northern basser

I have the 6'9" MH casting rod and it is a nice rod! For the $ you can't go wrong with these rods. They are light, balanced, and have good sensitivity for a rod in that price range.

My Pflueger Patriarch XT with abec 7 ceramic bearings and Lew's toury pro handle knobs.

I picked up one of those te200gt's used for my dad for $195.00. I went through it, cleaned and lubed, then stuck some abec 9 bearings in it before I gave it to him. I was REALLY impressed with this reel. Before the new bearings the spool would spin for 8-10 seconds. After I put the abec 9's in it spun for 32-34 seconds.

Bubba takes lines and clears obsticles that other can't or don't, gets ahead, then finds a way to crash Villopoto will be tough to beat.

If your fishing from an open shore, I would agree on the 7 footer. However, if there are any trees, brush, obsticles etc.... you might want to opt for the shorter rod. As for the reel, I would get the faster one. You can always slow down your retrieve if you need to.

They are definitely nice rods for the $. IMO that price range offers a lot of nice rods, Powell, Abu, Shimano....... I have owned several rods in that sub $200 range and I would rank the Ducketts right up there towards the top if not the top. The white color doesn't do much for me, but I'm more interested in performance.

Try being a Vikings fan this year.

I have 3 cayennes that I got for $70 each also. Love these reels for retail($139.99) so $70 a piece is a steal. I'm going to get one of their new reels soon (Komodo).

I have a 3 year old also and I don't know if I'd call it help when mine is assisting me in anything.

I think it was a mistake. The sale was done as fast as it started and now they don't even have a ci4 to look at online. I'm a couple of miles from a cabelas store so I went down there and grabbed the last 2. The sales guy at the fishing counter was doubting the fact that they were on sale while he was looking it up. What sux is I had to pay tax on them vs. no tax online.

I like to have nicer reels, but would still do 60% rod and 40% reel. Give or take a few dollars.

I'd get a cabelas XMLti rod (on sale for $119) and put one of the new white stradics on it($179). Very nice combo.

Removing trebles is definitely a plus if you can.

I have that exact rod. Its a nice rod for the $ no doubt. Not a big fan of the color, but its not that bad. The rod is light, balanced and easily at or above its price point for sensitivity.

Cabelas XMLti rods are on sale for $119. Excellent rod!

What length and power are you looking for? I have numerous nice spinning rods that don't get used much because I mainly use baitcasters. Let me know. I can set you up with a way nicer rod than the ones mentioned for the same price.

I was complaining about those thick knobs on the xt in a post and someone pm'ed me to see if I wanted to trade for the Lew's knobs. He knew they were a perfect fit cause he had already done it. Each knob has 2 bearings in it and they interchange perfectly.

I broke down and got a NRX 893c. Put my Pat. xt w/ abec 7 OS's on it and............ the lakes are pretty much froze over around here. I might have to break down and go to the local river for a few casts though. I've used the reel plenty, but I've never had this high end of a rod. It will give me something to stare at all winter unless I take a vacation to a warmer climate.

Leaning to the side of caution, I've always went with 4" for snomobiles and quads & 10" min. for smaller vehicles. Never know when you'll find a spring or thin spot.

Shimano Chronarch 50mg

The XLT is far from a knockoff of any reel. Its unique reel that easily competes w/ any reel in its price range.

I wish the 50e came in the same gear ratio as the core(28 IPT).

I read somewhere that shimano isn't too happy that he will be making rods again.

Whats up. You can't add links or manually type a web site on this forum cause it will automatically sensor it.

Okuma Cayenne. It is a nice reel at regular price and a must have at $69. The reel is small, solid (aluiminum sideplate on handle side), comes stock w/ abec 5 spool bearings and has 10lbs of smooth drag. I have 2 of them and if they came in more gear ratios I'd have more. I tried to add the link, but this site won't allow it. Anyway it is: monster fishing tackle (outdoor proshop) then go to the bottom of the page and click on Okuma. As for a rod, I would definitely look into the cabelas XML and XMLti rods. They are sensitive, very durable and they are on sale often also. IMO they are better than any rod in their price range. I sold my Dobyns champion because I thought the XML I got on sale for $79 was more sensitive and performed just as good.