skeletor6

Pyrrhic Pastiche (The meaning would imply that the jig is Very Successful with heavy losses (to the fish) and that it is a work of art) Tell me that's not eloquent! lol

Great advice!

Yes you can frog with a jig rod. I can get away frogging on a few of my 7' rods not meant for frogging. A 7'6'' rod with an XF tip would be great for frogging and could double for jig work as well. Are you set on getting the Dobyn's Savvy lineup? And the two rods you mentioned are quite different. One being a 7'3'' 3 powered rod and the other being a 7'6'' 6 powered rod. What type of cover will you be fishing in and what is your budget for this rod?

I've read that the rod you mentioned is best throwing baits 1oz-3oz. That is the weights where it reallly shines. If you are going to be throwing those 2-3oz baits I definitely say get this rod. Also note the 795SBML is built on the same blank as the rod you mentioned just has a longer handle. So choosing between the 795SBML and 795SBMT is up to your preference. Overhead casting would be tough on the ML. To address the second part I put in bold depends on if you want to say in the up to 2 ounce range. I've heard the Shimano Cumara 711MHXF is great for fishing anything up to two ounces. You could also use some other techniques with it and it works really well for paddletails and up to hudd 68's. Some other people can probably chime in here better, thats the only one I've heard of that can somewhat compare to your situation. My personal thoughts are that if you are really looking to start swimbait fishing. I would go for the 795SBMT or ML. To me, it sounds like you are going to be sticking right in that 1-3 ounce range and that is where this rod really shines and you will have a true swimbait rod. Some people end up getting more than one dedicated swimbait rod if they find it as a technique they really like. Such as getting a 795 and 806 or 807. If you are really interested in this technique go ahead and get that 795 and see for yourself!

Don't know much about the rod, but anything 25% off is nice. I would use wacky senkos, but also try mixing in some drop shot and other finesse techniques. Working on different techniques is fun and you can still use your senko to do so. Also, the more techniques you work on the better angler you will become and the more tricks you have to go to if certain times call for certain techniques. Regardless, senkos always seem to produce, so go out there and have fun. If you ever decide to get another setup create a thread here first and we will be able to help you out in getting you what you want.

I say go with the Berkley Lightning Shock Rod in 7'MH. Great rod for the price. And a 7'MH rod is probably the most versatile one they offer. If you go to Wal-Mart they are $39.99 I believe.

I am sure the one you listed will be a great rod, but personally I prefer the Dobyns 705CB FAST action. I feel I can do so much more with this rod and it is extremely versatile.

Definitely the Phenix. Although Kickerfish is a cornhusker fan, he knows a thing or two. The upcoming discounts will make the phenix even cheaper. Arv! We've been through this! Lol If you want some more options check out the m1 line from phenix. Phenix is doing some good things in the market right now.

I think we are talking about different rods here. The Recon 764 is a nice rod, but also is not the 715 that I was mentioning. The Recon 715 would have a more versatile length of 7'1'' and plays a little more closer to like a 4.5 powered rod than a true 5 power rod. Which I feel works good in this situation. You are correct about the actions of the recons being more mod-fast. Since you are fishing braid, I do not see this as being a problem at all because of what the recon has to offer. Furthermore, I should have been more specific and that is I was talking about the gen2 recons that are going to be released here soon. They fixed the hook keeper location, made the actions truer to their rating and fixed. Note that the recons are extremely light and sensitive rods. That is why I told the OP to consider them. I've spoken with many experienced and competent individuals who say the sensitivity of this rod falls somewhere between a Loomis IMX and GLX (Sensitivity Wise). Talking sensitivity alone this rod performs well above its price range and you will have a very hard time beating this rod in sensitivity at its price point. I've also had the chance to talk to the owner Vince Borges and with the techniques that the OP mentioned I feel the Recon 715 would be a great fit and would handle all those range of baits including the 3/4 ounce ones well. If you get the time, give Vince a call, call up Phenix Rods and ask for him he may not be available right away, but he'll call you back and will give you an honest comparison about what his rod has to offer. Some cons to consider about the Phenix Recon series though are the hook keeper location, the logo wearing off, and it is a little tip heavy, but is so light it is hard to feel it is getting in the way of sensitivity or is very bothersome lilke I have experienced with other rods. Furthermore, the Recon has Foam grips, some people do not like Foam grip so just know that. I will say though that the gen 2 recons are supposed to have addressed all of these issues. They moved the location of the hook keeper, speed up the action and fixed the logo issue. It is yet to be determined how well Phenix corrected these issues since the rods have not been released yet, but if they are better than the gen1 recons then yuo should certainly consider them at this price point. On the flip side, it is hard to argue against the Powell Endurance. Their tapers are also a little slower than stated so the Ex-Fast action of the 714 endurance will be closer to fast action. It certainly is not Loomis or definitely not St. Croix fast, but this is a good thing. You will find more versatility in a fast action rod since you are looking to do so many different techniques ent weights you willl want that type of action. Also, the endurance has a great warranty as does the Phenix. The attention to detail and craftsmanship of the Endurance is fantastic. Also, if you are looking to build a whole arsenal of rods around one brand, the powell has more sticks out there right now. The powell endurance also is a light rod, not as light as the Phenix, but very light in its own respect. You really cannot go wrong with either rod in my opinion. Both rods have a lot to offer and are different in appearance and how they fish. I advise you to read some reviews on each rod to get a better grasp of the pros and cons of each. Either way, you are going to end up with a nice rod that will certainly satisfy you. Also, while you are looking check out the Phenix M1 series,. Good luck!

For what the OP mentioned, Versatility should definitely be considered in this decision. I am with you fanatic, I would also go with a 4 powered Powell. Nothing against the Dobyn's Savvy, but I think Powell has the Savvy beat on this one. The Dobyn's Champion is where I would start in the Dobyns lineup, I feel Powell does a fantastic Job in this price range. I would also advise you to not overlook some of your other options. The Phenix Recon 715 is an amazing rod for the purposes you mentioned. I've spoke with users who fish Dobyns Extremes, GLX's and other high end equipment who don't mind fishing with the Phenix Recon at all. It is a super light and sensitive rod.

Your points are valid. Not every rod has perfect balance, but some sure do balance better than others. And there are certain rods that it seems like reels were destined to be on. I have similar reels that iabass8 has, and he has given me great advice on what rods balance well with these reels. I've found his information to be correct every time. I am not able to get my hands on as many rods as he has, So his information and experience is vital to me. The reel you intend to use should definitely be factored into the decision of how it balances with your rod. All reels weigh different, thus will cause the rod to balance differently. It's related to Caulfield's decision. As iabass8 has mentioned, some of the rods are more tip heavy than other's. Some to the point where even an 9.5 ounce reel would not correct the problem. Caulfield has to make the decision of whether he wants to purchase a rod that he knows is going to be tip heavy or one that is known to balance well. If I was stuck with a rod that was tip heavy and I wanted to correct the problem then I would go for your method, that is, only if I did not have a reel that corrected the problem and did not have means of selling it. My point is that Caulfield is looking to buy a new rod. I personally, do not find it a wise decision for him to buy a rod that he knows is going to not balance well. Why buy a rod that you are going to have to have to modify just to get it to balance well, when you can just buy a rod that you will not have to modify? Especially in his price range. The weight of the reel of course changes how a rod balances, I never once said it does not. That is why many people will only buy rods in person. They want to see how the rod balances with the reel they are using to see if it will balance the way they like. When buying online this can be a problem, that is why it helps to seek advice from members on the forum who have used these rods with the reels you have and hear their feedback. My whole point to Caulfield, is that he should choose a rod that he knows does not have balance issues. He is looking at buying a very nice, high priced rod, in return he deserves one that is going to balance well for him and his reel without modification.

What's the point of buying a rod over $200 if you have to add weight to the buttsection? I feel that if I am spending that much money on a rod then it better balance right without any modifications made.

Definitely don't go with the MH if you are going to be throwing that light of baits. The M would suit you much better for that application. Great point, its more about how the rod balances than its actual weight. Especially when considering the LTB verse the Extremes, the LTB is known for being tip heavy, I have one and it definitely is. Still a nice rod and fun to use, it just could be that much better if it were balanced correctly. Member iabass8 has had his hands on many St. Croix rods, I would take his advice and get the 7' MF xtreme. Have the same LTB rod Tyler and I agree with you. Not the right rod for 1/4 ounce baits. It says 'finesse jig' on the model that I have, so I thought why not try throw a 1/4 ounce jig on it. Guess we got our differences on what 'finesse' means. St. Croix's are known to be stouter than there rating compared to other companies. My 7'MHXF St. Croix is only rated down to 5/16 ounce so 1/4 ounce would be using it outside its intended use. I will say I love St. Croix's XF actions, they are a joy to use and set hooks with.

I'm with marty on this one, I've fished with both before and it can be done. Just rig the trailer first, then attach the trailer hook second.

I would think the 6'6" is too short to be used for a jigging stick. I prefer at least 7'. Although the bargain room does have it at a great price I would find a deal elsewhere...shoot me a PM mcguirk if u want some more specific advice for getting a deal on a jigging stick.

You could get the job done with the mh/f veritas but I think that's a little overpowered. Veritas rods fish heavier, you'd be better off with a M/F veritas rod. If you can afford a loomis 893c matched with a curado 50e like RW said it absolutely launches senkos. Personally I would go spinning gear in a M/XF or m/f if I was on a budget. You could skip them under docks, flip them, and keep casting without worrying about professional overruns. Plus it would double for drop shot, shakey heads, etc. As for rod selection take your pick Avid, elite tech smallmouth. BPS carbonlight, many rods to choose from. Pick Whatever rod suits you, is in your price range and is in the appropriate action and power.

Yeah, there are many cities I can travel too and it is getting really cold out and moving towards winter. Not very many more fishing days left. People are looking to sell for the winter, I want to buy while the prices are lowe. Hoping I can get a nice boat that would be unaffordable this spring. I noticed people who post nice deals are having trouble selling their boats as well. I am hoping I can find one that fits the criteria you guys have gave me so I am prepared for next spring.

Probably about 6 rods tops. Not a whole lot of tackle, I keep my plastics and jigs in bags right now, dont have many tackle boxes.

Lol, that is true. But what about it in terms of a fishing boat? I am more concerned about fishing at the moment. I like the style of the smaller boats that glide on the water, but is this one a good deal if I could get it for like $2000 perhaps, or should I keep looking? It almost looks like a speed boat and I do not want a speed boat. I want a boat for fishing, it just seems like it may be a good fishing boat, what do you think in terms of fishing. Everything else seems to check out?

For the first one you listed. What could I do with it without a motor and steering? How much would it cost to get a motor and steering and have someone install it for me? It said something about HYD steering....I dont know what that is. Furthermore, it does not come with a trolling motor or fish finder. Those would be two things I need to buy to get the boat even on the water. Would I be able to fish with just a trolling motor trolling me around? Would it be hard to get it on and off the trailer without an engine? Thanks and I sent an email to the guy. The second boat you posted is a lot like yours. Although it is cheap, I texted the guy to see if he could tell me more about it. He said it is a complete mess in the ad and does look like it would require a lot of work. This is work that I would not be able to do myself. How much $ of work do you think it would take on that boat. How about this one though guys, it seems pretty nice, or is there a reason that I should not consider it. http://kalamazoo.cra...3380612750.html Here is what the guy said when I asked him the questions you all told me to ask.... "Hi there. Let me just start off by saying I am a professional marine mechanic and you know all the right questions to ask! Engine runs great and haven't had any issues. The transom is very solid and no movement. I did a compression check on it this spring and have no problem doing it again to show you. Steering cables are in good shape. No damage to the hull and never had any repairs done to it. The gel coat is a little faded but very normal for something this year. I do not have a rear seat, but they are still available and aren't expensive. Don't know much about the trolling motor, it is factory installed so no ratings but it is very strong and moves the boat with no problems. Battery is 2 years old I believe. Never had to charge it this year but that may be different depending on how much you use it. I do not have a cover for it any longer, I've been keeping it in the garage. The trailer tires work but would probably need replacing at some point. All the gauges on the dash work and so does the stereo. The radio doesn't work but I was using a cassette adaptor with an iPod and it worked great. Any more questions just let me know. Or if you want to come take a look at it. Thanks" What do you guys think? It is listed at $2900 and it seems to have everything. Or is this boat not a good fishing boat and too much like a ski boat? Need some input from the expert (you guys) on this. I appreciate the help!

You are probably right. How about this boat you guys? http://kalamazoo.craigslist.org/boa/3380612750.html

Thank you for the comparisons in weight and length. Being longer and saving weight is nice. I appreciate the information. The added length would cause a greater diameter of the circle that is made in the revolution of the handle. So in theory it would take a greater distance to complete a revolution therefore it would be slower. In practice I do not think it will make a difference and actually would be more comfortable. The size of the spool and gear ratio are the main factors that effect speed or line pickup (ipt)

I think to get the best deals your best bet is to get a used rod or buy rods on closeout. I've bought a few rods used and got a lot nicer rod for the money I dished out than if I spent it on something new.

Do you know the weight differences between the handle you are mentioning and the stock handle of the curado 50e?

The hooks on the big O are specially designed by Big O himself. Great hooks, I agree with your statements. If you look closely at them you can see the little differences that makes this hook special, beyond its strength.