Dockhead

You may be able to check out a Shimano Crucial at BPS, the drop shot versions are good for more than just that one application. As a matter of fact, I use mine (7'2" - MH - XF) for weightless/lightly weighted soft plastics much more than drop shotting. (Was planning on trying to drop shot more but that hasn't happened.)

I've caught the majority of my lipless crankbait fish the last couple of years on Redeye Shads. This is probably due to the fact that I throw them more than any other lipless crank.

I have several good plastic casting rods, I'm just looking for a true thick stick. The closest thing I have tried is a St. Croix Mojo 7' Heavy. It is the action/power I am talking about, but I was thinking of trying to find something with more sensitivity.

Can I get some recommendations on a good old fashioned broom stick? Under $200, over 7", one piece. Gonna throw plastics with it. Feel free to recommend specific baits and weights you use with the particular rod you recommend. Thanks a lot.

southpascobassmasters.com (small club) bayareabassmasters.com (large club)

That response is very interesting. Hits at the heart of why I started this thread. I used to pretty much just grab whatever rod and put a fluke on it, rather than having a dedicated "Fluke Rod." I wanted to try a Cumara, found a good deal on one, and grabbed it. Didn't really need another texas rig rod, the Cumara was usually just hanging out, so it ended up as my fluke set-up the last couple of months. But it has honestly not gone well. I have now lost 3 pretty decent fish on it. Anything 2 lbs. and under I stick the heck out of them. But all three of these fish came unbuttoned in open water, well on their way back to the boat. So, just trying to analyze what's going on, and that post by JFranco makes me think maybe I'm over-analyzing, which I've been known to do. But at this point I do want something just for flukes, because I've been throwing them a lot and getting bit. Just need to figure out how to get them all (or at least more of the good ones) in the boat.

Interested to see what people are using for this. Please list rod w/ specifics, reel, line, bait of choice, hook, and you can even throw in your preferred situation to throw them if you'd like! I have been using: Cumara 7'2" mh xf Citica 200 E Zoom Super Flukes are my main bait of choice (watermelon red or watermelon candy) 50 lb. power pro 3/0 Gamakatsu superline extra wide gap hook I throw mine in some pretty thick stuff at times, working it quickly and letting it drop through holes, but lately I have been getting bit in some open areas near the cover, fishing them more like a senko (some people might even say I was deadsticking it). In these areas I have been throwing on a leader of 15 cxx.

A Powell, mh or h in the length you like. The 7' 3" would be my choice. Or wait for a deal on a Falcon Cara. The Amistad is quite nice.

I don't know that rod personally, but my all-purpose spinning rod right now is a 7' mh Powell. Throws unweighted worms well and I toss up to an 1/8 ounce texas rig with it. (Anything heavier I will be using a baitcaster.) You might want to consider a reel with 2 spools, then you can do the braid on one and 8 or 10 pound mono/flouro on the other. (Some people just throw a leader on the braid, if they want the "light line factor" as well as the advantages of the braid.)

Thanks everybody.

Thanks. Saw this, but I only see the specs for the heavy rod. The Okuma Guide Select looks like a good deal, anyone want to weigh in on that series?

I'm having trouble finding the specs for the different powers on those rods.

Looking for guidance on a swim bait rod in the $100 - $150 range. Throwing soft, solid body baits mostly (I think). Under 3 ounces, probably more like 2 and under. Thanks for the help.

Looking for some guidance as I get into swim baits. I'm looking to start throwing the soft kind (but not the hollow ones. I already dabble in that arena). Can I get some suggestions for central Fl.? Looking for specific baits (feel free to throw in size and color as well if you fish central fl. waters... ) Probably only gonna throw baits under 3 ounces, and in reality probably two and under. Thanks for any and all help.

I have the rod, certainly seems like fast action to me. No problems with hook sets. Maybe try a longer rod, the 7'3" Powell in the same action and power is one of my favorite rods. Interesting that JFranco mentioned that the rod might just be a bad match for you. I have a cumara that I want to love so badly (and sitting on the deck of my boat or fondling it in the garage I do love it) but I don't know how many more fish I can have come unbuttoned before I kick it to the curb. Kinda like that really hot gal that you want so badly to be compatible with, but deep down you know it just ain't gonna last.

Bass Club Digest is pretty solid. I believe they send free issues to clubs if you contact them.

I have an Olympus Stylus 550WP. For about $100, no complaints. I think it does a great job. Like everything else, depends how much you want to spend. My dad still uses disposables in ziplock bags.

I ordered some of the Vikes and so far I have had no problems with them.

6'6" spinning rod, mh, fast action. Anything longer is cumbersome to me.

I tried that combo on the Harris Chain last month. Actually it was the scrounger "jig", has a skirt on it. Just messed with it a little in the morning instead of a true swim jig, had no takers. With my luck, someone in the Elites probably tore em up on that rig there today.

I'm curious about the z-bone/duckett rods having the same blank. I had not heard this before. Is that something you heard from Boyd or did that info. come from somewhere else? Just wondering, have not held either of those rods but if that is the same blank it would be worth at least looking into duckett's rods.

If you have a pick-up with a topper or an suv, there are air mattresses you can buy that are shaped to fit perfectly in the back. Then you are comfy, and don't have to worry about breaking camp in the morning on day 2. There are also tents that set up over/into the bed of a pick-up. I think they are called sport tentz??

Confuscius say, "Think outside box."

I have both. Even if they were the same price, I'd go with a PQ. Nothing wrong with the Revo S I have, it's been with me for a couple of years with no problems. Just think the PQ is smoother, casts better and has stood up just as well as the Revo - if not better.

Pro Qualifier without a doubt if those were my 3 choices.