bassinbrian

I like XF for light trigs and small jigs ( around the 1/4 oz range ) 3/8 and above I like a F action. Then only time I like a Mod F would be punching in some thick cover or on a crankbait rod

Steez SPX

I prefer braid for spinnerbaits just because I throw around a lot of Weeds and brush so it makes it easier to get it free ( most of the time ) I use 50lb test for almost everything. As for crankbait line I like Daiwa Steez and Pline 100% fluorocarbon.

X2 Though I still use suffix performance for frogs and punching just because I feel its better suited for heavier weed applications.

March is to early, more then likely the lakes will have some ice. Bass opener doesnt happen till 2 weeks after walleye/northern which will be the end part of May. Not exactly sure when the ice came off but in early April Iv was fishing in Iowa with no ice. Never fished Osakis btw

Sol for sure!

X2 These are great rods You should at least check there site out and read the TT review on them. Built to take some abuse and appearance wise there beautiful.

Daiwa Fuego 100A! It's a fantastic reel and at $99 and take 15% at TW for labor day sale......sounds like a win to me

Treble hooks: 6'6" M XF or 6'6" MH F Hollow Body Frogs: 7'3" H F Soft Body Frogs: 7' MH F or XF depending on cove

I would go with a fast action, its a little more versatile.

I don't worry about it to much, I'm always ready to sacrifice lures.

That would be cool

Not available till October/November. I have 4 on preorder though but it's winter here then so ill only be able to look at them till April of next year

7' Steez SVF MH Fast, Steez 100 with 50lb braid

The reel is on its way, hopefully this week but more then likely beginning of next week. Kinda wish I had the old steez to compare it to. After some use ill give a mini review on my thoughts

Seems like it could be a fun rod

It's to cut weight and nothing to do with sensitivity. I think split grip was originally developed as a grip for casting maybe more specifically overhand casting, I could be wrong though.

Very nice review, Thank you for that!

I'm glad to see there's a few other people that like Daiwa on this forum!

I have also heard people having troubles but after a few years of hard use on mine they show no sign of grooving.

Bass love frogs in Lilly pads

I posted on another forum my initial experience when first holding it and the Daiwa rep I was talking to went step by step on everything on the reel. It was very informative but I'll do a little review If I decide to take the plunge!

No one else is really answering your question other then offering 2 rod recomendations. Since you only asked for 1 rod I still stand by my recommendation. I fish from the bank a lot after work for a bit and it's quite adequate but does spending more money on 2 rods answer the question? Kinda, but not your original question. Honestly just because it's labeled a "crankbait" rod doesn't mean it's the best for all crankbaits. Take lipless cranks for a example, A fast action rod will help rip your bait through the weeds when you pop it up and down or on a straight retrieve. Squarebills is another example on were a fast action rod will help because your usually tossing shallow to shore with weeds or over submerged weeds and I love the extra feel you get when cranking them through brush (You get that little extra sensitivity you need not to get hung up as much.) Both are my personal Preferences and depends greatly on your location and how you like to fish. If you were to want 2 rods I would recommend a 7'+ MH F or XF for your Trig and as for the crankbait rod it would be 7''+ M or MH fast action depending what cranks you throw the most. Generally speaking shallow to medium divers get a M and Medium to Deep divers (Also if you throw lipless cranks) get the MH. Good luck

I got together with my Daiwa rep buddy and got to play around with it. Anyone happen to pick one up and fish with it yet?

I also have 3. 1 for shallow, 1 for medium and one for lipless and deep divers