Craiger12

You will need to give us more information about your style of fishing and what presentations you use most. However, I would get a longer heavier rod in the 7'3" range and a reel with a faster retrieve for jigs/heavier t-rigs. I personally prefer straight fluorocarbon for these presentations, specifically Toray Superhard Upgrade in 16#, but I feel personal preference applies more here.

I use an 8' rod for deep divers.

As for a rod, I agree with much of what has been said. I like a long stout rod to help with hook sets, especially now that I fish straight fluorocarbon and not braid. I use a Dobyns DX784ML. I love the length/action of it for jig fishing, but sometimes wish I had a little more power. I really wish Dobyns would make a DX785ML. I would be all over it.

I pretty much only throw 1/2oz now. If I want to go lighter I will usually switch to a shakey head for more of a finesse approach. I have some 3/4oz football head jigs for holding bottom in deeper water, but I rarely throw them. I usually always have a 1/2oz brush/alien head jig tied on.

Don't want to hijack the thread at all, but I'm in the same situation where I really don't do any night fishing. Do you guys still use the black version during the day, or would you choose a lighter pattern?

x2 on the 8-10# CXX. Much stronger than its rated strength and very abrasion resistant. I use it for all my moving baits.

12# P-line CXX

From my experience with all three series, this is spot on.

Is that a hook up ratio issue or something else all together, like personal preference?

SPEEDBEAD - When you say 8" trout baits for water under 50 degrees, are you primarily referring to Hudds or other baits as well? Looks like a jointed hard bait in that pic.

Is that the new Mattlures 10" DT?

Nothing wrong with 15# Big Game.

Not sure what line you are currently using with the ***, but unless you are just looking to pick up a dedicated setup, I say throw some copoly (I prefer P-line CXX in 12#) on that reel and go for it. That stiff rod will help with getting a solid hookset with the relatively larger single hooks found on spinnerbaits and the copoly line will provide some stretch to avoid pulling the hook away too soon. Although they are priced significantly higher, I find the Dobyns Champion 733C/734C to be the ultimate spinnerbait rods. I use the 733C for 3/8oz and 1/2oz spinnerbaits and couldn't be happier. If throwing more 1/2oz then you might prefer the 734C and more 3/8oz then the 733C is the ticket. Type and amount of cover may also dictate which is the better option. However, I throw mostly 1/2oz with the 733C and haven't had any issues at all. Good luck with whatever you choose to do.

x2

Glad to hear you are enjoying the rod.

I will agree with what has already been said. The 4 power is the rod you want.

Dobyns 795MLSB topped with a Cardiff 301A for swimbaits.

Swimbaits

Agreed. I prefer Owner.

Here's a pretty one I got a few years ago. Too bad she wasn't fatter...

Have you tried suspending jerk baits with extra long pauses? I recall a day about 5 or 6 years ago in early March when I was fishing a small pond near where I lived in CT. I was throwing a Pointer 78 using 15-30 second pauses. Caught a handful that day. Different time of year, but water was still very cold.

x2

Looking into throwing some 6" Hudds this coming spring. For those of you who have experience fishing Hudds, how do you set the hook? Do you wait until the rod loads, similar to fishing a topwater frog? Also, what is your line of preference? I was thinking braid will help in the hook set department.

I agree with Brian. From the information you offered, the 784ML is the rod you want.

I personally feel that 6+ is a monster. I don't get out as much as most of you guys, but I have only had 2 over 6lbs in the past few years. I'm satisfied with a 4lber. Mainebass1984 - I've seen the work you put in this past fall and am very jealous. Great work my friend.