DRhodes

I have had the best luck with PP braid. Which brand do you normally use?

Lipless Cranks also produce well for me in the River

X5. Generally, weightless on spinning gear and weighted on baitcasters. Tom X6

If I had to guess Cranks ~ 300+ Lipless - 60-70 Worms/Senkos/Brush Hogs - ~60 bags Jigs - 50-60 Spinner and buzz baits - 30 - 40

Beautiful bass.

If I could only have 1 rod, I would choose a 7'0 Medium Fast action. You could use it for a lot of different lures.

I really like the 7' Medium Fast

Very nice write up. Enjoyed reading it. Glad you guys had a great time.

Thats a decent fish. Give him our congrats

Great write up and great pics. Looks like you had a blast.

welcome back

welcome

x2 I think I would go with the Medium Fast action for an "all around rod"

Now Roadwarrior I think you confused the rule. It actually states Only an American made reel can be put on an American made rod. Meaning only Ardent Reels can be placed on St. Croix and Loomis rods. Put those stinkin Shimanos on a Japanese rod ;)

That is correct the Clackin Rap is a lipless crank, and the Xrap a jerkbait. I was speaking in terms of success out of Rapalas. My biggest producer from Rapala has been the Clackin. Thats why I said not trying to get off topic because its not a jerkbait.

I have fished the Powell Max and I have several St Croix Avids. I love my Avids, and would be my top choice. I have never fished a Dobyns, so I can not vouch for them. I can tell you that David P is a huge Dobyns fan, and would give you a ton of info on the rods if you would want to PM him.

I too am a USA guy, I buy St. Croix rods, and Ardent Reels. I feel the quaity of the XS1000 exceeds every other reel that I have used.

Well I'm going against everyone else here, not because I dont like the KVD, but just because I have not tried it. I use Ardent Line Butter and it is wonderful. It's also made in the good ol USA!

Not only passing them down, its a good conversation piece when you have your fishing buddies looking at your lures.

Even though its expensive to purchase the left reels, you get plenty of nice rods that you both can use, and some new tackle . In reality its a pretty cheap hobby

good idea, didnt think of that.

nice smallie

Steve, No better feeling when your old lady brings in a 4lb fish, and you see the smile on her face. I'm sure you guys had a blast. Keep it up.

Not trying to get off topic, but like I said above I have had no luck with the xraps here in the Ohio River. However I have had fantastic luck with the Clackin Raps. You may want to check those out.

I dont think the weekend warrior needs a $400.00 rod. You can get a fantastic rod much cheaper ie. St Croix Avid. The sensitivity is much better in an avid then it would be in an ugly stick. I normally purchase the st croix Legend Tourney rods when places like bass tackle depot run a 20% off sale. Last one I picked up cost me $180.00 shipped and its a wonderful rod.