kLuo

I'm confused. I love the skipgap shakeyheads because they DON'T have the hook point pointed at the hook eye. I have never had hook up issues with them, because they aren't like EWG hooks...am I missing something here? https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Gamakatsu_Skip_Gap_Shakey_Head_4pk/descpage-GSGSH.html?from=basres

I was in the same boat as you recently, and I will have to disagree with previous posters. I love the pflueger spinning reels, but I don't think the XT is worth an extra $50 over one of the new MGX's. I tried out both before I decided and could barely notice a difference in weight or smoothness, but the thing that really bothered me was the foam knob on the XT. You may not be bothered as much since that is pure preference, but that was a deal breaker for me. I also don't think the weight and smoothness was $50 better, but of course, it is difficult to quantify that and will be up to you to decide. I believe the size 30 is perfect for finesse bass applications.

First off, I would like to apologize to the people who I promised a review to a while ago. I have been incredibly busy with classes and have finally found some time in between the holidays to write this review. I originally purchased only one of these rods, but after trying it out, I immediately bought two more. Here are the three that I own: ESMS69M-XF - Spinning 6'9" Medium Power, Extra Fast action ESMC69MH-F - Casting 6'9" Medium Heavy Power, Fast action ESMC610MH-F - Casting 6'10" Medium Power, Fast action First impressions: I have owned and fished with a bunch of rods in this price category, but this was my first Fenwick. If Fenwick makes all of its rods like these, I will have to buy some more. I was originally hesitant to get this rod since it was so new, Fenwick normally doesn't focus too much on bass fisherman, and the reel seat seemed...unconventional. Boy did I make the right choice. The rod blank is a light green color, which looks really good actually. On the spinning rod, the reel grip is the bulkiest grip I have ever seen, but also the MOST comfortable I have ever felt. It may look awkward, but it fits my hand perfectly and their claims of being able to fish longer with less fatigue are true. The "TAC" inlay in the handles is also very unique. It looks like cork, but it feels a bit like rubber and is great for gripping when it got wet. I put a coat of U-40 cork seal on the cork parts and this spinning reel seat has become my most comfortable grip by far. For the casting rods, the reel seat is not too much different from other reel seats. The TAC inlay on the bottom where your index finger is makes it more comfortable, but I feel like it comes with the compromise of losing some sensitivity as your fingers are not in direct contact with the blank. On all the rods, there is a nice "Fenwick" logo written on the reel seat in gold lettering that makes the rod look very high class. These rods are VERY light. Field Tests: Here are the reels that I matched up with each rod, and what application I used them for: ESMS69M-XF: Pflueger Supreme MGX size 30 - Drop shot ESMC69MH-F: Shimano Curado 201E - Jigs ESMC610M-F: Shimano Curado 51E - Shakey Head I fished from both a jon boat and from the shore on seperate trips. Casting/power: I typically use 1/4 oz weights for drop shotting, and the spinning rod was perfect for it. I don't cast far for my drop shotting, but the extra fast tip was just enough to give me complete control over my bait without fear of over/underworking it. This rod felt slightly less powerful than typical M powered rods, which might be a good thing for drop shotting. I really dislike using ML rods for anything because I feel like I don't have any control over the fish, so for me, this rod was in a good spot because it was less than M, but more than ML. Still more than enough backbone to haul a fish up from 25'. With the Pflueger, this rod setup was feather light. For my jig rod, I was throwing 1/2 oz jigs with ease. This rod felt less stiff than other MH rods, which I like as well. It is technically rated up to 1 oz, but I would not want to try throwing anything arond that range. When trying 1 oz, I felt like the rod was more floppy than I would like, and I did not feel too comfortable throwing it. I rarely ever use jigs above 1/2 oz though, so this rod was great for my purposes. My old jig rod was a Abu Garcia Verdict, and I hated it because it was too stiff. This rod is much more flexible and can handle 1/2 oz jigs with absolutely no problem. I could cast the jig as far as I wanted to with this rod with no issues. The shakey head rod was also excellent for its intended purpose. I spoke with a Fenwick rep and he told me that this rod was built as a tube rod, but I have found that it is also a great shakey head rod. I personally like fast action rods for shakey head because I fish a lot of weedy lakes and have to rip it through weeds a lot. I expected this rod to also be more of a ML than a M, but was surprised when it was about the same as my other M powered rods. I threw 3/16 oz shakey heads with no problem at all (may also be because I am using a 50 sized reel). Sensitivity: If I had to rate these rods in terms of sensitivity relative to other rods, I would compare it favorably to the best rod blank I own, which is a Daiwa Cielo. The Cielo is made with the same technology as the Steez, and has an MSRP of $300. The fact that I am comparing a $130 rod to a $300 one says a lot to me. I have also heard from others that they compare this rod to St. Croix avids. Again, comparing to a more expensive rod. I had no problem feeling the bottoms of the lakes with all of these rods, and was able to feel very subtle bites from bass. Conclusion: In my opinion, this rod is one of the best in its price range. I think the only reason it has not seen a lot of love from consumers yet is because it is a Fenwick and not a Shimano or St. Croix. Also, the lifetime warranty can't be beat. I hope more people discover this rod, as I am incredibly pleased with mine. Great job, Fenwick. ~Kevin

These are the best that I've tried: http://www.tackletour.com/reviewtexastacklesplitringpliers.html

I used to have the same problem, and the lighter trick doesn't always work and slowly melts and weakens the screw lock. Then I discovered the Gamakatsu Skip Gap shakey heads. The 3x ElazTech worms are my favorite too, but I hated using them because of the hassle. Now I always have one tied on with a skip gap shakey head.

For sure get an EliteTech Smallmouth rod. I bought the exact rod you are looking at (6'9" MXF) to use for drop shot and it was the best spinning rod I have ever fished with. Super light, balanced, and the most comfortable grip I have ever felt. Plus, a lifetime warranty. It was a no-brainer for me, maybe that's why I bought 2 more immediately after I've been meaning to do a full review of them but haven't had the time. Expect one soon though!

Pflueger Patriarch gets my vote.

I think the real question is: has anyone gotten their hands on one so that they could try them? I placed my order through Pure Fishing directly in October and they told me they aren't getting them until April of next year.

There's already a thread a few threads down that you should check out:

From what I've heard from a friend who has fished with one, the hydrowave helps cancel out the sound from the trolling motor. Fish don't get spooked as easily.

The straight tail 4 1/2" roboworm is my #1 numbers bait for drop shot.

I've always been under the impression that the coffee scent is there to mask human scent, but I guess the fish could really like it too.

which colors of the RC STX seem to be working for you guys? I want to be convinced to pick up a couple to give them a try...

I recently moved into Philadelphia and I want to be able to transport my 2 piece spinning rod with me when I take the bus or train to fish on lakes on the outskirts of the city. I am looking at getting a compact soft outside/hard inside rod and reel case. Here's the only one that I have been able to find that fits my description: http://www.basspro.com/Plano-TwoPiece-Rod-and-Reel-Carrying-Case/product/10205107/108556 The only thing is that the reviews say that it may not be as big as it is advertised to be. Has anyone used this case before or know of a better alternative?

Haven't personally tried one yet because I refuse to buy into the KVD hype while there are so many quality frog alternatives out there. I have heard that these are ok, but they often land on their backs when you cast them. Those two reasons combined make it a deal breaker for me.

Interesting thoughts, thanks for the reply. I was thinking about picking up a Curado 50e, so it is not too expensive. Right now, I bring 2 spinning rods and 3 casting rods with me when I'm fishing from a boat. Both spinning rods are M power, and I use a XF action one for a dedicated drop shot rig and a F action one for shakey head. I REALLY don't like using ML rods. Tried it once, and hated not having as much control of the fish. That being said, I'd like to pick up another medium action rod so that I can have a dedicated weightless plastics rod. I have absolutely no problem chucking a weightless fluke on my F action spinning rod, so I was considering picking up a M action casting rod and a 50 sized baitcasting reel to make my dedicated shakey head/swim jig rig. I would then make the spinning rod my plastics rod. Would a M power baitcasting rod with a 50 sized reel be ok for throwing 3/16 oz shakey heads, or would I be better off getting a spinning rod? I prefer casting with a baitcasting rod, but would be willing to give it up if a spinning set up is clearly a better choice. Edit: Also, sorry for kind of thread jacking, pondassassin. I hope you have some of the same questions that I do and that this helps you out as well! And an answer for your question: I myself am looking at a Curado 50e paired with a Fenwick EliteTech Smallmouth rod.

I am in the same boat as pondassassin, but I am having trouble deciding between a light baitcasting or a spinning reel. What are the advantages of a light baitcasting reel over a spinning?

Many times I will be fishing solo and have never even bothered trying to take pictures of nice fish that I have caught. I want to change this and was wondering if you guys had any creative ideas of how to do this. I would like to get a quality picture of both the fish and myself while holding it.

how light of a weight can the 50 handle? I'm debating buying either one of the 50 sized reels or a new spinning reel for finesse plastic presentations.

for people who have tried these: how do their actions compare? does the Luck e Strike catch as many fish?

Abrasion resistance. Especially since I also plan on trying some nanofil, which apparently frays really easily.

I really don't like using all fluoro on my set ups due to manageability and sensitivity. Do you guys think these hooks are meant to be tied to the main line (braid) on one side and tied to a fluoro leader on the other side?

now that people have fished with them, can anyone comment on these?

These seem like they are exactly what I am looking for when I am drop shotting and pitching into cover: http://www.tackletour.com/reviewbaitbuttons.html Has anyone used them before? How long do they stay on the hook? Do you guys think the strange color will be too visible for the fish? I'm curious to know what your thoughts are on these.

I decided to pull the trigger on getting one of these rods. I ordered the 6'9" MXF spinning. I'll let you know what I think about it after it arrives and I try it out.