Hooligan

I'm sort of shocked right now, really. I had the exact same problem with four pair of bibs. It must have something to do with my anatomy, or habits; if all you guys say you've never had an issue, it makes me question what the problem really was/is.

Definitely agree that the 300 size is the way to go. Either rod will work for what you're talking about.

It's considerably more powerful than the St Croix. The Cumara is also faster, and to me, more sensitive.

Have both, love both.

Yes, Tatsu has significantly less stretch. You can get a good set with it at that distance, without feeling like you're setting the hook on a bungie cord.

The guide wear is pretty underwhelming in terms of performance. It leaks at the seams, I've had four pair do the exact same thing. The other thing I don't like about it is the way the jacket and hood is cut, it seriously restricts your vision when you are driving. The BPS 100MPH suit is what I wear now, and love it. It doesn't leak, it breathes well, and it is tough as nails. You can wear it in summer with minimal issue in terms of heat.

The only thing I dislike about the 3x is that they're tough to get a hook through. I've had a lot of times that I'll set the hook on a fish, get them all the way to the boat only to have them open their mouth and be gone. When you look at the bait, the hook hasn't penetrated the plastic.

Bassn is dead on. 893 all the way.

Best rod for the application is probably the SJR 902 IMX. As spinning rods go, it's one of the most powerful.

Really should look into all of the board sponsors, it's due in large part to them that this place is what it is.

On my quest for the perfect crank rod this year, I believe I've found the three best rods that suit my deep crank needs. I fish a lot of water that has weedlines in the 20-30 foot range, and we often find ourselves ticking the tops of that grass, even ripping in and out on occasion. When I need to really get after a bait, the Cumara 7' Heavy Med-Fastt is the perfect rod for the job. I like the 7' length, and don't feel that I'm losing all that much in casting distance for this technique. I fish a lot of deep baits on this rod, such as the Little John DD, the DD22, Koppers Craw, Rapala DT20, and LC Flat CBD20. The second rod that I've fallen in love with is the Lamiglas SR705R. It's a beautiful casting rod with a tremendous amount of power in the butt section of the rod, yet still has a soft enough tip to protect your trebles. I really, really, really like this rod for fishing squarebills as well as deep diving cranks. I very often switch between this rod and the Cumara; I'll have two different baits rigged, one silent. Often times following through an area with a silent bait will get you bit. Sometimes, too, the different color of the same bait will cause a strike. The final rod that I've been using consistently is the Cumara 7-7M. IT really excels at 3/8-5/8oz baits in grass, as well as lipless baits across the board. I like the power that it has, and yet again, it has a great feel that you can tell just what the bait is doing. You can really get smaller deep cranks to work rock and wood very well, bouncing and deflecting lightly off things. It's the best lipless bait rod I've ever thrown, it will rip small traps out of grass with ease, as well as move large baits with no issue at all. The biggest thing that appeals to me about this rod is that it does very well as an all around rod from squarebills to moderate deep divers. You can fish a DT14 or DT16 on it with no problem at all.

The same as I fish the rest of the year, with onl minor variations. I may fish a 1oz spinnerbait instead of a 3/4. I may fish a 3/4oz jig rather than half, or I may fish a 1/4oz over a 3/8. The only lure I use in fall that I don't use during the rest of the year is a top secret jerkbait.

From those I've talked to, the factory setting on most of the Nitro jackplates are between 4" and 4.5" below pad. So, from what you're saying, you're hitting that magic mark of 3.25-3.5 below pad. Like it was mentioned, keep an eye on your pressure gauge.

They're not a bad smallie swimbait at all. I used them on the Miss earlier this year with great success. It was that and a Northstar Hidden Weight spinnerbait that put me in check cashing position. It's got great action, too.

Post of the day, right there.

The Mosquito is a super hook, as is the Owner Wacky. That said, I've had no issue with the Gamakatsu. I use it in small sizes with great results, both dropshot nose hooking and wacky rig. I fish small plastics on the size 2 and 4 quite frequently and have no problems with hookups or losing fish. Most often, they're in the upper lip or corner.

7-2 MH Fast Cumara, 7-2 MXF Cumara, 6-8 MH XF Cumara, and a 6-8 MXF Avid. Depends on which rod I've got in the boat and which isn't rigged with either a 4" Senko or dropshot.

I'm assuming it is crooked, as in not straight.

http://www.animatedknots.com/snell/index.php

All I'll say is that they're far more pleasant in hand than the Reese rods.

Best? That's entirely subjective. I could throw out a Calais 200DC and a Steez Flexlite, it'll only cost you about $1100 to decide whether or not you like it. Some people will hate it, some will just like it, some will love it. On the other hand I could throw a blade on a Cumara CUCX69MH with a Chronarch or a Curado and get the same results. It's all about what you want to spend. "Best spinner bait combo" is far too general to answer effectively.

So, you guys don't see any performance difference in terms of plug size and number? I'm somewhat confused now and here's why: 2010 Z8 with 225 with a 26P fury 2 plugs, 3" below pad, 5500 rpm, 8" jack plate, GPS of 72.8 MPH. Keep everything the same, minus the plugs and it's 5700 RPM and 76 MPH.

In all reality, yes, the Avid AVS68MXF is a better choice for weightless plastics and the like. It's a pleasant rod to fish, by all accounts. My singular complaint with my Avid is that with my bear-paw hands, I sit on the threads of the uplock at a goofy angle that sometimes bothers me. Like I said, it's my singular complaint.

Will it fish weightless plastics? Yes. Is it perfect? Not really. But it'll fish a shakey better than anything you've ever had your mitts on.