TBAG

What rod/reel do you fish this with?

Wow, I guess I need to check out Ollies. I had no idea they had any tackle.

Yeah, good deal on that 705, I think you'll enjoy it.

I've got a Sierra 702S but I use it only for Ned rigs. For the applications you're using it for I'd go with the 703S

Go with the Curado K, I highly doubt you'll be disappointed.

Yes, any reel designed for freshwater/bass fishing is suitable for braid, mono, or fluoro.

Sweet!

I need a wading setup and am a huge St. Croix fanboy anyways, so I might give it a try. What size and brand reel are you using with it? What size jighead are you throwing with your craws?

Did you use backing? I'll be backing the reel with Big Game.

Nice, thanks fellas. I'll grab some 20lb today.

I have to buy new line regardless as I don't have any more braid in the huge tupperware box in the garage full of line. lol

I'm going to put some new line on my light Texas rig/small jig setup and can't decide on diameter. Rod is a Loomis IMX pro 853c and reel is a Daiwa Tatula 100. I mainly use this setup in the creek I frequent while kayak fishing so looking for something that casts well. I will not be using a leader. I mainly throw 1/4 oz jigs and trailer like a bitsy bug and baby rage. I use 50lb on my 854c for heavier jigs but thinking of going 30-40 on this setup. I'll be using Powerpro if that matters. Thanks in advance!

What other brand jig do you recommend that has a better hook than the bitsy bug? I haven't used it much but plan on throwing one in the creek soon.

Wow, wow wow! This right here folks is why this forum is so amazing. Thank you so much for this heap of knowledge you just dropped. This thread should be a sticky.

What lures do you plan on throwing with this combo?

Thanks fellas, glad I'm not the only one. I actually prefer a split grip but all of my Avid with full cork handle (just casting rods) feel great. Might just switch to an Avid.

A real comedian! haha. If it wasn't 90-105 degrees here I just might! LOL Guess I should come up your way so you can put me on some Northern Michigan smallies! Could I bring my oven mitts on your boat? LOL

Haha, no I grew up and learned on a spinning reel so don't grip it that way, does anyone actually do that? LOL

Thanks, I've never owned a Curado rod but they've always been on my radar. I'll check it out further. Thanks Tom, I'll check them out. Nah, I'd rather just try another factory rod. I don't mind paying more for one, but not really wanting to use the time or effort on customizing the Avid X. I'll just keep it as a backup. I've tried two ways, reel base/stem between my index and middle, and between middle and whatever the fourth finger on your hand is called.

Long story short but no matter what I do my dedicated weightless Senko only combo, Shimano Stradic Ci4+ 2500 with a St. Croix Avid X 68 MXF is so uncomfortable I don't enjoy fishing it with it. Don't get me wrong, it is an amazing Senko rod as I've caught some pigs on that rod. But, no matter what I do my right hand and fingers that are used to grip the rod and reel base just hurt like hell after a short time. It's upsetting as I'm a huge St. Croix rods and Shimano reel fan boy but don't know if I can use this combo any longer. None of my other St. Croixs (Avids, Mojo Bass, both spinning and casting) have ever hurt my hand. I've tried swapping reels and rods and for example the Stradic Ci4+ feels great on my other spinning rods, Dobyns Sierras or Daiwas hurt. So, ultimately I'd like to use the Stradic Ci4+ and try a new Senko specific rod. I want to keep the 6'-6" to 6'-8" length as I prefer it for this presentation. This combo is always with me, whether it's bass boat, kayak, shore or creek wading, mostly kayak though. Should I try another St. Croix spinning, LTB? None of my Loomis rods hurt my hands, IMX pro casting rods. I actually sold an older Loomis GL2 802s that I used to use for weightless Senkos and now kind of regretting that. The Avid X is lighter, stronger and better constructed than that older Loomis, but when I throw a reel on it sucks. Thanks for any recommendations, and yes I've followed and posted in the very helpful "Senko specific rod thread". Have a great weekend guys and gals!

I too prefer the smaller size of the SLX over my K's. Try the Curado 70.

I use all my high end stuff in my yak, just keep rod socks, reel covers on them and be careful.

Can't go wrong with either baitcasting or spinning from Shimano.

Sweet! I'll be grabbing one in LH when I can find one.

I fish with both brand of reels, but own many more Shimano reels than I do Daiwa. Like others have said, it's really personal preference.