TBAG

Man, this thread has me summoning the bait monkey. I'm now considering ditching my older Loomis GL2 802s Senko rod for something else. ?

I'm a self proclaimed Shimano fanboy and have several Curado K's. Last season I picked up a Fuego CT off the Bay for ~$50 because of all the praise it gets on this forum. I was intrigued by how many people recommended it, and they were right. It's a great reel all around that casts well, palms good and I really like the color. But, I grabbed an SLX locally for a deal I couldn't pass up about a month ago. I've not fished with it yet, just threw it on a Dobyns Sierra 734c and cast it around the yard. To say I'm impressed is an understatement! I actually think it casts better and palms much better than my Curado K's. So, IMO you can't go wrong with either reel but if I had to choose, I'd pick the SLX all day.

I've got a new setup I'm going to try this season for ned rigging. Dobyns Sierra 702s and a Stradic Ci4+ with 6lb Yo zuri hybrid.

Mojo Bass or Fury

Do you have any local tackle shops in your area? If so, take a look. We have a locally owned/operated store who sells consignment rods and I've gotten some absolute steals on some very lightly used semi high dollar rods.

I'm a St. Croix and Loomis fan but if you're going all out might as well get the NRX.

All of my Dobyns Sierras, both casting and spinning work perfect with my Shimano reels. ?

$20

I currently fish a weightless Senko on a GL2 802s which is a 6'8" M-XF paired with a Stradic Ci4+, so I'm in the spinning camp too. I purchased a Dobyns 702s Sierra during the last sale and might try that too. I've never tried to throw a weightless Senko on any of my BC setups.

Yeah, Medium would be better.

I'd like to try the Seaguar Finesse on my ned rig, dropshot, weightless Senko spinning rod/reel. What lb test would you recommend?

Never used Stren but I've been using Big Game for years on some of my baitcasters. I have no complaints and a plus, it's super cheap and readily available.

I've never seen rain like this, its awful here in KY.

I've got one from years ago on a backup topwater rod that is a pretty nice little reel. But, I've also got a Fuego CT I got off the bay for ~$50 just to see what the hype was about. For that price I'd definitely go with the Fuego.

I've never handled or used a Daiwa reel but I can say I love my 2500 Ci4+ paired with my spinning rods.

I've got a couple crankbait specific rods, both bought used. I like my Legend Glass but it's not for everyone. I also have an Avid crankbait rod. People swear by the Fury CB rod here and after buying a few Sierras from the last TW sale I'd say you couldn't go wrong with that rod for the bottom end of your budget.

I've got a Stradic Ci4+ paired up with a 702S Sierra I use strictly for Ned Rigs. If you keep your eyes open you can buy a gently used one for ~$150. Other than that I'd recommend the Nasci 2500 or I've heard tons of good things about Daiwas offerings around your price range.

Jigs

I always have a Spyderco Salt clipped to my pocket and one clipped to my PFD if kayak fishing. Other than that I have one of those zing cutters clipped to my PVD and some Rapala pliers.

I bought a 734c Sierra during that awesome sale recently and plan on throwing what some have already mentioned, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, small swimbaits. I have some IMX Pros and Avids I plan on still using for bottom contact presentations.

Trash

All my kayak rods are 6'8" or shorter but over the winter I've purchased several longer rods. IMX pro's, 853c, 854c, Dobyns 702s and 734c. I'm hoping the longer rods won't bother me much.

Interesting, I had no idea these rods were in such demand. I browsed the TW selection and everything but the 9' Exprides are on backorder. I've never owned a Shimano rod but might have to give one a try.

I'd suggest a crankbait specific rod.

Build your own IMO.