scrutch

I like a split grip for my spinning finesse setups, but I think I prefer the full grip for my casting stuff. I never put my hand back there for more sensitivity, and I can't really see any weight advantage either. I'm not sure I like the feel of just the blank when casting with two hands. I have large hands and it feels too small for me. Which do you guys like, full cork or split grip in a casting rod? And WHY?

You won't be disappointed. Good choice.

Especially when you factor in the alligators and water moccasins that inhabit these waters... Eric, friends don't let friends tow their boat back with their teeth. Next time, give me a call, man! (Not sure what I would have done, but I'd have thought of something...) LOL, Something's tellin me that there won't be a next time. I don't think he'll forget the oar again.

congrats! Now get out and use it before winter!!

Nice! Should be good fishing then. Just sucks when you need help.

I wacky rig most of the time, but it seems that when I do dropshot with a wacky-rigged worm (especially a senko), it ends up being a dink parade.

usually the case for me too. Unless I'm in really heavy cover, or thick sticky grass that I'm ripping through and snapping the grass off.

pretty much the same here in Indiana.

4" senko wacky style

Eric, you mean to tell me that you swam a mile and NEVER passed another boat willing to help you out? WOW. My grandfather told me once "Son, there's a very fine line between BRAVE and STUPID" (I've crossed that line way too many times myself). Always makes for a good story.

That's the rod I use for spinnerbaits, a tad heavy but the best action and power combination I have found. X2

I really find it hard to believe that in the amount of years you have been fishing braid you have not snapped off on a cast. I mean I know I don't do it very often but it has happened more than maybe I'd like to admit. It doesn't take much weight either I casted off a Hollow belly frog with fifty lb power pro. I will tell you exactly how to do if you really want to know as well? never ever snapped on a cast. Did it just the other day fishing for muskys. 50 lb pp braid, palomar knot, and a gigantulous storm soft swimbait. What causes that? The knot? Also... Does the new line squeal in the guides like fireline does?

X2 or is it X15?

Just for the sake of value, I'll cast another vote for the Avid. However, if you can afford it, Dobyn's makes a few great higher end rods that are really hard to beat. I like the fact that there's no foregrip. You can get your hands on the blank much easier, which equated to greater sensitivity.

I have three STX's and I love them. I read a few days ago that some guys were having some quality issues with some curados. I searched for the thread and came up empty. I can't remember the details but I know David P. was chiming in on them. Maybe he can help. I'll shoot him a pm for you. I think he can provide the answers.

cork-split DX 703C 7' 1pc. 10-17lb, 1/4-3/4oz, Med/Hvy Fast Action Senkos, Jigs, Flukes, Texas Rigs, Spinnerbaits cork-split DX743C SH NEW! 2010 7'4" 1pc. 10-17lb, 1/4-3/4oz, Med/Hvy Fast Action Senkos, Flukes, Spooks, Spinnerbaits, Horny Toads, Jigs I was wrong... it's not 3" longer...it's 4" longer.

Been thru that same gradual progression... Ulgy stick...Abu Conolon (walmart special)...st croix mojo...St croix Avid...Loomis 844...just bought a Dobyn's DX 743C SH....what next? First rod's under $20...last rod is $330 Its like the bait monkey's got ahold of me by the testes.

Just went with the 743 myself. The only difference that I could see was the 743 is 3" longer. Just a little extra casting distance, and slightly different balance point. Tough call. Buy 'em both.

Take a close look at the wires leading to those side clearance lights. They are exposed to all the rocks and junk that your truck tires kick up. If they're still in good condition, you might consider protecting them with some of that flexible plastic wire loom.

It was the last Loomis rod on the rack. MUR844C.

(Relax Al, not yours.) I just went to Dick's Sporting Goods to return a broken Field & Stream flipping rod. It was broken under the grip and I didn't have my receipt. They credited me $39.95 for it and I went to go pick out another rod to exchange. After shopping a while I settled on a G Loomis musky rod that will fit nicely into my arsenal. I only get to musky fish a couple times a year. (It'll double as a slop rod when bass fishing.) The Rod was listed at $215. When the clerk rang it up, the price came up as $62. Yes, that's $62!! Unfortunately, I have a conscience. So I asked the clerk to check it again. She called the "lodge manager" (the guy that runs the hunting and fishing dept.) to check it out. He said that it was correct. ON CLEARANCE! I walked in the store with a junky, broken, low budget rod, paid $22 + tax, and walked out with a brand new G Loomis rod. Some days you eat the bear, and some days the bear eats you. Today that bear tasted great!

Just in case you're still wavering... GET THE MAXIMIZER! You can find used MK's for a song all over the internet.

My local Lowe's has a great selection of headlamps. Bought mine there. Not sure about the cycle thing, but it might be worth checking out.

Congrats! That boat looks like it's in showroom condition! Enjoy!

I was poking around the bow of my boat last nite and trying to do some planning. It seems like it'll be more trouble than it's worth. I'm gonna add one more battery in the future and upgrade to a MK 36 volt 101# TM. There's a perfect spot for the charger in between the batteries. It'll make installation a breeze. The only down side will be that in order to get to the bilge and livewell pumps, I'll have to remove the charger. That might require some connectors that disconnect quickly. I don't have any problems getting on plane. When fully loaded, it takes a little more than two boat lengths to plane out at full throttle.