DaveT63

As stated above, the Mojo would be a steal at $20.

All, thanks for all the input. Turns out I didn't even wait for Black Friday. I was offered a like new St Croix Xtreme 7'1" MHXF for about 40% off retail and decided to put the savings toward a reel for it. Thanks again! Dave

Thanks for all the input! I hadn't heard of the Dobyns issues mentioned above. Even if their CS is great, it still is down time without the rod. I have a Loomis 842c and a St Croix Extreme I use for 1/4 and 3/8 oz jigs and t-rigs, so was looking for something a little heavier. So now I'm thinking more about the St Croix Xtreme MHF. I just can't find a Black Friday deal as good as the Dobyns. Might have to keep an eye on the St Croix bargain room. Dave

Sorry, left some stuff out. Looking to use it for some light jigging and some heavier t-rigs, mostly. I prefer 7' rods because they fit in my truck better than longer rods, but I'm not averse to going to the 743C if the recommendations are strong enough. Thanks, Dave

AK-Jax86, sent you a PM on a GREAT deal (not mine) on a Avid UL. Dave

I've been given permission by the wife to get one high end rod on Black Friday. I used to have a Loomis MBR843C GLX that I really liked, but sent it off on a trade for something I needed more. I really liked it, and now have a chance to replace it. The Dobyns will be within my allowed price limit Friday, and I've heard GREAT things about Dobyns rods. While I wouldn't get castrated for going over that limit to grab the GLX, I also wouldn't be getting any lovin' for a while. I am pretty much set on one of those two, although I MIGHT consider a St Croix Xtreme as well. But I am looking for feedback from anyone who has experience with both rods. Is the Dobyns equal to the GLX, or at least close enough to justify not dropping the extra cash? I understand everyone has different opinions, and there really isn't a right or wrong answer on this, but I'd like to hear thoughts from others. Thanks, Dave

I would consider a St Croix Premier 6' UL for a rod. You can probably pick up another President or Shimano Sedona for around $50 on black Friday. If you check the big online fishing tackle retailers on Black Friday, you may even be able to bump up to a St Croix Avid and Shimano Sahara for about $150, and that combo will last you as long as you will want to fish it. And I know from personal experience that rod can handle bass over 6lb.

If you look used, you can find a Pixy Type R well under $400. I saw a mint one for sale on another forum yesterday for $325. Great price for that reel.

I am currently using a spinning setup to throw spinnerbaits. I think I have 30lb Suffix 832 braid on the reel. I get a lot of noise during the retrieve. Should I switch to mono to get rid of the noise? How does the noise impact fishing? Thanks, Dave

I have had to deal with St Croix CS twice for broken rods. Both breaks were my fault, so I paid the $50 charge for the new rod. Still much cheaper than buying a new Avid or Elite. As for shipping, St Croix has an agreement with Fedex to help with shipping. You can pre-print a shipping label for $15 that covers shipping to St Croix. They cover shipping back. Again, cheap if it's your own fault. I can agree with the thought that a true warranty problem shouldn't cost the consumer shipping. Some places, like where I live, quality rods with over-the-counter warranties are just not available, so sometimes that option is not as easy as some make it sound.

Like someone else already posted, i would consider used. You can get a WHOLE lot more rod for your money if you are patient. I have even gotten a couple St Croix LTBs from the flea market here for under $125 shipped. On another forum, there is a LTB 6'6" MHF Jig and Worm rod for $125 shipped right now. Dave

I've got a Steez on a G Loomis MBR842C GLX, which comes close at retail. And I've got another Steez on a St Croix Xtreme 7'MF rod, which also comes close at retail. However, since I bought all of them used, I pretty much have less than half of that in each setup. 2 for the price of one!

On my main rod, the one I use about 35% of the time I fish, I started out with a CI4, moved to a Patriarch, then switched that out for an FJ. Still have all three, and I love my CI4 a little better than the Patriarch, but the X-ship in the FJ makes it the smoothest spinning reel I have ever used. I will be on the lookout for the CI4+ before too long, likely to replace the Patriarch. That said, of the three reels, it would be hard to go wrong.

I'm going to try a C-rig tomorrow for the first time. I've done a search, and found all kinds of stuff about how to put one together, and how to actually fish it, but not much on what bait to use with it. I'm thinking that a floating bait would be preferred over something like a senko, but since I've never fished this before, I thought I'd asked for tried and true baits. I was thinking a Berkley 10" PowerBait worm, or possibly a brush hog or baby brush hog. Would these work? What do you prefer? Thanks, Dave

As the others have said, nothing wrong with using the old stuff. It caught fish back then, and will today. To answer your other question, I know of nothing that would make a reel worth $1000. Not to me anyway. I do have several reels that retail in the $400-$600 range (Steez, Pixy, Core), but didn't pay near that for them. Bought them used. I love them, but wouldn't consider paying full retail for any of them. Also, there are a LOT of high quality reels on the market for $300 or less that will do everything those more expensive reels will do, so why spend that? You can find a nice used reel like a Curado E or Revo STX for under $150 on this forum, other forums, or ebay.

I know you are talking spinning, but I have the 7'MF Xtreme in a casting rod. It is definitely my all-time favorite rod. I expect the spinning version to be just as nice. You probably won't be able to find enough good words to describe the difference between the Triumph and the Xtreme.

I love my St Croix rods, and they are generally what I use most. But I have had no problem buying and fishing other brands like Loomis, Falcon, or Powell when I find a good deal on one. 90% of my rods I've bought used from this or another forum at great prices. If I want something, I just check the boards. It will pop up sooner or later at a price I can afford. This helps combat brand loyalty!

Yep, Mike is good!!

Yeah, an ultralight rod is waht I would recommend. 5'6" - 6' long should do the trick nicely.

In my opinion, they are worth the money. I think the Xtremes are considerably better rods all around than the LTBs. Lighter and much more sensitive. I don't think there is any way you will regret spending the extra cash.

Rage Craws are my favorite true craw. I haven't seen it mentioned yet, but I really like the Berkley Chigger Craw. I also love the Reaction Innovation Sweet Beaver.

I recommend the Avid AVS60ULF, about the same price, and the Stradic 1000. The Stradic can be found for a good price used to help you stay under the $300 mark.

If you can afford it, go for it. But you can find it cheaper than that if you are willing to buy used. I found one in mint condition for $325. Use the extra money for a rod that does it justice.

I think he meant heavy in weight, not action.

Yep, call them and talk to a real person. They are very easy to deal with.