flippin and pitchin

For cranking in general, no. For deep cranking all day, an absolute yes. Any bait that generates substantial resistance will flat wear out your hand/wrist be it a large bill crankbait or large bladed spinnerbaits. The torgue of a 5.something will reduce the fatigue from fighting that resistance. I won't get into a brand war, it's the gear ratio that counts.

I think you qualified the question by " most useful?" My vote: Two ply. I guess I was a bit flippant. In my line of work, DNA profiling has had the most impact.

Not all spinnerbaits are created equal. In most cases you get what you pay for. Higher end baits will have a tempered wire, tapered wire or even titainium wire among other materials. Heads will be high quality cast, quality finished and will less prone to chipping. The Hook Swivel and Blade(s) will be top quality and the blades will stay shiney longer. Skirts are of course what most anglers focus on first. I have a few Booyah Virbra Flex baits and they the best model, in my opinion in their line up. The main feature to me is the hole in the bladde is off set and this creates a unique vibration. Spinnerbaits are the way to go, pond or no pond

Giving up your secrets ?

Clearly you have not experienced the 9th Circuit.

Better crankbaits come with decent to very good stock hooks. I fish them until they need to be changed out. Gammi EWG and or Owner ST-36 will do just fine and they are easy to find.

I have a Dobyns Champion 765 Flip. I cannot imagine the need for the 766 unless you are pulling out cinder blocks. The 765 has more than enough power to punch. If you want the entra length, an 805, you should be right there. As mentioned, The Extreme 795 would be oustanding. If you get a 40% certificate, it's the way to go.

P-Line is very popular in my area with salmon and steelhead anglers because of it's strength. I gave it a fair test a couple of years ago and did not find it supple enough for my taste. It is strong but stiff. Izorline is in the same boat. Good strong line, great knot strength but stiff. I'm still a big fan of Yo-Zuri. Why the markdown and reduction of stock is a mystery to me.

Sign me up. I like the Big O Craw and this looks even better for early spring in my region.

Low profile for me. I palm the reel and feel I have more control in the pitching motion. I want light, super smooth and, as mentioned, high speed. Brand is up to you. Lots of great options out there.

Love the photo of the water feature in your yard. Very nice.

Disco

Kent summed it up pretty well. I want the parabolic action of glass, yet a small diameter blank, the ability to feel what the bait, is doing in the lightest package possible. Quality reel seat, guides and a full rear grip in 7 feet. I fished Lamiglas XCT, XCC, Excel and SR705R rods for the last 10 years until I got a Dobyns Champion 705G. I am so impressed with the Dobyns. It's my go to rod.

Bahhhh Humbug !!!!

I am not an advocate of " bouncing " fish. It's hard on the slime film that coates the exterior of the fish and leaves them more prone to infection. A rod designer I know shared that bouncing attributed to more blank failure than any other cause. To place the stress of lifting a heavier fish on a small portion of the blank where the diameter is smaller is asking for trouble.

If you don't subscribe to BAM, you are missing out. Top notch publication !!

I took that guy to the ER last night for detox. I didn't see any thermometer, just that little red button..

Nothing like new stuff. Wait until you get to test cast that Lews. Give a feed back when you can.

My neighbor's cat, during a casting lesson. It fought just like a summer run steelhead. It was carefully landed, unkooked, teated and released to fight another day.

Why yes it is. Present on the way. Doug

Cliff, Are you kidding me ? Happy birthday buddy !!!! Double best wishes to you. I have got to send you something. Hmmmmm. What can I find ? Doug

I just wanted to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving holiday. For those of you that have to work, I feel for you, been there many times. For those that will travel, be safe. This year it falls on my wife's birthday. I have so much to be thankful for and many blessings to count. This marks my wife's 11th year as a cancer survivor. It will be a special day for us. I hope it's special for you all !!!

I think you will like it. Suffix handles real well.

Uncle Josh #1 pork frog Sweet Beaver Zoom super chunk Yum Chunk SK Rage Craw