curls00

LOL, Walmarts around here have sweet d**k all for fishing stuff. They have YUM tubes for $7.99/pack. Mister Twister tubejig heads for $5/pack, etc. They never carried Chunks and if they did they'd probably be priced at $9/pack.

I'm on a mad hunt for a couple dozen packs of the Crawdad color of 3.5" YUM Chunks. I cannot find them anywhere, and every place I look seems to have less and less stock of all colors of YUM Chunk. I know that YUM recently released the "F2" formulation for many/all of their baits, but I've yet to see the YUM Chunk anywhere in the F2 scent. I might have an anxiety attack if I can't find these (LPT or F2 I don't care which!). Does anyone know if they're done with this product, meaning I need to search for a replacement? (On that note, has anyone seen the Netbait Paca Chunk in "Alabama Craw" color? Does it look similar to Crawdad in the YUM Chunk?). Thanks.

I used the 7'3" H/XF for pitchin' into the same situations you listed. It was good, but a tad heavy (literally, not power-wise). This year I went with a much more balanced Kistler Helium II LTX 7'6" (Heavy action, soft tip though). The Vendetta in H/F or MH/F... I'd probably recommend the MH/F as it'll still have plenty of backbone to pull fish out of nasty cover (mats), but the other 99% of the time it'll be better for your intended purposes (weedlines, grass, brush).

Here's a hint to not break rods in car doors: Only have ONE door open (passenger front). Put rods in tip-first (carefully) towards the drivers' side rear window glass. Once in, place butts of rods at the floor where the passengers' left foot would go. Close door.

Of the three options you listed, I'd put the Mojo at the bottom. The Verdict and Veritas are both excellent rods -- the Verdict giving you more transportability options with its collapsable handle (coming from a car guy, this is a great feature!), but the Veritas uses "Nano-technology" which is also used by many other manufacturers in an effort to strengthen the rods against nicks and scrapes that weaken rods with 'normal' construction. To me it sounds like the Veritas might be the perfect rod for you -- it's also extremely sensitive so it sets up well as a jig rod.

0119 is right. Simple Green, even diluted, can hurt aluminum and make it dull and pitted. I know from first-hand experience with my polished aluminum cold air intake in my car -- it's now a nice shade of dull grey with what looks like water spots (but its actually etched due to the diluted Simple Green). If you're going to use it, dilute it a lot -- 4:1 or more. Also, don't let it sit on metal parts -- just scrub with an old toothbrush and rinse immediately.

I love to pitch 1/2 and 3/4oz jigs into moderate cover (deep weedlines, around pads, thicker scummy weeds, and everything in between). I want a new rod as my 7'3" Vendetta is getting frog duty this year. I can't go any longer than 7'6" if telescopic or 7'4" if fixed-length. I have my eye on the Verdict 7'6" MH-Fast. But, the 7'3" would also be on my radar. Should I bump up to the 7'6" length? I'm tall at 6'2", so the length shouldn't be an issue... but what advantages do I get with the extra 3" vs the disadvantages? Opinions welcomed!

Veritas spinning rods are the same way. Interesting, and I suppose it was intended.

To me, a balanced rod is one that requires very little torque or effort to raise or lower the rod tip. IE: The balance point is closer to the reel than to the first guide. Tackletour uses the balance point in inches from the middle of the reel seat, without a reel, as a point of reference. If a rod is tip-heavy, you'll have a balance point that is far (12"+?) from the middle of the reel seat. If you have a balanced, or "butt heavier" rod if you will, the balance point will be closer... say within 8" of the centre of the reel seat. What does this mean? Less fatigue in the wrist and forearm after a day of fishing! More sensitivity, as the rod requires less muscle force to hold "steady" thus freeing up receptors in your hand and fingers to pick up on subtle bites or changes in bottom composition. Balance has nothing to do with side-to-side balancing. I guess if you wanted to, you could attach your reel to the rod, let the reel hang below the blank, and then see how far forward of the reel you need to move your finger in order for the combo to "teeter" on your finger. That's a representative balance point of that COMBO. For reference, most of my combos balance out to within 1" of the reel seat winding checks. Or, a bit back of the hook keeper on most newer rods. To me, they feel balanced!

I would also recommend the Citica 201E. I own the same reel and although it's a 6.3:1 ratio (all Citica's are), they're great all-purpose bass fishing reels and have a ton of performance for the price. I also own two Quantum PT-series baitcasters and they have performed very well. When buying new, though, the Citica is a better value, IMO.

I ended up picking up the 6'6" MH/F spinning rod today ($69.99+13% tax!). However, I will likely be returning it and getting a 2010 Kistler Magnesium 6'9" MH/F "Finesse Special" spinning rod, used, for only a few bucks more. Good choice?

If I got bass regularly over 5lbs, I'd be very successful in tournaments around here. The 7' rod seems to suit my style more than the shorter 6'6" rod, but again the MH vs M is my sticking point. I need opinions on both powers... pros and cons for each... for a tournament fisherman looking to not lose a single fish all year in tournaments.

I'm looking to convert most of my rods to Abu's after great experiences with the Vendetta's. I want to find the perfect spinning rod to use for tubes and wacky rigs. I'm not sure if a M or a MH is appropriate, and considering the Veritas are slightly more powerful than their ratings (from what I've heard), I'm thinking the Medium action rods are best for this. Model Lgth Line Power/Action Lure VRS66-5 6' 6" 6 to 12 M XF 1/8 to 1/2 VRS66-6 6' 6" 8 to 14 MH F 1/4 to 3/4 VRS70-5 7' 6 to 12 M F 3/16 to 5/8 Of these three, which is recommended? I'm tall, so longer rods are not an issue for me (my baitcasters start at 7' and go up from there). For line, I prefer 30# braid and often use a fluoro leader for wacky rigs or tubes. All opinions and insight appreciated!

SeanW: Sorry to hijack the thread, but I'm looking at that exact Verdict (7'6" MH/F) for my pitchin/flippin, usually 3/4oz jigs. How's the rod performing? Is it actually lighter than the already very-light Veritas line of rods? Opinions very much appreciated!

Wow, great discussion, thanks guys! I see the logic behind the tip 'speed' being one step slower (fast vs. XF) for braid. However, if the action (heavy, med-heavy, etc...) is speaking to the backbone strength, then how is this relevant to being more versatile? IE: Wouldn't a heavy action mean it's easier and quicker to horse the fish into the boat vs. a MH or a M action rod? Since I fish 75% of the time in tournaments, and only 25% of the time for pure relaxation, my goal is to get the fish into the boat ASAP and get back to fishing. Would a MH be more sensitive vs. a H blank, if their tips were both rated the same? Would a Fast tip be more sensitive than an XF tip? Keep this discussion going, it's great to learn more and get more educated opinions! Cheers, Eric