RichF

The only think I've thrown on it so far has been a DT10 and 8XD and they flew. I'd be more than willing to toss a 1/2 oz spinnerbait and report back but I won't be fishing again until the end of the month. To be honest, I never really notice a drastic difference in casting distance from 7' up. For me, a few more feet isn't really noticeable. The rod does load really well. The only fish I've caught on it so far has been a 10lb walleye (on the DT10). It's definitely stiffer than my old MH Powell max glass rod and I felt like the trebles were going to pull out at any minute. After that fish, I thought to myself "this would be better for spinnerbaits/chatterbaits." It threw the 8XD great though. I'm not worried about ripping those giant trebles out.

Well this is exciting.. https://www.americanlegacyfishing.com/shimano-curado-dc-150-casting-reels.html?utm_source=ALFC+Newsletter&utm_campaign=fb8e4b9112-NB+3%2F2%2F17+ShimanoSale_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_2400964bb9-fb8e4b9112-124167133&mc_cid=fb8e4b9112&mc_eid=f1bbc9401f

I just got the 7'10 MH composite a couple months ago for super cheap. It's definitely NOT too soft for spinnerbaits. I got it specifically for 5XDs - 10XDs and Spro little john DDs but actually think it would make a better spinnerbait/bladed jig rod than a crank rod. I was expecting it to be a little softer. It'll still work well with larger cranks though.

American Legacy has Steez XT rods 40% off.

Just ordered a Tatula LT...stupid ebay.

Yikes man, too good to be true.

I fished way upstate (two different lakes) with my dad last over memorial day weekend and it was pretty tough. Way tougher than it should've been. No fry and a few small bass shallow near beds. They were pretty aggressive and easy to catch but they didn't seem locked on at all. Just cruising nearby. I still have no clue what they're doing. Seems like they're either just starting or at the very tail end.

I'll be up at the north end fishing a tourney this weekend. Haven't been to Champlain in a few years. I've actually never fished TI but I've heard it's been tough the last few years. So many largemouth are taken from there during tournaments and released up north. I'm pretty sure they don't return so now there aren't nearly as many big ones as there used to be. I'll relay any info next week.

I'm not sure there is a Tatula HD on the CT platform. The HD is built on the original Tatula frame with a deeper spool. It's a bit beefier hence the HD (heavy duty) and meant for heavy baits and line. The Tatula CT is the newer design which is built on a smaller frame than the original.

If you're right handed, Academy.com has the Casitas for $69.99 right now. Both ratios. It's a hot buy so it won't last long.

I'm about to take 18 up to Champlain this weekend for a tournament I'm fishing with my dad. Hopefully after our one day of practice I'll be able to downsize a little but I have no clue what the fish are doing or if we'll be fishing smallmouth or largemouth. If I'm fishing out of my tracker, I only bring 12 or 13 max. 7'11 H Flip 7'6 XH Flip 7'6 H 3/4oz jig 7'4 H swimbait 7'3 H frog 7'0 H 1/2oz jig 7'0 H football jig 7'2 MH swimjig 7'0 MH speed worm 6'10 MH spinnerbait 6'8 M jerkbait 7'11 MHC DT 10 7'3 H glass bladed jig 7'4 MM DT 6 7'2 MHC plopper 7'0 M spin tube 7'0 ML spin drop shot 6'10 M spin shakey head

I also use the 736 as a dedicated bladed jig rod. It's awesome.

I bought the TX a couple months ago, used it once, then returned it. I dig the color and it actually felt really good in hand but...Honestly, I don't know if it was defective but after a couple casts, it started squealing and rattling like something was broken inside the gearcase. Drag was definitely stout and it was pretty smooth on the retrieve. I'm tempted to try it again if it ever drops back down to $63 like I saw on Academy.com but only as a dedicated flipping/pitching reel.

Very doubtful. Were they defective or was it accidental damage?

Cull tags and scales are incredibly helpful (I absolutely use them 100% of the time during tournaments). You should always do everything in your power to keep your fish alive and healthy in the well, so yes, bring ice if it's super hot out, get some livewell treatment, and keep fresh water pumping into those wells. Some clubs provide weigh bags, but you might as well pick one up. I like ones that zip up at the top like my Fitzgerald Mega Bag. Good Luck!

I almost never use stick worms in general but I can honestly say that I've NEVER used a genuine Yamamoto senko. I think it's safe to say I'm in the minority with this one.

The FLW commentators try to explain the situation if you watch the day 3 live coverage on Youtube. It's right at the start of the video. They made it sound like both guys fished the spot the first 2 days but at different times so "technically" both guys had "rights" to it. I think Haynes felt Lambert should have let him have it to himself because he was in the lead going into day 3. I think that would have been more than fair if Lambert wasn't in close 2nd and also in contention to win. I do agree with @Logan S that it was probably more of a statement trying to be made rather than quitting. I can't imagine anyone leaving an almost guaranteed five figure paycheck (and possibly 6) on the table simply because he/she was being a "crybaby."

It sucks that I love tournament fishing so much. I hate that the sport has gotten this ridiculous. And what's with all the comments about how eloquent his apology was. I could barely understand what he was saying!

Are there any pike or pickeral where you're fishing? They could be the culprit. I use Spros almost exclusively and never have hookup issues if it's a bass over 13 inches. Pike and pickeral are just the opposite. The splash is usually bigger, but they hardly hook up. They just shred the frog. Use braid too. It will make a big difference.

I've only ordered something on back order once. It did ship as soon as it was in stock but I got charged shipping again (paid the $5 for 2 day). I'm sure they would've refunded me but I was too lazy to call.

If you can find it, American Tackle Bushido braid is really good stuff. I'm also a big fan of Sunline FX2.

Another fan of this stuff. I have 20lb on a jig rod and use 17 on my chatterbait rod. Its diameter is a little thinner than most heavier fluoros, it handles well, and is pretty strong. No complaints here.

Almost got another Curado K for $108...all gone by the time I got home:(

American Legacy Fishing has Daiwa Zillion rods 40% off and free shipping.

Sweet!