Loop_Dad

No I don't. Frogging rod is the only H I have.

I've never thrown an umbrella rig before. I want to throw one using rods I have, possibly my frog rod (H power, lure rating up to 2 oz.) . What would you recommend to start with? I would like to start off with something small. Thanks!

I have Intex mariner-4. I bought it 2 years ago. It was around $250 ish. This was to be a temporary measure and didn't want to spend much money. I figured if it lasted two years I was good. (And it did.) The reason for inflatable vs other options was small storage space, no need for trailer (and it's storage), can take someone with me and stability on the water. I have punctured 3 times so far, but it is not a big deal for me as pin hole can be fixed with a drop of super glue and bigger one can be patched on site. It has 4 separate chambers (5 including inflatable keel), so I am not worried about sinking. However, a friend doesn't want to go with me because he is afraid (and he is not a good swimmer.) I am excellent swimmer, but I take all safety precautions and very much aware of limitation of this watercraft. I check weather and do not go out when it is forecasted to be windy. I added a solid hard floor out of a plywood which I can do jumping jacks on it. Added rod holders that can tilt so that it is out of my way when I am fishing made out of PVC. Put trolling motor (55lbs), carries two batteries, and a fish finder. If you are thinking about inflatable, think hard to see if you really want to spend 20-30 minutes to set it up every single time. I am tired of setting up and taking it down. I especially hate 20-30 minutes in the morning when all other guys are catching all the fish before I can even get on the water. It is killing me! My living situation will probably change next year and I am hoping my boat situation will change too.

Don't have the experience in freezing cold water, but sometimes casting a single tail grub dropshotted on rocky steep bank worked for me when it was cold for our standard.

Personally, I think how it was designed and how the quality control was performed are more important than which factory it came out from. (I've got a Curado G)

I got 6'9" MHF. The lure rating was 3/8 to 1 oz and I thought it was bit high, but someone said power rating is pretty close to Shimano, so this should do it for me.

Alright guys, some of you convinced me. I've got me a deal on Fenwick Elite Tech Smallmouth. I'll be able to see (feel) it for myself. This would be my first Fenwick in very very long time. Thanks for all the responses!

I'm glad some of you enjoyed the deal. After the shipping, they are practically giving these away! I don't have need for them, but I was really tempted myself. For me, I've just scored Fenwick Smallmouth rod and am happy myself.

I have no idea if these rods are any good or not and the selection is limited, but if you need two inexpensive crank rods, here you go: http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12860128&lmdn=Brand&cp=4406646.4413993.4414792.4414795

We were talking about bottom contact sensitivity...hum. What we were talking about again?

Yeah I know, I'm only asking opinions and not asking for the absolute correct answer, which does not exist. But I hear you. However when enough people mention certain rods are sensitive, I might give a try this time. I might regret, I might not.

Ture and I know. Lots of variables and it is rather subjective. I wasn't asking about me. I was asking about everyone's opinion based on their experience.

I've been mainly Shimano guy. However reading all these threads about folks talking about other rods made me wonder if I am missing something. In your opinion (yeah, just opinion), what is the most sensitive bottom contact rods in this price range. Crucial? No?

Just curios, why they call these smallmouth rods? What are the characteristics of being a smallmouth rod?

What were the complaints from Daiwa fans?

Great discussion folks. A couple of questions: So is there a scientific research online re: migration on LMB? Tom, you mentioned Florida LMB associate with off shore structure...how can I find out if my local lakes in Nor Cal have them or not? (I feel like there was a discussion about this in this forum before...) And my fantasy: If I could tag a few good size bass with GPS tracking in every local lake and see where there are in my living room before I go out , that would be awesome !

Knowing these options helps. Looking for Crucial 6'8" MH/F, but can't seem to find it anywhere offering discount. (Missed TW sale as I was buying something else.)

Agreed. I don't even get why this is a topic of discussion.

Ok, the technique I quoted above worked today. I squeezed the stomach of crappie and I heard the hiss sound, I pinched the tail and hanged the fish head down, extended my arm out and let go. It dove into the water and I didn't see it again.

I feel the same as Chris. I'm no tourney guy, but something sounds very fishy

Like Mark024 said, I'm thankful that I can go fishing. bighead, glad you were safe. What was the water temp? And were you wearing the survival suit from mustang or something else? I'm looking into what I should be wearing as I mostly fish alone.

I have some old (very old) stuff. I do feel old 'good' rod is still good today. Just like old 'Porche" is still Porche. (Not that I have every owned one ) When it come to old reel, the technology advancement is great and you do feel the difference between the new ones and old ones. So I would get a new reel before new rod too. That's exactly what I just did by picking up a Lexa 100. I do also own Citicas. They are in the same price range and very compatible. Lexa has a bit more line capacity. Lexa 100 has $25 rebate btw, which helps. I only took the Lexa out once so far. I'm still trying to figure out about mag-break. I do feel it applys too much break when it is not needed. If I decrease the break, it tents to overrun a bit when the spool speed is at the max. I just have to play it more, I guess. With Citica, I didn't have to spent any time with setting. Body and cover of Lexa felt more solid and fit is tighter than Citica. I have since cleaned out the bearings of Lexa, just like my Citica. I'm going out tomorrow, hopefully Lexa does well as Citicas. (If it does, I'll buy one more.)

What is the deepest water range you would consider using hard jerkbaits, before switching to something else in cold months? What is your favorite deep running hard jerkbait?

I found the following: ///////////////////////////// I can't find who posted this initially, so I apologize for plagerism. But I saw it here and tried it today and it works 100%. Unhook the fish Squeeze his belly until his mouth begins to close or you hear air coming out his nostrils (I guess that's what they are) Drop him back head first so he goes down a few inches under the water Kiss him goodbye cause he ain't floating back up to become gull food. I caught over 100 fish today and released all but 20- not one floated back up. I also showed several other guys how to do this and they were receptive for the most part. Try this and show others and we'll have a much bigger crappie population next year and maybe fewer gulls. //////////////////////////// In this thread: http://www.crappie.com/crappie/north-carolina/161487-how-release-fish-caught-deep-water.html

x2. Totally agreed.