Fishing Doug

I noticed the same thing when I received my Stradic FI's. I then went back and looked at the boxes for a couple Symetre's that I have had for a couple years and the were made in Malaysia as well. How do you like the Sustain? I have to say, I am not that impressed with the Stradic FI's. I have only had them out twice so I will give them more usage before giving too much of a review. FD

I have the 783 in IMX and it is my favorite rod. I have it paired with a TD-Z-balances very well. I actually use this rod for nearly anything-definitely think this is a great all around rod. With that being said, I usually have a jerkbait or topwater tied on. FD

It's not so much a matter of them not liking them as much as the folks not wanting to be caught using the bait ANYONE can catch with. There's not much talent needed to catch fish with these and some feel it reflects on their skill to still be in the running but not because of the trick stick because they are versatile enough to still compete WITHOUT it. Many people have won tourny's on Trick sticks and think they are good when in fact they are very limited, closed minded anglers, I think these guys want to avoid being lumped in with that class. Personally, I'll use what catches, I have nothing to prove to anyone. :-? That is not the reason I do not fish them, I simply do not like fishing that slow. Do they catch fish? yes. Do I leave a fish or two behind by not 'finishing' a spot with a Senko/Trick Stick/Yum Dinger/etc? Probably. Am I ok with that? Yes. FD

For the applications you mentioned, I prefer one that you did not mention: LTBS68MXF. My fishing partner has this exact rod and I have it in Legend Elite. I really like the XF action for flukes and shakey head. FD

X2

I voted #3...not a big fan of camo on a vehicle...

I owned a Quantum once-for 3 hours. Not sure why, but I decided I had to have a Quantum Energy spinning reel. Took it out of the box at BPS and it appeared to be working fine, but once I spooled it up and casted with it a few times, the bail would not stay closed. So, I am not a fan of the 'magnetic' bail system, and by default, no longer a fan of any Quantum product. Only reel I have ever had to return.... FD

Thanks, Fluke

Ok, Fluke. Assuming you have had a chance to fish them: 1. what size hook? 2. have you tried them with a weighted hook? 3. how heavy are these compared to the super fluke? (basically, can I throw them with my MH 7ft rod I throw super flukes with?) FD

I slept through it....except my phone kept ringing-my friends wondered if I slept through it. yeah, those conversations could have waited...4:30 am is not my favorite time of day for any conversation...

yahoo-looking for articles, then discovered the forums.

Other: TD-Z's I am one of the few, but I am not a huge fan of the Chronarch 50mg-got rid of it when I purchased my TD-Z's. The backplay in the handle drove me crazy. With that being said, that did not effect the performance of the reel, just a pet peeve of mine.... FD

Congrats on the first catch of the year. Mind sharing your fishing spot or is that a secret? I grew up in Marshall and head back to the farm a few times in the summer. Always looking for another place to hit the water. FD

Actually just mentioned the Compre in a post about a cranking rod. I can't comment on that specific model, but for the $$$, I think the Compre line is a decent rod.

I am going to throw in a vote for the Shimano Compre. IMO, good rod and good warranty for the $$$.....and fairly lightweight as well.

I thought it was the XrK75? I thought the Xr50 and Xr75 both have multiple BB's...the XrK75 has just one..... But, I could be wrong and think that I am throwing the One Knocker............ :-/

X2 this is 20 seconds of my life I will never get back....

Matt, what # test were you using on your spinning gear? I bought a spool of the 6 lb for my Stradics but you are making me re-think that.... I spooled up one of my TD-Z's with 12 lb and fished it over the weekend and I am not super impressed....but...the jury is still out.

Daiwa TD-Z 103P. I believe it is either 5:1 or 5.2:1. I see them on ebay every once in a while. FD

I didnt get to watch the video yet, but is it a Scrounger Head? http://www.***.com/descpageAMSCROUNG-AMSH.html Yep. that is it. Thanks, Speedbead

I noticed he had some interesting lure setups. At 5 minutes and 30 seconds into the video there is a picture of tackle. What type of jig head is the paddle tail bait and Berkley Beast rigged with??? There appears to be a piece of plastic in front of the lead head... FD

take a look at the CBR 843. This is my rod for cranks. One thing I will say, if you throw cranks heavier than 5/8 oz, you may want to look at the 845. FD

X 2 accurate and easy to use.

My fishing partner and I fish lakes that have a 25hp restriction so we bought a Tracker 170 XT w/25 four stroke. Gas for the boat isn't bad but the SUV takes a tank to get there and back-approx 170 mile round trip. I would estimate one day of fishing costs approx $100. If we fish on a Saturday, we usually end up at a bar either talking about how good of a day we had.....or....drowning our sorrows from a bad day on the water! ;D

MBR783 paired with a TD-Z....ALWAYS have this setup with me.