bigfruits

i do not like FC for topwater. call me crazy.

opinions on what lines work best for different applications vary greatly. many use braid and switch out the leaders. this is what i usually use, no leaders (my water is usually stained): pitching - 30-50# braid crankbait - 10# sniper FC spinnerbait - 12-15# sniper FC (chatterbaits, paddletails, swimjigs) or yo zuri hybrid 12#(add buzzbaits) all around - FC unless you will be using topwaters. a good mono or copoly if throwing topwater with trebles spinning - 6# sniper FC for topwater id go with mono, frogs with braid.

I am familiar with Sunline Defier and love it for topwater fishing. I am needing more line and thinking about trying the Armilo version. Those that have fished both, how do they compare when fishing topwater? I will be using it mostly for walking the dog and poppers. Thanks in advance, -Z

cool reel! how does it palm compared to the Mets?

on spinning reels what affects performance is spool diameter, all other things being equal. more line will not weigh down the spool as it does not spin like a BC spool does when casting. a bigger spool will have less memory when using nylon or FC, but you are using braid so you dont have to worry about that. Also, a smaller spool will have more resistance with line hitting the spool sooner than a larger spool. more noticeable when using huge spinning reels for surf casting in salt water.

sure, you can use 20lb. 15# is good too. use some cheap backing (or some of your old line) so that you dont use as much expensive braid.

youre welcome. i think you will get better advice here and on other forums than you will with retail staff. remember that opinions vary greatly in this sport. read as much as you can and dont base your decision to any one review.

i have not fished the e6x rods and i have not heard much about them. I think most people like them but they are not special at the price point. Im sure the action/power is great if youre looking for versatility but I'd probably go with an Avid before an e6x (st croix has similar replacement plan). PM me if you would like some links to other resources to research rods.

life is too short to fish artificial baits for bass on an ugly stick IMO. so many good values out there these days. i have nothing against these rods but time on the water is valuable so treat yourself to something a little more alive. your not going to necessarily catch more fish on a more sensitive and crisp rod but the experience will be different. keep in mind the last time i fished an ugly stick was probably 15 yrs ago. they might be different now. for catfish or other game it sounds perfect.

Youre welcome. If another $100 falls in your lap before his sale is over, I'd make an inquiry. For moving baits, you dont need a $300 rod. The St. Croix Avid line comes to mind for $200.

for a rod to handle everything in its weight range (except deep cranks maybe) i'd take a hard look at the 2016 GLX 843 MBR. Gary at the Tackle Trap has these for 25% off currently. He also carries the MB XX line and will have the new XXX line. He has fished hundreds of rods and will happily compare rods for you if you give him a call or send an email.

The XX DSR is a very versatile rod. If I lost mine, Id buy it again. Balances very well with any reel I mount to it. I wasnt expecting it to be as sensitive as it is. I use mine mostly for moving baits - 1/2oz and greater. Chatterbaits, swimjigs, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, paddletails on jigheads, lipless in grass, small hard swimbaits. Ive never fished the XX EMTF but have read a lot about it. I'd get this for a jig/worm focused combo vs the DSR. I hear the PP is a killer frog rod.

no problems with straight 5 and 6# sniper FC on spinning reels. i use kvd line and lure conditioner.

shimano fosho!

you found it! thank you so much!

its the same size as the curado 200i if anyone is curious. i do not have the scorpion dc but i have the MET DC and the MET MGL. if you are mounting this on a light rod, id get the JDM MGL. should palm better than the scorpion and i'd probably choose this reel over my MET DC if that helps. i doubt you could go wrong with either.

would i rather see drunks on the road than what? im all for police checkpoints and think the laws are fair. is everyone who leaves a bar too drunk to drive? if the story was true, do you think the reason this man was paid (or it was his turn to be the decoy) was because cops were harassing the patrons?

is that a trick worm or finesse, Wayne?

great thread. for fun: ill go with a 3/16oz skirted jig and a 3" craw trailer if that is finesse. if not, 4" zoom lizard on a 1/16oz jighead with offset hook for numbers: not sure if id go with ned rig (TRD, mushroom jighead) or a wacky zoom finesse worm

more respect to the DD than the cop stalking bar patrons.

stay off the fishing forums until winter and fish what you got. my big spending is late fall to early spring. weakness is rods vs lures.

bitsy bugs yes, 3/8oz football should be OK. there are better options for jigs to cover.

I use straight braid in stained water for jigs and havent noticed a difference. I use straight FC just as often. I prefer straight FC or straight nylon for all moving baits. You really have to experiment to see what you like. For one line to handle the baits in the subject, I'd go with sniper FC, probably 12#. That will be good for everything except heavy baits, heavy cover, frogs and topwater.

like mentioned several times it doesnt matter. i switched to left handed reels several years ago. not so much because switching hands was a pain but because i have better feel and control working baits (bottom contact, jerkbaits, topwater) with my dominant right hand on the rod. ive also never felt my left hand lacking when reeling in a fish. because i was used to fishing spinning combos with my right hand on the rod, it took about 2 casts to realize i made the right decision (for me). its going to be different for everyone. i know people that are right handed that skateboard/snowboard with their right foot forward and lefties that do the opposite.

6 or 8# sniper FC. great all around line. you can put some cheap line on first (or use some of the old braid if its still spooled) so that you dont have to fill the entire 3000 spool.