Rusty Shackleford

Ideally, I'm looking for a rod that can handle anything from jigs and soft plastics to possibly cranks and spinnerbaits. More than likely, it will be a MH/F. I'm not married to one brand or the other, but i do strongly prefer full grips rather than split. Some rods I am considering are the Dobyns Champion 703/733 or 704/734 (possible black Friday deal to get into my price range), Falcon Caras/Lowriders, or the St Croix Avids. Any feedback on these rods or any other suggestions on rods in this range would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I've got a Curado 200E5 on the way, but I'm looking to match it with a decent cranking rod. Right now, thinking about either the St. Croix Avid, AVC70MM or the Falcon Lowrider XG, LFC-4-17. Does anyone have any opinions on either rod? I'm open to other suggestions in that price range. Also, any opinions on the reel?

I keep a log, though not that detailed. Just the species/length/weight(sometimes) of fish caught, on what body water, date, and what lure I used.

I'll probably be throwing in the 1/8-5/8oz range... Nothing bigger than that. Has anyone used Fenwick HMG rods? They also look to be a possible fit. Thanks for the replies so far

Yeah, I know, I'm one of those guys who uses a spinning rod for 95% of all applications, but does anyone have any suggestions for a quality spinning rod for cranking under $150? I've heard good things about the All Star Team All Stars for around 80. Can anyone back this up? Thanks!

BPS is having a sale and I'm considering picking up a couple. Never tried them before. Did a search on here and read good things about both. Any suggestions? I'm thinking 1.5s or 2.5s.

Top: King Craw Bottom: Jesse Ventura

What colors work best for you guys on brush hogs? I think I'm going to pick up a bag or two...

I'm looking to get a versatile setup that I could use, mainly for casting bucktails, topwaters, and/or jerkbaits. More than likely, minimal trolling. I've heard good things about the Abu Garcia 6500 C3, so I was thinking about going with that for a reel. Any suggestions for a reasonably priced rod? I was considering maybe a Shimano Compre Muskie Rod. Hoping to keep the combo around $250. Any feedback or suggestions are appreciated!

Dang... That isn't exactly what i wanted to hear, but we'll try to make the best of it. We'll be launching out of Fair Haven.

The only time my buddies and I can get up there is the last weekend in August... How is the bite that time of year?

Is it worth the price? Are there any reliable substitutes?

If you were a hot dog, would you eat yourself?

In

My friends and I were thinking about heading up there some time in mid-late August. Hope it's not too hot!

Fat Ika - 194 SK RES - Chartreuse Baitfish Northland Reed Runner Spinnerbait - Baby Bass

I've had success on Northland's weedless jawbreaker spoons fished horizontally

+1

Sounds good, let us know!

Chance, where is this new reservoir? I don't live too far away from Toledo and wouldn't mind checking out some new water...

+1

I think the Mepps is probably the better bait...but I use mostly Roostertails due to a significant price advantage over the Mepps at Wallyworld. I make two mods to the Roostertail - I bend over the line tie (similar to a Shyster) to reduce line twist, and I bend the tip of the blade outward - this gets better action on the blade. See the photo... How are you making the blade bend? A pair of pliers?

So i'm trying to slowly upgrade the quality of gear I am fishing with and would like to set up a new soft plastic fishing rig and have a question about rods. I plan on pairing a Daiwa Exceler spinning reel with either a Browning Medallion GT 6'6" M/F or a St. Croix Triumph 7' M/F. Doea anyone have an opinion on which rod is better? I saw that they both retail for around 70, but I can pick up the Browning this week for 40 and the St. Croix for 47 after shipping. Thanks for the input.

Anyone have any favorite lures or tips to pass on? My friends and I are taking a trip in the near future and are planning to do more casting than trolling. Thanks.

thank you!