Dave T.

Wow! I mean WOW! Good for you man!

I would take DVT up on his offer. If you can swing it, and get a custom rod for under $200, I'd go for it. Maybe a MHX blank, with a minimal split grip , Alconite guides with the "true" Concept setup. You won't be sorry you went custom... especially with a good rod builder, and I've personally heard really good stuff about DVT. P.S. I wouldn't go with the kit. Talk to DVT first.

Yep, you are crazy. Not going to happen for that budget. Maybe pick up a Crucial or Avid on sale, or a Powell as you mentioned.

I have an LTB, and I get to fish my buddies Avid in the same power, action and length. Honestly, both are great rods. However, personally, I like the split grip and lighter weight of the LTB. I also think it is a little more sensitive, and has a bit more power in the butt section than the Avid. On the other hand, the Avid actually feels a bit more balanced with the same exact reel. My buddy fishes my LTB, and feels pretty much the same way about both rods. However, he says he's happy with his Avid and wouldn't spend the extra $50 or so on an LTB. So, in the end, it's a matter of preference, or what you want to spend.

I don't know what to tell you man. Maybe some bad line, or your just on an unlucky streak and getting into some places that is fraying the line. I would get fresh line, and check everything on both rods... guides, and even the level wind tunnel on the reels. Next time you go, check the line every couple of casts and see if you see/feel anything suspicious.

It gets me away from the wife... LOL. Just kidding... the wife is great. Anyhow, it does everything mentioned in the previous posts. I spend most of my fishing time with my son, and it is awesome.

If you fish a lot where you can get hung up... I would go with a leader. Floro or mono is fine. The trick with braid and leaders is getting the KNOT just right.

Are you sure you're not breaking off at the knot? If you are actually breaking 25lb floro, or 55lb braid up the line a foot or so, and doing so frequently... something is wrong?

Yep, and if money was no objective, and I lived down there, the 6'10" MXF St Croix Legend Xtreme would be my choice. I've had the pleasure to fish one for a while... it is one powerful rod... just a bit too much for what I need. If you can't "stick em" with that rod... time for a crossbow. The braided line is also my choice.

I'm a big St. Croix fan. As a matter of fact, all my spinning rods are now St. Croix. My favorite rod for plastics is a 6'9" MLXF custom built St.Croix. Most of my fishing is for smallmouths in rivers and a couple of lakes. Down where you are, you would probably want a Medium action rod like the AVID 6'8" MXF. If you end up looking at St. Croix's, keep in mind that their rods are a little "underrated" when it comes to power. Their "Medium" would probably closer to a light medium heavy when compared to other manufacturers.

Are you fishing deep water with mono? Line stretch can be a factor. Obviously, great hooks that are sharp (and kept sharp) is extremely important. Proper hook size and rigging is another must. What kind of spinning rod? A rod with an "XF" tip is my choice with plastics. They usually have a bit more power in the butt section for "sticking them". I'm sure some other folks will have some suggestions. LOL... you posted while I was typing. Again, consider a "XF" action rod with a powerful butt section.

I agree with the above. I've been comparing 15lb Samurai and 10lb 832 Suffix on spinning tackle. The Samurai is indeed the smoothest braid I've ever used, and probably adds some casting difference. However, the 10lb 832 is definitely tougher, more abrasive resistant, has better knot strength, and cast extremely well too. For me, it's an excellent line for smallmouths on medium to medium light spinning tackle. It should be noted, that according to specs (and verified visually) the 10lb 832 is actually a larger diameter (.008) than the 15lb Samurai (.007). If you use the Samurai braid, check frequently for fraying, and make sure you use a knot that WON'T slip. Of course, that should be done with any line, but with the Samurai... do it very often.

I agree... when they are on crayfish, tubes work extremely well.

I'm also a St. Croix fan. I have an LTB, LE, and a custom Xtreme. If it were me, I would also buy the Legend for $10 over the Avid. Although, there is certainly nothing wrong with the Avid... great rods. As others have stated, St. Croix rods seem to be a tad "underrated" in the power department compared to most manufacturers. However, once you understand that, picking one is easy. I go buy the recommended lure weight on SC rods rather than the ML, M, MH power ratings. You know what weight plastic you are fishing with... decide from there.Of course, you also have to consider the type of cover you tend to fish. That should also be a consideration.

Well, I don't know about the canoe part, but the best advise I can give you is to contact Juan at this site... Central PA Fishing

I have the Cabela's rod covers with the built in hook guards. I also have the Cabela's spinning reel covers... work great, and both a must have.

If your intent is just to build a couple of rods for yourself, your better off saving the money, and have a custom rod built for you. A well built custom rod built on a top notch blank to your exact specs, with the best components available is superior to almost any off the shelf rod... period. So, on the other hand, if your intent is to pursue the rod building hobby to a point where you get good at it, you will have better fishing tools... that you made, and if you can sell a few... you might break even.

Excellent man! Nice pics, and some sweet smallies (and brownies) there.

I don't know... somehow those 16" guns look.... smaller on a Yak.

That is an excellent point! Most of our fishing is for smallmouths with spinning gear where the reel isn't put under a strain, so we just need a good reel with a fast retrieve and a smooth drag. It doesn't really need much "cranking" power. For those folks who need the "oomph" when reeling, a tough, high quality reel is probably a must.

Take almost all "reviews" with a grain of salt. Everyone has their own take on what they like and dislike, and some "reviews" are biased in favor of a product (or product line) and some are quite the opposite... sometimes for obvious reasons. When I look for a reel, I decide on how much I want to spend and what features I want. I like a lightweight, high speed retrieve (or high IPT) reel with a good drag. The lightweight/high speed retrieve requirements narrows down my list real fast. Try doing the same. If your not that picky about specific features, you've got a wide choice of good reels in that range.

I place slightly more importance on the rod, but I also want a very good reel to complement the rod.

... or just use braid ;D Just kidding... great tips!

I agree. If you just got a nice custom rod, and you are using a relatively inexpensive 10 year old reel on it, you might want to invest in a better, smoother reel. The CI4 in the 2500 series would be a great choice, maybe a new Pfluger Patriarch or Supreme in the 30 series.

I have a St. Croix LE with the same power, action and lure rating as that rod, and I have the same reel on it. It's a fine "all-around" rod for almost anything in it's lure weight range other than the heavier (anything over 3/8 oz) spinner baits and crankbaits, and that's because the spinning reel isn't ideal for those type lures. With that said, your combo should work just as well. Just put something on there... jigs, jerkbaits, senko's, topwater, worm rigs... etc.