtreme. Otherwise, with no budget and if you could do cork I'd go NRX 853c or 854c. I just got some and shouldn't have waited this long.

I'd go to Cumberland instead, better fishing and better campgrounds with water access for kayak fishing. There are several campsites that you can camp on the waters edge, Pulaski County Park, Conley Bottom, and Fishing Creek Campground are just a few off the top of my head.

Out of those three, hands down Cumberland. Both SM and LM and not infested with Asian Carp like KY lake.

Thanks Greg.

How does this work? I've heard of it but never done it as I don't shop at BPS/Cabelas unless I can't find something at my locally owned tackle store. I do have several gift cards and plan to buy a few Curado or SLX DC reels. Can I just trade in a junk flea market reel?

I might have to give one a try.

thx!

Hopefully soon, I've got some Cabelas gift cards burning a hole in my pocket.

I get your point(s) but I've tried the add on hook keepers to rods back in the day and it's just not the same. It's ok, I chose to upgrade some IMX pros and looked at the Shimano Exprides but decided to go on up to some amazing rods with factory hook keepers.

Good choice, I too have the most luck with any Shad colored cranks, with craw coming in a close second place.

I'm spoiled I guess but I refuse to buy a rod that doesn't have a factory hook keeper. Sucks because I'm a Loomis/Shimano fanboi.

Loomis

So back to crankbaits. What color crankbait have you found to work the best no matter what part of the country you fish? I know that's a tough questions as their are so many variables but just interested in some answers.

I own quite a few St. Croix and a few Dobyns and have nothing bad to say about either. Good choices! I do prefer a Moderate action rod for crankbaits.

Agreed, I've handled a 703s compared to my 702s and would for sure choose the 702 for your needs.

I think I'm going to switch from braid to something else this season too. How does the 15lb YZ hybrid handle and how is the memory? Do you use line conditioner. I've only used the 6lb on some spinning reels.

I throw ned rigs on a 702

Sure, do it all the time.

My favorite way to fish, I always have two crankbait specific combos with me at all times. I especially enjoy fishing them on a glass rod, so fun.

Following as I too wade a creek on occasion.

Thanks for the suggestion. I've never in all my years fishing thrown a spoon or inline spinner. I probably should give both a try as my primary fishing these days is river/creek/small lake or pond kayak fishing. What spoons and inline spinners would you recommend throwing with this rod. Wow, I didn't know that! Wonder why? I might grab another Avid while they're still available. I know right! I might grab another for backup.

I've got a 7' M/M Avid and use it for 1.5 and 1.0 squarebills. I've never even tried anything else on it.