BASSHUNTER1961

6'6" M St Croix Avid with a Shimano Chronarch 200E just for starters.

Dark day= Dark color Light Day=Light Color, my favorite color is the black with blue flake. Grab a pack of the Fat Ika's as well. I just got back from my local pond, and reeled in 8 on a black/yellow Roostertail.

NONE.... It slows down the spool. Keep the shaft clean and free of oil, and grease.

Return it and get your money back...

Chronarch, period.

No way are you breaking 65# braid on hook-set, your rod would snap first. You are not tying the knot correctly.

X2

Well, that leaves me out too. Good luck to all who go.

As stated, there is NO bait that will produce in all conditions every time. If I had to choose the one that produces more fish in many different conditions, it would be the Fat Ika and the Senko a close second....

So you tried the reel once, and decide to give up? You got a little sore, and this is normal as you are not used to holding the rod in your right hand, but it will go away after a few times out. If you go to the gym and do a few sets of curls for the first time your biceps will hurt for a few days, and this is normal. Give it a chance.

I am right handed and made the switch to left hand baitcast reels this year, and will never go back to a right hand reel. Stick with it, and you will be fine.

Welcome to the Posse....

I always use a mono leader with braid, never frouro. I use 14# test with 30# braid.

I like ML XF for dropshot and M XF for shakeyhead. I choose both to be 7' with a Shimano Sedona.

Chronarch....

I just picked up a St Croix Premier 6' Ultralight and I love it.... Been catching tons of 1-2lb LM and crappie, what a great time, and a great rod.

I can hook you up with a 7'MH Lightning Shock rod and a Abu Garcia Black Max for $75 TYD both are in new condition. This is a baitcast set-up...

X2

That's one heck of a fish to land on UL gear, congrats... Well, the rod wasn't hers.... It had belonged to her ex who she had throw out 6 months ago, and she was selling off all his stuff LOL. We actually walked out with the rod/reel combo, a 47# thrust Motor Guide trolling motor, a 27# thrust Minn Kota trolling motor, a Pignose guitar amp and two Fender Strats all for $50.00 She said she has a nice canoe out back, and we are going to look at it tomorrow. A guy had got there just before us and was loading 3 HUGE tackle boxes FULL of tackle for $5.00 each, but he missed the rod. It's good to know people do use this type of gear.

I don't hear much about fishing with ultralight gear, and wonder how many fish it on a regular basis? I have not fished UL in many years, but started this past weekend and now remember how much fun it can be. It all started this past weekend when my son and I passed a yard sale and noted some fishing rods. We turned around and walked up and there was a brand new St Croix Premier 6' ultralight rod with a Abu Garcia Cardinal 101 reel attached spooled up with braid. I walked out with the combo for $10.00.... I've been fishing it every day since Sat and I'm having a ton of fun catching these little guys. Who else uses this type of gear and lets see some of your catches. Uploaded with ImageShack.us

X2

I would go with the Premier over the Mojo for the extra $10.00 The Premier is a much higher quality rod that the Mojo. I like a 7' MF for flukes.

I'm going to go the other way here. I would go with the Premier without even thinking about it. The Premier in my opinion is a far better rod feel, balance, sensitivity, quality, and warranty. St Croix's customer service is outstanding, and the Premier is made right here in the United States. I also hate ther reel seat on the Abu JMHO...

The Abu's are pretty darn stout and are normally a power heavier than marked, I'll make a suggestion on my experience. Check out the Daiwa Jupiter at Walmart. I have 3 now and they are fast becoming my favorite rods. I have 2 7'6" H both are telescopic, and one 6'6"MH... I use mine foe froggin in some nasty pads and have no problem pulling some big fish out with the 7'6"H. They are really light and have great feel and sensitivity. They run $59.00 can't go wrong. The Sellus by Shimano is also an option, but I like the Daiwa much better.

No doubt in my mind.... Senko and a Fat Ika.