HuskyKMA

Here in the Pacific Northwest, us bass fisherman seem like the minority. It's all about salmon and steelhead in the freshwater, and salmon, tuna, halibut, and rockfish in the salt. I'm fishing for keepers on anything but the bass and crappie, and some trout streams. The bass fishing section of our mostly regional fishing forum doesn't get nearly as much activity as these other species (maybe 2% as much!!!).

My initial throught would have been a 15-20ft deep diving crankbait, but haven't seen that recommended. Can someone explain why that wouldn't be a good choice? Forgive me if it's a dumb question, haven't fished any deep divers yet.

Seems like an odd acquisition, will be interesting to see where this goes.

We have a few local chains, Fisherman's Marine and Outdoor in the Portland metro area, a regional chain called Wholesale Sports, and Bob's Sporting Goods up in Longview, WA. With the Columbia River being what it is for salmon and steelhead, they really cater to that more than the bass fisherman. Seems like a lot of people look down on the bass fishermen around here. Wholesale Sports had probably the best selection until they recently sold off much of that on clearance to make room for new stuff, their prices weren't very good either. For salmon, steelhead, trout, and tuna you can't beat the local shops around me for knowledge and product selection. But for the warm water species, they leave much to be desired.

Sounds like a lot of love for the Powell Max and Abu Veritas. I've seen the Veritas in stores so will check them out more. Nobody around here carries the Powell rods, maybe I'll order one to check it out if the Veritas doesn't quite do it for me. QUAKEnSHAKE I've never had a micro guide rod but if I can find the Smoke anywhere I'll check it out as well. Thanks everyone.

Sigh, this is why I tried to say ignore the fact that I have the Loomis rods now, it's become more of a topic on whether I should sell them or what my ulterior motives may be. Probably should have just titled the thread "best $150 rod?" and not even mentioned the ones I had. I was originally looking in the $100-150 price range, but then walked into the store one day and saw the Loomis ones on sale and snatched up a couple without really thinking it through. Think of it this way, was looking at the $5 rods but bought a $10 rod for $8 on sale. Decided it's more than I wanted to spend, so sell it for $9, and then buy the $5 rod for what in effect is $4. I don't get what's shady about that. True a few people have PMed me about the Loomis rods, but that wasn't my intent and I haven't and probably won't respond to them. Now, which is the better rod in the $100-150 range?

I bought the Loomis rods on clearance at a really good price, so I know I can get my money back and more out of them. That's part of the reason I jumped on them, didn't really know whether I wanted to keep them or turn them for a profit, but I knew I couldn't lose. I am going to sell them now, either on here or another fishing site or on flea-bay. So, totally disregarding the fact tha I have a couple of Loomis sticks propped in the corner currently, what's the best rod in the $100-150 range?

On a whim, I recently picked up some new G. Loomis bass rods. Now, I wish I hadn't spent so much on rods that are probably far to good for my fishing ability or how much I fish. I'd like to sell the Loomis sticks and "downgrade" to some rods in the $100-150 range and would like some advice on which brand/series is best in that pricerange. I would like to go split grip, and hate rods that are really tip heavy. These are some rods I saw on TW that looked interesting, which should I go with? Abu Garcia Veritas Dobyns Savvy Falcon Bucoo Powel Max

The G. Loomis rods are admittingly a little expensive for me, and I'd love more suggestions on ones in the $150-175 range. The Powell rods are right in that price range, but I'm a bit concerned not having ever held one before, even with all your recommendations. The nearest Powell dealer is a 5 hour drive, so that's out of the question, I could just buy the expensive rods for the amount of gas it would take to get there to shake them. Does anyone know if you can return them if ordered online? I've played around with the Lamiglas Excel and St. Croix Mojo Bass rods, and wasn't too thrilled with the weight or sensitivity of either. The G. Loomis and St. Croix Legend Tournament Bass rods on the other hand were very light and sensitive, just d**n expensive. I'd love to find something in the middle.

I want to finally get some nicer rods and reels for bass fishing. I'm certainly no pro, just a hobbyist who likes nicer gear. Below is what I'm thinking of getting for more technique-specific setups. Please pick it apart and make recommendations where you think something different would be a better fit. I'm fishing largemouths and smallmouths in the Pacific Northwest. I'd like to stick to no more than four rods for now, might add a drop shot rod sometime down the road. I think I'm pretty sure on the crankbait and spinnerbait rods, but would definitely like opinions on the jig and worm casting and spinning rods. G. Loomis CBR864 DF Crankbait Rod Abu Garcia Revo Winch Reel (5.4:1) Lipless and shallow to medium diving crankbaits G. Loomis BCR853 Jig & Worm Rod Abu Garcia Revo STX-HS Reel (7.1:1) 3/8 to 1/2 oz jigs (mostly 3/8 oz), weighted plastics, frogs; light to medium cover G. Loomis BSR802 Jig & Worm Rod Shimano Stradic FJ 2500 Reel Unweighted to lightly weighted plastics; light to medium cover G. Loomis SBR812C Spinnerbait Rod Abu Garcia Revo STX Reel (6.4:1) 3/8 oz spinnerbaits; light cover