RichF

Probably because Kistler makes fantastic rods? I have a couple older powell max crank rods. They're nice. Nothing special. Not flashy. Just solid rods.

I think so. I like the extra fast tip on it. Works great for me. While I've never used an expride, I do own a 6'10mh and 7'2 mh zodias. They skip fine too but I prefer the extra fast tip on the Kistler.

Helium 3 for me. Although I use the 7'1 H for jig skipping.

They look great but $40...eek.

If you really wanna try FC, wait until next spring during all the fishing sales. I've been able to get pretty high quality stuff for 50% off. Trilene 100% this year. PLine Tactical last. Honestly, I can't justify spending $30 on a spool of FC and I tournament fish!

What are we arguing about again?

Man those are nice fish. I used to pull a few out of Dexter every December. Ugh, I miss upstate NY!

No largemouth will ever pull as hard as that 15+ lb King @J Francho has there.

That brownie is a beaut!

I wanted a z when they first came out but steered clear due to the 50/50 split of reviews. I just got the 7.3:1 off amazon for $101 a couple days ago. Haven't used it yet but it actually feels really nice. For reference, all my other reels are Curados, Chronarchs, Tatula SVs, Zillion TWSs, and a lonely Revo Premier 3.

Check the post right above yours;)

Anybody have any experience? Their yaks look nice and are pretty aggressively priced.

Simms has their Transom Gore-Tex rain suit on sale for 50% for the next 2 days. $360 for the jacket and bibs. Crazy good deal. Simms website.

I flew American to FL back in Feb with my Daiwa Ardito travel rod as a carry on. No issues. TSA did have to remove all my tackle to check it, which was annoying.

Eh, but I'm not fishing the tour level. $200 for a BFL ain't bad.

Refreshing to see a drop in entry fees. Very surprised.

Once you see how well your SV does, you'll want another one. Those things are next to impossible to backlash.

I've used Sunline Super fluoro and Yo Zuri Top Knot. They're within your budget and (IMO) much better than Red Label and Vanish. I've only used 12lb and up though.

But the Fuego doesn't look as cool.

It retailed at a higher price point than the Clarus. Not sure if that makes it better but I imagine it has some better quality components.

TW still has some Shimano Exage rods on sale for that price. Could be a good option since they're more "bass specific" than the Clarus line.

Even with all the negative press, I still wanna try this dang reel. Is that weird? Even if it's not great, $100 on Amazon seems like a great deal.

That sucker is gonna look nice on my Helium 3. The blue is sick!

I have the 7ft MH. Put that sucker to the test on the Big O back in Feb. Caught a bunch pitchin 1/2 - 3/4 oz jigs. Nicest travel rod Ive ever had my hands on.

I'm pretty sure BPS has a KVD Smoke S3. It's got red eva grips. Think it's priced lower than the regular too.