BASSclary

I've been eyeing them at BPS but just couldn't pull the trigger. Next time i definately will 8-)

Very cool idea ! I might steal your thoughts for my girlfriend but i think i'll use top-water !!

Its all a part of learning my friend 8-)

How do those crucials compare to say a BPS Carbonlite?, I know you used to own a few before the hook keeper rusted.

What store were you at? I know at BPS and Gander Mountain it just says Senko

Isn't Abu a reel company trying to make rods? They're primarily known for making reels, but theres a ton of people using the Abu rods now. Just sayin... Yea but I wouldnt buy one untill they have alot of reviews EDIT: And Abu had alot of history in the Bass world W&M doesnt they have mad like ONE bass rod The type of rod is irrelevant. They may have only made ONE bass rod, but thats not to say they don't have quality rods for other species of fish. How do you think St.Croix started in the bass world? They were a fly fishing company trying to get into the bass world. And at first, they probably came out with ONE rod. Sorry if the above sounded rude.

Alot of people prefer an extra-fast tip for topwater, jerkbaits etc. But its all personal preference. 8-)

Its all personal preference

Check out Powell's swim bait rod.

If you have iTunes look up Bass Edge's THE EDGE, and Bass Feed. They are free and THE EDGE is pretty descent from the two episodes i listened too so far, havent tried bass feed yet though.

Perch and other fish are actually in the Bass family, while ironicaly Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, and Rock Bass are in the sunfish family :-? Go figure...

That can't really stop him from using Revo's, he just cant promote them. Skeet can use what ever gear he wants. Pro's throw baits they aren't sponsored by all the time in tournies, but for TV they will most likely always use their sponsors product. For all we know he could have a North Fork Composites blank just wrapped to look like a W&M Tessera.

I used to do exactly what you did, cast, switch, retrieve, and well, I didnt like it. And Lefty reels to me felt un-natural also. So what you can do go in your yard and try to cast this way (What I do now) Put the reel in your left hand (Just like your right when you were casting) and put your right hand at the bottom of the rod. Now if your not a lefty, you will understandably have a not so smooth casting motion. That's where your right hand at the butt of the rod comes into play. Use your right hand to almost make a sort of catapulting effect. and of course use your left hand to thumb the spool. kllrbee, if my blabber is confusing you I will gladly make a youtube video for you 8-)

BPS Carbonlite (REALLY LIGHT AND SENSITIVE!) Falcon Bucoo Falcon LowRider Crucial (Very nice stick) St.Croix Avid ('Bout 20$ over but well worth it) Would you spend like $165ish? If so then consider Powell Max and Dobyns Savvy series.

good for top-water and skipping under docks 8-)

May be out of your price range but the Curado 50E excels at throwing weightless baits

I believe one of the high end St.Croix rods has a nice green to match your Curado 8-)

Paddle-tail seal, next best thing since Senkos and sliced bread.

If your a custom rod builder on here, please send me a PM! thanks

X2

Thanks SoFla, Would this reel excel in say throwing weightless worms and light t-rigs? Im looking for a reel to pair up with my M/XF just for weightless and lightweight worms etc.

Take a look at the Powell Max Frog rods LINK: http://powellco.com/catalog/cat/?id=17

Ive never fished a Curado and I feel im really missing out. :-/

First off, i think everybody feels really good when they get a new expensive toy ;D And even better when they get a stupendous deal! You got a nice all around rod and a pretty descent gear ratio! It should be a nice starter rod and reel combo for you, WAYYY better than what i learnt with. As far as line when you said ripping through the grass, nothing beats braid. I'd say use the mono for practicing, but when you feel you need to step up your line, I would get some Power Pro 40# line (same line diameter as 8# mono i believe.). Also braid is easier to pickout backlashes. You should have a small, yet at first difficult, learning curve to expect, so when your first cast goes bad, dont get discouraged and throw your rod at the ground. Patience is key. Now I figure i'll help explain your baitcasting gear. ROD: Grip it however it feels comfortable for you REEL: Spool tension knob: The spool tension knob is on your cranking side of your reel, and is about the size of a dime. To adjust it, turn the clockwise(towards the rod tip) to tighten the spool tension, and opposite to loosen it. So you may be thinking, what's the right setting? It changes for every lure weight. To set it properly, first, turn your brakes off. Then reel your lure up and let it hang about 6 inches. Hold your rod at about a 40-45 degree angle. Now press down the thumb bar and dont touch the spool. Your lure should fall SLOWLY to ground and when it hits the ground your spool should stop immediately, (at the most, one turn of the spool). If it doesn't fall at all, loosen the spool tension. If it falls really fast, tighten the spool tension. Brakes: Your new baitcaster has two braking systems, Centrifugal, and magnetic. First of all its important to know they brake in different parts of the cast. I'll start with centrifugal. You'll find the centrifugal breaks under the side cover, attached to the spool. To set/adjust your brakes you have to mave the little plastic tabs. Moving them out will turn them on, moving them in will turn them off. Start with 4 on 2 off. ALWAYS make sure that when you adjust them, when you have one brake on, the one directly across from it has to be on. When do centrifugal breaks work? At the beginning of the cast. Magnetic Brakes: These are possibly the simplest brakes to use. Just turn the dial on the side of your baitcaster to turn them on high or low, Obviously 10 being more brakes, 0 being less. Magnetic brakes work on the end of the cast to slow the spool down when your lure slows down. Magnetic breaks are also very helpful in the wind so when its windy turn them up! I think the drag star is pretty self explanatory. I also recommend picking up a neoprene reel cover, and a rod sock. It prevents dirt and grime from getting into your gear, and well, it keeps your combo looking nice and pretty! ;D ;D I hope I haven't confused you with my help. By the way if you have any questions about fishing you can always send me a PM 8-)

I use a pair of i-gogz i got from Gander Mountain at $25 and they work good enough for me.