b.wedlund

I prefer split grip, but the only thing that is a deal breaker for me when purchasing is if my index finger doesn't come in contact with the rod blank.

Over the past few years I have accumulated a number of "technique specific" rods. Last week, while packing the SUV with 3 friends, rods, food, clothing, etc. for a trip, I had the thought that there are times when I just want to grab a couple of rods that will handle most of the fishing I will do. I would like to get to where I can grab 2 or 3 rods instead of 7 or 8 when I am heading out. Of course there are times when I like to grab more rods, so I will keep them around and I am not technically looking to "replace" them I have a finesse spinning reel that I use for worms and drop shotting that I really like as well as a longer heavier rod I use for flipping and many top water applications. What I would like is a rod between the two that can handle most of the fishing I do. For me, that is a lot of spinnerbaits, in-line spinners, plastic swimbaits/paddletails, shallow cranks and traps. I am open to other options, but because I have liked the series, right now I am considering these two rods from the St. Croix Legend Tournament Bass Lineup: LTBC70MF Teaser 7' M Fast 1 10 - 17 1/4 - 5/8 4.0 LTBC70MHF Sweeper Spinnerbait 7' MH Fast 1 12 - 20 3/8 - 1 4.4 My question is, which of these rods is going to handle the "general purpose" role better, and are there any of the techniques I listed above that you wouldn't be willing to fish with it?

I have been really happy with the Quantum Accurists. I don't know if it is because I learned on them or what, but I prefer them to the more expensive reels that I have had (Although I have never gotten into the steelz, etc.). I am switching almost everything to accurists now. You can pick them up new for $99 or used for around half of that.

I fish mostly in Wisconsin and Minnesota and agree that I have never seen a shad up this way. I will typically throw bluegill, yellow perch, baby bass or firetiger, but I really agree with what others have saying that color is about the last consideration I have when picking a crankbait.

I made a change to these for the first time this year. I have been happy with having almost everything lip hooked. I still have the reflex to set the hook and have lost a couple of fish from that already though . . . hopefully I'll learn.

Basically I have 3 memories. I remember fishing with my parents at our cabin and catching boat loads of small panfish every weekend. As I got older, I remember always being out fished by my grandpa, although he always used the same lure (red & white daredevil). The only thing he ever changed was the size. There is a pretty good lesson in this. Then I remember days of getting skunked with my high school friends and realizing that there is no such thing as a bad day of fishing when you are with the right people.

I start my rod selection at 6. Finesse/Plastic, Crankbait, Swimbait, Topwater, All-Purpose and Spinnerbait. If I plan to do a lot of a certain thing, I will add a couple more rods that I like for that. Somedays I know I am going to be fishing several topwater baits so I bring a couple more rods for that purpose. Some days I know I won't fish a technique at all and then I don't take a rod for that. But typically I am bringing 5-7 rods with.

I am thinking about going out after work today. Bass is still closed in Minnesota, so I am thinking about crossing into Wisconsin to a lake I have never been on, and know very little about. Here is a map. http://www.uwec.edu/hartnesg/SeanWeb/CEDAR.html We are still pretty much pre-spawn and it has been cold the last 3 days. My initial thought is to start near the creek in the NW part of the lake and move down the west side of the lake. How would you guys attack this one?

I held them several times this winter, and strongly considered getting one "for my wife" who fishes about 25 minutes a year. Really though, I have fallen in love with split grips and have always liked the Avids so the idea of combining the two is something that excites me. The only reason I have bought is that they don't make a Pearl in 7' MH. I can't wait to hear what you think of it.

That is a tough price range when looking for a split grip. I am assuming (which could be way off base) that you are looking for an all around rod. If so, I would probably go for a 7' MH Berkley Lighting Shock (which I have a couple of and really like). If I wanted a rod that was more technique specific I might look for a used St. Croix Mojo. We have a Cabela's near here and if I am ever looking for a rod, I always check their bargain area too. A lot of times they have rods that are returned or have had minor repairs to them and you can sometimes catch a pretty good deal there.

I think that between 6'6" and a 7' a lot of the time it is going to be personal preference. It seems like to me you are correct, most will prefer the longer rod for crankbaits, especially large or deeper ones. Froggin, pitching jigs, and swimbaits also seem to be be better suited for many with longer rods. The only thing I personally prefer a 6'6 or shorter rod for is skipping plastics and other lures.

Thanks for the website, I just signed up. I like it!!!

I have gone this route http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0069756124237a&type=product&cmCat=SEARCH_all&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&Ntt=flat+tire&Ntk=Products&sort=all&Go.y=0&N=0&Nty=1&hasJS=true&_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&_DARGS=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcommon%2Fsearch%2Fsearch-box.jsp.form1&Go.x=0 just because I haven't fallen in love with any of the other brands I have tried, and it is hard to argue with this price.

I would recommend Mike at Delaware Valley Tackle. He is on this forum as "Delaware Valley Tackle" and their website is http://delawarevalleytackle.com/ He made a rod for me this winter. It was turned around very quickly, at a reasonable price, and the product was beyond what I expect. I am sure I will be ordering more from him in the future.

I am trying to learn to use crankbaits this year. I am wondering what preferences you guys have for line on shallow cranks. I used a search to see some threads about crankbaits in general. Would the line you use be different for deep and shallow crankbaits? In general, I use Power Pro for almost everything, but I wanted to get some opinions before spooling up a reel. Thanks guys.