RichF

Wow...just...wow..Congrats on an incredible trip!

Never used any Skeet rods, not a big fan, but if you sign up for Sierra's newsletter, you'll get a 25% off coupon every week. Pretty sure it will work on that rod.

7'2 H Zodias at that price point. If you wait for a sale, Kistler Heliums are pretty incredible. I use a 7'6 H and 7'0 H for 3/4oz jigs.

I seriously just wanted a new stock handle...now that I've seen all the cool colors...blue accent upgrades to a Tat SV to match my new Kistler Helium

I'm guessing Carbontex?

I checked that stuff out. Don't think I'm ready to drop serious dime on carbon fiber handles. Mostly stock stuff and maybe different knobs. I basically want a larger stock handle and upgraded drag washers for my SS SV. I think the stock handle is the same as the Zillion SV, just smaller.

After scouring the Daiwa website this morning, I figured I'd have to go that route. Thanks again for the info.

Does Daiwa have an online catalog hidden somewhere or do I just have to call them up? Thanks btw!

Hey hardcore Daiwa fans; where do you folks get your custom reel parts? I know the Tackle Trap has some stuff, but most of it always seems to be sold out. Any info would be much appreciated!

Man I tried...checked that multiple times yesterday. Looks like I'm getting an early Christmas present for myself..

Check out @Glenn's video on culling. I was hesitant at first to tag fish this way because I was afraid the clips would touch their gills. I tried this method my last couple tournaments this year and it worked awesome. No tears and all my fish were super lively when I released them.

Never used a Z Bone but my Heliums, KLXs, and Mags are all incredible rods. To be honest, I don't know if ANY rod is worth $500 and this is coming from a guy who owns a couple St. Croix Legend Xtremes. I have no doubt it's a fantastic rod though. I'm pretty sure Kistler is running a special right now too. Spend $299 and get a free rod. Last I saw there were like 14 free rods to choose from ranging from Mags up to Heliums. Pretty solid deal.

That wouldn't be my choice for cranking. The Legend Xtremes, like all St Croixs, run a little on the stiffer side (compared to most other brands). I have the LXC70MHF and use it for skipping 3/8 to 1/2 oz jigs. It's got solid power for a medium heavy. The LXC72MM would be much better suited for your baits but if you don't want a rod that long, the LXC68MF would work pretty well.

Agreed. The extreme skin is pretty awesome.

Why can't you define sensitivity? You seem to have a handle on the meanings of "weight" and "balance" as they relate to fishing rods. All these words are part of popular nomenclature and have common, functional definitions. A quick lookup of the word sensitivity = "the ability of an organism or part of an organism to react to stimuli." Replace the word organism with fishing rod and you get "the ability of a fishing rod or part of a fishing rod to react to stimuli" (stimuli being line vibration from a strike or some other underwater contact). Yes, the line vibrates and transmits that vibration up to the rod, but different rods, made with different components, will receive those vibrations differently. When those sensations are more pronounced in our hands, we say the rod is more sensitive. I think that's more than a reasonable definition/description of the word sensitivity in the context of fishing rods.

Hmmm...then why do I feel more with certain rods over others? My finger tips don't change. I agree that there is more to detecting a strike than just the feel you get through the rod, but I'm not so sure it's correct to say there's no such thing as rod sensitivity.

Pics from my 2 early bird tournaments the last week of October. Took first at both with my father taking a close 2nd in both. All largies that Saturday (20+lbs) and 26.5lbs of Lake Onatrio smallmouth that Sunday. I NY!

St. Croix Legend Xtreme, Kistler Helium, and Shimano Zodias.

Last weekend in Northern NY was incredible. These were my biggest five of a 70 fish Friday with my dad. Just under 20lbs and Dad had 18.5. We fished ABA early bird tournaments Saturday and Sunday which were even better. I'm at my max for pics so I'll have to make a separate post.

Definitely not the Helium 3s. I just got a 7' heavy for myself and a 7'3 heavy for my dad. They definitely have extra fast tapers and are incredible for jigs 3/8 to 3/4 oz.

Thanks! I have the older Contender and Prodry Goretex jackets. They are incredible as far as being waterproof and windproof. I've handled the Challenger series at the Field and Stream store and thought it was pretty nice. The jackets I have are more of a hard shell and the Challenger fabric is a little softer in feel. I honestly don't think the Challenger would hold up to constant, torrential rain, but I imagine it would be pretty good. I think what makes me skeptical is the fact that it's only 2-layer fabric. For what it's worth, I have a buddy in NY that has the set and swears by it.

Care to share where u found them? I have two simms jackets that are incredible. Never pulled the trigger on the bibs because I didnt wanna drop the $400.

Totally agree. That's why I put it up for sale. Guess I could just get some extra septon grips.

Quantum never gets much love. I had a bunch of their older stuff. It wasn't terrible, just not as good as some other brands. I think they've made major improvements over the years though. I'm sure the new Smoke is a solid reel.

Im pretty sure towns/cities pay BASS to hold their events there. Those events generate a lot of revenue for host communities.