smallies24/7

I bet he won big fish.

If it were me, I would put a Daiwa Alphas 105 on it. That little reel has blown me away with its casting distance and versatility.

Oh it is absolutely much heavier. I was shocked when I bought mine as well. I also have a Champion 702sf, and my *** feels almost double the power. I bought it for the same purposes as you, and it is not at all like I expected. I now use it for deep water structure drop shotting.

Im so with you. I have so many rods that I bought, fish for 6 months, really like but dont quite love, and would love to get rid of for good value just so I can continue trying out the many offerings the market has to offer. To be honest I havent compared them and tested them for balance side by side, but what I can tell you is they are both two of my most balanced rods. Possible slight edge to the *** just because again, that blank feels like air, but I have nothing to concretely base that off of. Both super balanced, you are just splitting hairs with that one.

I have 3 Envys, the 6'10 ML finesse Spinning, 6'10 M casting, and 7'1 MH/XF. The only Orochi XX I currently own is the Flat Side Special, but have fished with the EMTF and will be ordering one within the next month. The *** and Orochi XX are very close to me, both amazing rods, but Id give the slightest edge to the ***. It just has that weightless air feel to it, extremely responsive, light blank, and definitely that overall "it" factor. Not putting down the Orochi XX in any way, it is a terrific line of rods. Just for me personally, I prefer the overall feel of the *** by a slight margin.

The rods I have fished around the 220 mark give or take are the ***, klx, avid, champion, endurance (discontinued), orochi xx, max 3D, Irod air, and Lews hm85, and of all those I would recommend the ***. These are all great rods, but the *** is as close to perfect as I have found so far. The KLX feels great, but I have the 6'9 MHF jig rod and t isn't fast enough for me. It doesn't get to the backbone quickly, so I feel I lose too much power with that rod. It's now a spinnerbait rod for me. I like the Dobyns, but feel you are paying a lot for the name and could get a better rod for the price imo. If I had to rank my top 3 of this list, it would go: 1. *** 2. Megabass Orochi XX 3. Endurance Those are just my personal opinions from the experiences I have had so far. Hope that helps.

Did an Internet search and didn't find much, so figured I might as well ask. What is the benefit of a shallow spool for a spinning reel? Casting I totally get, but with a stationary spool on a spinning reel, what are the benefits?

Frydog, what makes you say they would die? I catch smallies almost year round in 45+fow and I have never had one die. As long as you play them slowly and allow their air bladder to adjust and release them quickly, they will be fine. If ones air bladder does get inflated, just make sure you know how to fizz a fish. It is simple, and you can get a fizzing needle for less than $10. Learn how to do it online, it takes 5 mins and then you shouldn't have any problems

Are you fishing in Washington?

I need a score and 30 yards and its mine. Maclin can do that.

WELCOME BACK KAM!!!

I went from the VMC wacky hooks to the Owner wacky hook in 1/0 and will never change again. Hook up % is darn near 100.

Hey guys, I am looking at investing in a new rod for dragging 3/8-1/2 oz football jigs over rocks and sand in 15-45 fow since I do it a lot. I have been looking at the Kistler Helium 3 in 7'3 H/XF, 7'4 MH/XF, and the Megabass Orochi XX EMTF. I was wondering at such deep depths, if I should use a heavy rod? I currently use a medium heavy, but at these depths, was wondering if a heavy would result in better hooksets or if it is overkill. I will be using 30lb braid with 12lb fluoro leader. Would you go heavy for better hooksets, or is it overkill? Thanks

I like the 13 *** finesse 6'10 ML/XF and the Dobyns champion 702 as those are what I use, but I have also heard great things about the Orochi XX ds rod. I've also heard St. Croix are quality rods, but slightly tip heavy, and that's a big no no for drop shotting.

All I did on my last few trips. Dragging it in rock in 20 fow, getting over 30 smallies a day with a few over 5. Dirty jigs swing head and a hula grub.

893 as well. Forgot to list it.

Looking at getting an NRX for 3/8-1/2 oz football jigs, dragging rocks and sand bottom in 20-45 fow. Which nrx is best for me? is the 3 power too light, is the 5 power too heavy? Looking at the 853, 854, 873, 894, and 895. Thanks

I like 1/8 in less than 10 fow, and 1/4 deeper than that. Dont fish them much deeper though.

Another this vs that thread. Searched and couldnt find anything. Just got a new deep crank rod, and wonder which reel would be better for deep divers? Mostly 6xds, would be 5.1 ratio.

I have three of the spinning 6'10 m/xf spinning rods and they are a great rod for $100. Durable, sensitive, and make a great heavier drop shot and senko rod. I like them at $100

I bought a Pair of them for $350, and they are a great all purpose reel.

Went to a local tackle shop to pick up a few small things and walked out with a Megabass Orochi XX Flat Side Special. Should make a great lipless rod

I had a spool of 8lb Yo Zuri Hybrid, and no matter what, it kept snapping at the knot. Every time I tied on a crankbait or a hook, (used palomar knot and san diego jam) it would snap at the knot when I tightened it. I wet the knot and I tie very dependable knots with every other line, so do you guys think it was just a bad batch? Hesitant to try it again despite how much most of you guys love it...

Had to pick up one more Gen. 1 *** before theyre gone. Got the 7'3 MH and an Alphas SV 105SH to go with it. Also picked up my first Hudd 68.

Yeah, I have had two tourney pros for about a year and a half each, and have had my Tatula and Tatula type R for about a year each(although I just sold my Tatula). I prefer the tournament pro because to me, it palms a lot better. It is also much smoother on the retrieve, and I got more distance out of it than I did with my Tatulas. Also felt it handled lighter baits a little better. It is lighter (6.7 oz vs 7.9 for the Tatula) and with the light rods I use, it felt better to me. It also looks better to me, but that's personal preference. But I have small hands, so the palming was a big factor for me. Smoother in my opinion, it was a clear winner for me. Hope this helps.