ChiCityBasser

Ouch that Sucks and really sorry to hear that about the rod.

I fish them cause as someone said you never know unless you put a line in the water.

No I haven't tried the Hydra Evolutions but they might be worth a try very soon

Good question as I was wondering the same thing.

Actually the prices are down right now at alot of places due to the new items coming out and getting ready to hit the stores. Tackle Warehouse was clearing out last years models on rods and reels now and check their site. BPS and Cabelas are doing some of the same clearance sales. The Cabelas XMLTi rods are normally $200 but were on sale for $119. The St.Croix LTB rods were on sale also at Cabelas and I believe at TW as well. The Shimano Citica and Curado were both being cleared out at Dick's and TW as well at really reduced prices. Now would be the time to pick up a deal on a good combo.

Great info guys

Nice Trip and nice fish

When the water gets hard I put the rods away.

Try the Cabelas XMLTi http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-XMLTi-Casting-Rods/1158312.uts?WTz_l=SEO%3Bcat104793480%3Bcat104764680

Glad you were able to check them out and good luck with your search and sounds like the Avid combo will be the one for you.

Yes you can as I had previously purchased a Mag Touch Drop shot rod but just didn't like the way it handled after a couple of times out and returned it. The rod was still good as new with no damage or signs of wear.

Yes it is and this is my first spinning XMLTi with the previous one I own being a baitcast model but without the split grips. The $119 price is good til saturday 10/1/11 and the cabelas near me had a few casting models and about 10-12 spinning models left. I see you're in Lansing and will probably hit the Cabelas in Hammond like I did. They are worth a look at that price since you could get it on sale and try it and if you don't like it return it.

I just added the Cabelas XMLTi 6'9" M/F spinning model to my line up after reading some of the post stating to get the best rod you can for this technique. I previously had the Field & Stream Tec Spec 6'9" M/XF but took it back as I didn't feel it was sensitive enough for me after having used the Tec Spec 7' MH/F rig & jig model which was much better to me. The XMLTi is $119 now an normally $200. It will be paired with a Quantum Catalyst PTi-a20.

I ended up returning this Tec Spec model and getting the Cabelas XMLT1 6'9 M/F Spinning rod

I use the strike king 1xs and Bps egg over weeds with the cranks running 1-2' or in the 1-3' range. Sometimes ticking the tops of the weeds and ripping it out draws a reaction strike. You will have to experiment with cranks but I usually keep my lipped cranks in or around the 5-8' range or depending on conditions at the lake I'm fishing.

I fish from the bank/shore also and have been very effective with crankbaits this year. If you are going to fish them shallow I would try the strike king 1xs or BPS Egg shallow divers. Both have been very successful for me this year. Swim jigs also work well shallow and can be fished through the weeds as well. Good luck

The knock off Megabass Pop Max

Ok I'll throw the Cabelas XMLTi rod in the hat for $119 as they are on sale and normally run $199. Very very light rods

I ended up getting the 6'8" Spinning M/XF Finesse/Worm rod but haen't had it out yet.

Some Dick's have the older model on clearance as well.

They still have some of the Citica 201e7's at my local Dick's for sale as I checked today while picking up some things. Just ordered the latest Quantum Accurist otherwise I would have gotten one for myself.

Ok and thought so as Cabelas has the same policy and saves on the shipping even with having to pay the taxes.

Do they do in store pick up? Cabelas will let you order something and pick it up in the store which can save the cost of shipping at least.

Really sorry to hear that and it sucks

Any of the offerings mentioned I think would be a good choice.