rangerjockey

When I bought my first NRX , I believe that was in 2012, I thought they were ground breaking. These days the margin has narrowed to the point that any $250 or so rod will be as good as they were back then. Now ,if you just want a NRX or another high end rod by all means get one. You only live once , but don't expect it to equal more fish in the boat.

When Lynn Reeves bought the Lews name and brought them back the headquarters was right down the road in Springfield. One of the things they offered was a outstanding tournament rewards program and everybody was switching. You weren't going to catch any less fish with them and Mr. Shimano wasn't going to visit the Ozarks and hand out checks. I still have some team lites that Look like they have been hit with a shotgun blast but still fish and cast fine. They also gave out sunshirts and hoodies and I still have a complete wardrobe. You could always come on down and enter a few local derbies and bring your superior equipment and prove it.

So, what makes your opinion carry more weight than anyone else's ? Your just looking for a pizzin' match. It's like golf clubs, you can have the most expensive forged in Japan on a Thursday before lunch irons and still not be able to break an egg.

I realize this thread is 50 years old but having been down the "prostaff' road for 3 or 4 rod companies let me offer my thoughts. First, If the agreement requires you to buy a set number of rods per year, run. It's nothing more than a sales tool to move rods, reels etc. Even if they give you 40% off they are still making money and moving inventory. If they truly want you to represent them there won't be any strings attached.

I wouldn't believe half of what you read on social media. Especially when in comes to fishing rods with all the pretenders out there who broke it on a hook set on a 1 pound fish. Personally, I wish manufacturers would just do away with the warranty or go to 30 days and adjust the pricing accordingly.

I've never had a issue and all I throw are the Keitech 2.8 and 3.3.

I'm not sure if they are any better than the others but I use the Cool Baits.

Personally, I would use a trailer hook. They swat top water a bunch. I wouldn't blame the line , just one of those days. I'm not a fan of braid but for top water it just makes sense.

Don't get discouraged. It's not the time of year to be throwing the stickbait at least for me. It's a winter time suspended fish deal. FFS has changed that some but I personally wouldn't bother with it until the water temp is below 60 and I'd rather have 50.

No Chance. 25MPH winds equals 3 or 4 foot rollers around here. There will be better days and I'm not that mad at 'em.

Not to confuse you but the virtus rods are made in the old Falcon facility in Harrison Ar. As you may know Falcon moved production off shore a 4 or 5 years ago. Virtus rods mimic the old Falcons and to me anyway they feel like the older T7 blanks. I just sold off 3 Cara's and replaced them with the corresponding Virtus Red's. I believe the Amistad equals the Virtus Ranger.

For smaller stuff the poppers and sammy's I really like the Witch Doctor Surman 50G in the medium power. For the plopper and 3 hook walking baits the ALX toadface is a dandy.

The cara is worth the upgrade and the Amistad is a great choice. They are plenty sensitive and personally, I don't care for the exposed threads on the expert.

I have talked to someone at Fenwick twice. Neither time did I think I was speaking with someone who Knew which end of a fishing rod was which. Sucks it happened but in the future I would recommend ordering from American Legacy. They would have taken care of you the same day.

That thing is huge, 1.5 oz. May as well just throw a flash mob Jr.

Could you have the spool overfilled ? You probably know this but always close the bail hand, never with the reel handle.

Yes, I'm sure that's the case. Virtus is made down the road at the old Falcon facility. I only have the red series and 1 that was a prototype that has silver wrapping and a black winn grip it only has sharpie markings on it.

I had a k2 and the sensitivity was outstanding. I personally thought the grip was kinda small but I'm sorry I let it get away. I just got a feather 7ft 1 M spinning rod and I'm impressed.If you are familiar with Phenix you know they fish lighter than labeled. As to the warranty they were part of the GSM buyout and ALF is now selling them. I don't have any concern with anything I buy from them. I recently saw a Virtus rod that was labeled Virtus/ Phenix so the times they are a changin'. . .

The warts were in a Buzbe and held up fine. No moisture at all. A second had some squarebills in it and shattered the lid .

Yes, 2 lines in the water are better than 1 for establishing some kind of pattern. I have a couple buddies who guide here. Lets face it, 90% of the people they guide can't really fish. They are tourists who want to experience a famous lake. So, this time of year they will be drop shotting night crawlers. It's the easiest and safelist way to get a family of 3 or 4 on fish. It's a different trip for the other 10%.

I've been using the ALX McSmalls for awhile and really like it. You, in theory should pick up some casting distance with the 7'6 rod.

It depends more on the time of year and water temp. Around here in the winter they ain't gonna bite it no matter how sunny it is. This time of year with the fall transition I'd give it a try and keep one on the deck if I see them chasing bait.

Yes I'm aware of his involvement with NFC/Edge. He also let TFO use his name some 10 years or so ago. I'm not sure that was a good idea,

I have or had 1 Edge rod. It was a good rod but I wouldn't buy another. I'm sure he has input in the NFC/Edge deal .

Any reel that casts and can roll up slack will work. When it comes to fishing stick baits it's the Indian not the arrow. Of course ,it's your hard earned.