BASSclary

yeah, I think i'll just drop the lettuce for the Extreme. I've decided since i'm getting a dedicated finesse rod, i'd get the better one. Plus I really like the ACS, as dumb as it sounds. Im gonna wait a week though, just to make sure I really want it, and make sure there's no better deals on it

Depends more or less on what crankbaits your using, and your style of fishing them.

Agreed. If I remember correctly I saw a holding call, on the punt renturner. That's right, the RETURNER. How is he holding someone!?!

I'll be using light fluorocarbon, so no issues about braid.

Yup. The sell that reel at Wal-Mart as part of a combo. I wouldn't upgrade it, but keep it for a "loaner"

Well, nature called hard and strong, so I left it leaning on the tree within eye sight of the bathroom. I'll be sure to make a report and check out the Pawn Shops.

My god, the calls are TERRIBLE! I can't wait for the regular refs to come back...

I've already got my jersey on, wings defrosting, and fed my dog from the Dallas bowl. Down with Oakland!!!!

I found that the White 832 is very easy to see for line watching, but the blaze orange they have in the Performance braid is very nice as well.

Well, its all my hard earned money, with most of my job going to insurance every month, the little I save for fishing make rods decisions tough. It sounds like the Extreme is a no brainer, but I just wanted some assurance. Did the Extremes from last year have the NSI also?

Man, it sucks. I cried for a minute today when someone stole my Daiwa SOL and St.Croix premier. Obviously, I assume checking craiglist and eBay for it would work, but is there anything else I can do? I assume insurance does nothing, or little to for stolen equipment. I know that sports equipment is covered in our insurance for stuff like fire's, and natural disasters and such, but it was taken while I left it to go to the bathroom. It wasn't in a car, so I doubt I have any coverage. I cant believe someone would take it while I was 100 ft away. Also, if anyone has any replacement SOLs they'd be willing to part with, please check my WTB post in the Flea Market. I really want another. So is there anything I can do? Im assuming i'm just S out of Luck

I've been eyeing a true finesse specific casting rod lately, and after losing an auction for a 681C (discontinued, VERY hard to find) Powell, i've been looking at Croix. I was looking at the Bargain room and saw that they have a 6'9" ML/XF casting rod, in both LTB and Extreme, (Last years models). The LTB is somewhere like 120 and the Extreme 180. I was wondering if the difference between the two is worth the cost? I love the reel seat on the Extreme, but the ECS is still good and I dont mind it, and an ACS isn't worth the difference to me, and the guides are quality on both and dont have a preference for those. Want I want to know is how these compare, especially in balance and sensitivity. I know they're relatively short, ML rods, so balance shouldn't be an issue, I think. But I've never handled the models and would like to know your thoughts on the rods. Thanks, BC

Better bearings is common among all reels, but Daiwa has tons of options for aftermarket spools. They're extremely low weight, which offers faster start up speed, and doesn't have a lot of inertia to slow down with the bait better. Granted they run about 100 dollars, if your throwing ultra finesse, it may be worth it.

I highly recommend you try one. If you like the Saavy's you'll love the Powell's

Powell Endurance. They are simply some of the best rods out there for under $200, and quite frankly, I wasn't impressed with the Saavy series, and felt they were a little over-priced.

I've never really thought about it, but I'm not good with coming up with new topics.

In that case, I would put more emphasis on the power of the rod, handle length, and weight. Your really gonna wanna make sure your rod can cast the baits your throwing. A MH cranking rod will no load up Squarebills, and a lighter rod will feel stressed with those 1 oz deep divers. And to keep those trebles pinned, I would say atleast a mod-fast is required. Some prefer glass to graphite, but you can get very parabolic rods in graphite now, and graphite weighs considerably less. Another thing to consider is handle length. Winding on those cranks all day can be a PITA with a shorter rod handle, so I'd opt for a longer on so you can tuck in under your arm. The longer handle length will also help catapult those lures farther. And then to keep from wearing down from casting all day, you need to consider the weight. The lighter the weight, the less fatigued you well feel throughout the day from launching those baits. If your looking for something under 100 bucks (like me), i'm strongly looking at the Powell Diesel Cranking rod. It seems to fit my need, and I really like the fact that the rod weighs in at only 3 oz. Thats fantastic. Its also a glass rod as well, so you really get that nice deep bend in your rod. From what I hear its fairly sensitive as well.

Everything is factored into personal preferance really. Lighter, better balanced, components used, blank material, and certainly aesthetics come into play. Use what ever you like, want, and can afford. Powell Max's fit me perfectly. Obviously, everyone has their own tastes. These are what separates rod from rod.

I hardly ever use my spinning reels. A good finesse casting reel will do a spinning reels job, but more ergonomic and comfortable for me. I use a Curado 50 and Daiwa SOL.

If you havent already considered it, take a good look at the Powell Diesel Glass crankbait rod. It has that nice parabolic bend that makes glass awesome for cranks, but the Powell only weighs 3 oz It's a 7' MH, so I think it'll suit you very well.

If I had the chance, (and a stable job), I would without a doubt move to the eastern coast of North Carolina. The fishing is plentiful, and your right there to do some salty stuff as well. I also really like the lifestyle accompanied by certain areas of the state.

Yep, most if not all of my fishing is done on a M/XF rod. It just suits what I use better, being I hardly EVER throw baits over 3/8 ounce, most are 1/4. Most of my plastics are weightless too. They're just more comfortable, and better to fish with at the end of the day. However, if I was using 1/2 oz jigs, and bigger baits like that, obviously the MH would get the nod. It's all about matching lure weight to rod power. and application to action.

Fiametta isn't on the team anymore, because we upgraded to get Vickers from the Texans. I will agree our offensive line is a mess, they're all oung guys and right now we couldn't pay to keep them healthy. Our pass rush is fine, we've got Spears, Lee, Ratliff, and not to Mention Bruce Carter, who is a rushing mashine. Miles does have some hammy issues though, but last year he had to jump in with no offseason, and the ones now i'm chalking up to regular training vamp injuries, that a lot of players get. He will be fine come the Season Opener.

No problem!

Use complete fluoro. If you just use a leader, sure fluoro will transmit the vibrations to your braid, but the braid will give you nothing to your rod. So it will still feel as dead as straight braid. I only use braid for frogging, and techniques like jigs where i'm always on a taught line.