Jrob78

Cool, I didn't preorder but I'm going to try to snag one when they go on sale from another store. I feel like I check it about every hour, I know what you mean about being anxious.

Did you get in on the pre-order for the SV? Any word on when they will be released this month?

Ok, then I think we are on the same page. I was assuming Capt Bob was paying full retail price for his stuff and wasn't aware that a builder could buy wholesale. He threw some numbers out there and I assumed those were retail numbers. If they weren't, my apologies. My comments wouldn't apply if he's already getting a discount from someone. Back on topic indeed!

The other thing to consider is what shape will the river be in this time around. It might be completely different than it was in 2013. This is a tough one to pick.

I certainly don't mind full grips. I prefer the way they look for sure. I just think split grips work better with how I cast. It isn't a deal breaker for me either way though.

I don't know who you're talking to but I never said a split grip allows you to cast further. I do like having that butt grip as a handle for your back hand. I feel like it makes 2 handed casting easier, for me. I'm not sure what you're trying to say. Capt Bob said he pays the same for components and blanks as a builder. If a builder is selling for profit he should have a tax # as a reseller. He then sets up a wholesale account with Mudhole and gets his components, St. Croix blanks included, at a discounted price because he is going to resell them as a built rod. This is how it works with everything Mudhole sells, including St. Croix. Thus, Capt Bob can't get his components as cheaply as a builder.

Buying straight from Japan is the cheapest way to go right now for many items. If the site takes Paypal, they should be good to go. japanlureshop, digitaka and jpangler (.com) are all good places to start.

So what you're saying is a builder with a wholesale account with say, Mudhole, doesn't get wholesale pricing through Mudhole on St. Croix blanks?

Actually, your builder should be able to get everything cheaper than you can, assuming he is doing it as a business and has wholesale pricing with suppliers.

The Elites fish 8 hours all 4 days.

Exactly

I would love to see someone big like St. Croix do a high quality, spiral wrapped rod with micro guides. I don't know how it would sell but I would buy one. As for the split grip, I like em, makes 2 handed casting easier.

Pick what line you're most comfortable with and go for it. I'm not a fan of braid with crankbaits but many people are. My standard cranking line is 12 lb fluorocarbon.

Oh I will. We've had rain and snow all week. As soon as it dries up a little she will get wet.

Not me, I like the I very much.

New deep crank set up.

That's a big bait. If it has the action of the S Crank it will be a bull in a china shop.

There isn't a best fluoro for $12.

I see blue and brown but I saw white and brown earlier. Pretty strange.

I would be looking at the Tatula R and Curado I. Both can be found in your price range and come in a 8.1 and 7.2 respectively.

The MH/Reg is a graphite mod/fast with a decent amount of power. It is great with single hooked moving baits. I don't have any experience with heavy/fast rod.

Lucky Craft LC 1.5

Most of those guys use fluoro for just about everything. I've never seen them use braid for any "tip up" techniques, like t-rigs, c-rigs or jigs, or any treble hook baits except topwater. I have seen braid used with swim jigs, topwater baits, a-rigs and on spinning rods. Most guys pitch and flip with 20-25 lb fluoro. Punching heavy cover and frogging would use braid of course. I pay pretty close attention to that kind of stuff to see how much of what they do can be applied in my own fishing.

Exactly

If you aren't buying some of your tackle on Ebay, you're probably paying too much.