bigfruits

since you already have a M spinning rod, id go ahead and exchange your rod for a MH. i think a MH/F baitcasting rod is the most versatile.

get her replaced or upgraded! http://stcroixrods.com/service-warranty/service-warranty-policies/

I agree that the reel matters little but the Ci4+ feels great on lighter rods!

what did you not like about the O M N? what difference are you looking for in another rod?

70/71? yes.

some rods I sell after one use and other rods I don't think I will ever sell. the old MBR 783 and BCR 803 are examples. I even bought duplicates because im scared they will break! I replace some when I find something that does the same application better.

Great. My family is from Spain and I visit every year. I bought a rod and reel one year but never made it out to fish. Might try again later this year.

QUAKEnSHAKE turned me on to the Gamakatsu Deep Throat Hooks. Perfect for the Ika, hook is not too thick for spinning gear. I use a Med XF spinning rod (852s) with a good backbone and 8# FC. He even measured and took pics here!: www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/179595-fat-ika-rigging/#comment-2023534 Fat Ika is the most fun for do nothing. Pretty weedless so more targets available compared to a wacky Senko. Rigged like Yeajray231 does so it falls away from you. Senko is a big producer but not much joy until a fish is on. For you fishing nerds. Value in grams. Weighed 3 baits of each (all pretty consistent) and took average. 4" Senko 7.4 5" Senko 10.1 Fat Ika 10.5

even if the the food wasnt stuck and the bass was going to finish swallowing it, id think the stress from being caught might change that and create a serious problem after releasing the bass with half a fish hanging out of its mouth. just a theory though.

is it a GL3 MBR 783 (1/4-3/4oz)? I agree with DaveT63, there is noticeable difference between the IMX and GLX line. The GLX 783 is my favorite spinnerbait rod. The length is perfect for roll casting and it is the most well balanced rod I own. Its also my shortest BC, thats mostly why. If you do medium and short casts with moving baits, the GL3 MH might still have a place in your quiver. I think you will appreciate the sensitivity with your new 843 GLX over the GL3 for bottom contact.

ive never felt that my reeling hand (left) was lacking when reeling in a fish. i can control the bait much better and get better feel in all presentations since i switched to left reels years ago. i am right handed. its all preference. use what feels right.

Hello Manuel, The GLX 843 is rated for lures 1/4-3/4oz (not 3/8oz). Like mentioned above it is a very versatile rod. I would use it for jigs/plastics and and single hook moving baits. If I only owned one rod, this might be the one. Pescas black bass en España?

thanks, Darren.. Ive never thought of using a DS. Are you targeting submerged rocks on your electronics? ive caught a few on storm swimbaits (5"?) and yum money minnows with weighted hooks. going to give the 6" MB Magdraft a shot this year.

thanks, roadwarrior. i have a handful of skirtless spinnerbaits that i have been ignoring for too long. what do you like about those skirts vs rubber? they look more durable and shiny.

although i havent used it much yet, im liking the revenge deep runner. i can vouch for war eagles although i wish they had more skirt.

One of my favorite ways of fishing in the bay and far lower Potomac (salt water) is to cast bucktail jigs with trailers along jetties and other rocky areas and on bridge pylons. I am thinking of trying some 3/4oz chatterbaits/paddletail with silver or gold blades for some flash. Also a Junebug Rage Anaconda on a jighead to maybe imitate a snack sized eel. Have any of you had any luck using freshwater bass baits when targeting bluefish and rockfish?

when i think of punching, i dont think of fishing grass or pads. i think of a layer of vegetation that a mouse could maybe walk on top of for this kind of punching i will use one or two bobber stops every time. if i dont, i get the bait wrapped up too often in the muck or it hangs on top. sometimes i lay the bait on the top of the layer and shake it until it works its way under. having the weight pegged makes this easier for me. your results may vary.

another good option but a little pricier than the LE is the 872s or 852s NRX. The 852 has made 3 or 4 of my other Loomis and St. Croix rods obsolete. By far my favorite spinning rod for weightless plastics and small jigs/plastics.

ive owned several Med and ML St. Croix rods in the Avid and LE line. i would pick up a ML for DS, Ned rig, jigs/plastics with thin wire hooks and moving baits under 5/16oz or so. You are not going to like it for hard hooksets. The Med I'd grab for 3/16-1/4oz + plastic, 1/4oz-3/8oz moving baits. I think the Med will be a little more versatile. I hate (love) to tell you this but youre going to need both. Hope this helps.

try straight braid and also with a leader and compare results. keep the leader out of the guides like ww2farmer suggested, that should be plenty long. I would use FC. i have been using yellow braid (easy for me to see) and coloring in the last few feet with a black sharpie. might be just a confidence thing but no matter how bass see hi-vis yellow i think black or green will look more natural and un-alarming. i used to use green braid but its hard for me to see in certain conditions.

agreed that "finesse" can mean small baits and/or the way a bait is presented on spinning or casting but "BFS" is used to describe light baits on a BC combo. usually when describing the reel.

Bait Finesse System (I might be wrong on the S) light lures, lighter rod, light baitcasting reel. the reel usually has a shallow spool and is optimized for light baits. the stuff many, including myself, throw on a spinning rig. looks fun though! The JDM Aldebaran BFS or the old Daiwa Pixy are popular examples.

msr pocket rocket. not the safest idea but it boils quick! does great in the wind.

Andy, My deepest condolences. Only time can heal a huge loss like that. I hope you take comfort in knowing that life and your state of mind will normalize after the rough road ahead. I am glad you are stable at your parent's home, you can devote a lot of energy to helping your children get through. Stay strong, Andy. -Z

Cool stuff though! I fish a lot of jigs as well. Have you ever thought of buying jigheads and adding skirts? I just broke down and bought the JDM Metanium MGL HG. the JDM spool is more shallow than the US version. Going to put braid on that and buy a deeper spool from Shimano USA. I also received some used topwater lures from an Ebay seller in Japan. Megabass Anthrax and Pop-x