Jrob78

Agreed, there are no rules in fishing. Put the handle on whatever side feels best to you.

I have the Columbia Drainmakers also, I am happy with them. The Zeko shoes are the other ones I would consider.

Fishing kayaks are a lot more stable than you might think. A big fish can pull you around a little bit but you aren't in any danger of it tipping you over. I've got a Wilderness Systems Ride 135 that I can stand up and fish out of without fear of tipping over. Kayaks are good exercise, a lot of fun and get you off the bank.

That's a very versatile rod. You can use it for light jigs, t-rigs, spinnerbaits, swim jigs, walking baits, chatterbaits, buzzbaits...........

Jig for me too, usually a football head jig.

Heavy is a power, not an action. You have to decide what baits you plan to throw more of. Personally, I like to throw all but the lightest jigs on a heavy powered rod. I throw most of my regular t-rigs on a MH rod. If I had to pick one or the other, it would depend on which I planned to throw more often.

Micros set up properly on a casting rod offer some real advantages over standard guides. They aren't for every situation though. The vast majority of my rods have micro guides but they are all customs. I don't fish braid with leaders and I don't fish in freezing, icy weather. If you buy a production rod, micros or not, look the rod and the guides over very carefully. Make sure the guides line up and don't have any cracked or missing inserts.

Grande Bass Rattlesnake and Lake Fork Ring Fry are my 2 favorites. I'll c-rig a 10" worm sometimes too.

XCalibur XR50 and Red Eye Shad are my 2 favorites.

I'm a big Powell fan and i'm glad they are coming out with a high end rod but I wish they would have done something else with the handle. The grip and fighting butt are the same as all their other rods and I hate the aluminum piece. You can buy similar pieces at rod building suppliers and they seem cheesy to me. I do like the reel seat, guides and warranty though.

It's a solid entry level Daiwa reel. It isn't the most refined but is a good reel for the money. I had one several years ago that I've since given to my brother, it is still going strong.

I don't know much about the ci material but if it behaves like a non-corrosive magnesium, i'm interested.

I feel for you man. The crack down on prescription drug abuse has made it nearly impossible for a lot of people to get the help they need. The dr's have to worry more about covering their butts than treating patients. I don't have an answer for you but I hope you get the help you need. Be really careful playing with narcotics without supervision, it can get ugly.

Can't wait to see what they have to offer. I hope the Chronarch moves back to its proper place in the lineup instead of the white Curado it is now.

The 68 is awesome. It's big enough to be considered a big bait but small enough that it isn't overwhelming if you're just starting out. They are releasing them pretty regularly now too. I really like the new "blueback herring" color. I'm ready for the weedless 68's.

It's a good looking bait. They are supposed to have a flat sided, deeper running version as well.

The 100d is my favorite Curado. They go for $80-$100 used in good shape. I would scoop them up and resale them if you don't want them. Bummer, never mind.

I see Yamamoto is releasing a line of hardbaits and new plastic shapes. I love ICAST!

It is quite possible that the Citica and Curado G's along with the Chronarch E were only meant to be around for 2 years. I mean, none of them are new. All 3 are rehashed reels built on existing frames, just given new paint jobs, names and frame material in the case of the G reels. I could see them doing that to buy some time until they actually had something new to bring out. Especially after they saw the reception that the repainted reels received.

I would try strolling/long lining to get your bait deeper. Short of the 10xd or waiting for a countdown to sink, there aren't any other option at that depth, crankbait wise.

Good answer!

They look great!

The rod and the gear ratio of the reel are both meant for cranking. They should work fine. Whether that's the best combo for the money is debatable but that's neither here nor there really.

It sounds like you lost the side plate off the reel. The EXO has a poorly placed switch to open the side plate, it's easy to trip by accident. I have no idea what Quantum will do for you.

I agree that a longer rod will be better for those techniques. I would also get a heavy powered rod vs. a medium heavy. You will be throwing heavy weight on a c-rig and a MH probably wont be enough rod.