bx.versatile

Curious on how your brake settings and tension knobs are set? I just got the AMO spool for my SS SV 103, it's not what I expected. It feels untamed and doesn't like hard casts. Maybe I'm not use to casting a light spool like this. But even with side arm and more "gentle" casts I feel I have set my brakes at 9-10 with a tighter spool tension. Been throwing jerk baits, 3/16 free rigs and shakey heads, I blew up pretty badly on a heavier lure and normal overhead cast. I definitely like my friend's Zillon TWS SV spool better, it feels like I can just set the brakes and cast away. I may need to play around more with AMO spool and use different lures.

I've fished and owned a lot of Dobyns and Phenix Feather rods and models. Most would say to get one power above intended. Like a MH = M for both manufacturers. Here's my take on the 7'1 H Feather rod, which is a IMO too soft for any hook penetration needs. If you run light wire hooks and braid I think you'll be okay with Senkos and very light Texas rigs. The action of the rod is more moderate/fast IMO. I used it for vibrating jigs before I sold it off. The best Feather rod in their line up is the 7'3 XXH, it's no where near a XXH, but man it's light, has a soft tip and good backbone. Can do frogs and 1/4 - 1/2 oz plus plastic T-rigs fine.

Use to have one, I thought it would be like the NRX DSR action but it's actually softer. I didn't like it for drop shot or anything higher than 3/16. It makes a good Ned Rig rod, but I sold it to a buddy and loves it for Crappie fishing lol.

Been using for 1/2 oz jigs in grass and it works great for that with good feel. Rod weighs like 4.45 oz on my scale. Balance isn't the best with a 5.5 oz reel, so I counter balance with a rubber table shoe and now it feels closer to Adrena. Its balance point is better with heavier reels, near the locking nut. But I like running light reels with a counter balance. Overall package is lighter and the counter balance pushes balance point near reel seat more.

Just picked up the 7'2 MH and H and been putting through testing. I own 3 Posion Adrenas in similar length and models and fished Exprides. Comparing to same models in my hands. Adrena balance better especially with 5.5 oz reels. Zodias has more power, probably due to the US spec bend. Adrenas are more versatile due a little bit softer JDM actions. The 7'2 MH Zodias is pretty versatile though. I've fished and owned gen1 before and the carbon monocoque grip did increase sensitivity. It might be close to same as Exprides in my hands. Adrenas are closer to NRX sensitivity, but certain NRX models are still #1 due to JWR and recoil guides IMO. They definitely out fish their price point, will gladly take crap warranty for higher performance. Again IMO, best bang for buck rod.

Here's the balance for a Aldebaran and 7'2H Posion Adrena combo. Second picture is with a rubber table shoe slide bottom of the rod handle for more balance.

Phenix Feather, super lightweight and plenty sensitive rod. Their 73XH weighs only 3.8 oz. Lightest flipping stick/frog rod I've come across. Only grip, get a power above the rod rating. Meaning go H for M-H like power.

I bought packs and the plastic is noticeable harder. IMO it still has the same great head wobble and tail kick on slow/drop. Only cons I see are no scent, only two sizes and weight of the bait is less compare to Keitechs.

I like the Save Gear frogs that you can pick up at Dicks. The larger popper weighs 3/4 oz so I can cast further. For 5 bucks a pop or buy 2 get 1 free(I think that was deal), can't go wrong.

Get a 735 from Dobyns or Powell, it's the perfect blend of power and length, so can you pull out of the slop, have a powerful hook set 50 yards out and can still walk the frog. I throw mine with 65lb on Curado E, still my furthest casting setup when not throwing aerodynamic lures like lip-less or Spook style bait.

Replaced Keitech Swing Impact Fat with Eco Pro Swing Shad. 10x more durable Same great action Lower cost Has the popular colors Who needs stinking squid scent

Boom: Jika Rig - The rig that may replace 3 rigs. I use Mustad Fastach to change weights for different situations. Texas Rig: Goes through cover as well as Texas Rig, may be even better since an tungsten pencil weight is super thin. To me it's more sensitive with 3/4 - 1 ounce weight compare to heavy Texas/Punch style. Swinging Swim Jig: I tried making my own, it caught fish, but it never looked natural when swimming with a swimbait. My guess is that the swim bait wanted a weigh at the bottom to balance it out. But now with Jika rig, the weight is hanging at the bottom, this resolves the issue. It's weedless as heck too, I use an 1/2 oz tungsten pencil and swim it under grass and lily pads. Biffle Jig: I don't fish this much, but I can see the same concept. Dragging an teardrop style weight with bait hanging 1 inch above will give it a different look and same great action as an Biffle Bug. Bust: Double Plopper, runs uneven sometimes.

Havoc baits can't beat at 2 bucks a pop when buying 5 packs at Dicks. Wish they only carry the Devil Spear and the Jerk.

I went to so called store closing sale, some items were only 20% off. Typical Gander, no wonder they closing.

I've had good success dragging the Damiki Hydra. I fish it more than a shaky head now.

You can find a regular Daiwa Tatula (Non XT or Elite) for 90-130 on eBay. The rod gets good reviews from others. I've held the rods and liked that the rods weigh less than competing rods in the $100 price range.

I have the same rod and it's a heavens feel with my 1st Gen Stradic CI4. I suspect the new model is coming out soon, since I see them going on sale.

Terminator Walking Frog probably easiest frog I've ever walked. Booyah was my second go-to since they are affordable.

I have two of the Lunker Combatfrogs, it takes in too much water and I haven't thrown it since. Too bad it has nice angle hooks and casts a football field.

Speaking of swinging swim jigs. Making my own with 5/0 Gama Weightless Swimbait hook, #3 Swivel, Skirt, Tungsten Weight, and of course pegged. Will probably throw a rage tail or speed craw too.

Shimano Convergence updated to IM-7 blank and has lifetime warranty. Since it is the new rods, not sure how long before we see them. *** says 7/23: http://www.***.com/Shimano_Convergence_Casting_Rods/descpage-CVC.html