Arv

I like rods over 7'.

Curious to hear your review. This is a rod I'm looking at.

Curado I

Hard to go wrong at that price point. I used to fish all Lews Tournament Pro's and really liked the 6.4:1 for squarebills and topwaters (I've never really fished jerkbatis). Any of the Shimano reels at that range should make you happy as well. I haven't used the Tatula, but it gets a ton of great reviews too.

At those weights I'd probably look at the 703sf. The 742sf is a nice rod in between the the 702 and the 703. As mentioned, the 702 is more of an open water rod.

Very nice!

Don't know about the megabass, but the dobyns 2 power is a great finesse rod.

I used 8# on a spinning reel for a while. Never had any problems with it, but I didn't use it that long because I discovered my affinity for braid shortly after.

I dunno if its just me, but I don't really care too much. I use mod for trebles, fast and x fast for single hooks. I'm usually more concerned with how the rod feels with the reel in my hand. Sensitivity is more of a moot point now too as I can't tell a lot of difference with higher end rods.

Phenix Recon is what I've been looking at. The 713 might be worth checking out.

Color is lower on my list of priorities. Number one is finding fish. Can color make a difference, I think so in some situations.

Golly. It's just a fun question. Like what's your dream car. No one is asking for justification and money spending philosophies. Just, if you could have any combo, what would it be? I know there's a lot of JDM stuff that I don't know the first thing about, and it's probably a good thing for my wallet. I'd like an nrx and a steez one day though.

Like others have said, hard to go wrong at 200. And, the rod will be more important imo

Roboworm or zoom finesse worm

Do you even bait monkey?

That should be fine. I'll throw out though, that the only shakey head jigs I use are the MegaStrike shakey 2 jigs.

Dx 743c or 744c, probably the 743.

Yes

Can you give some examples of what finesse is for you? And weight ranges? That will help pick out gear. Like some have mentioned, casting gear for finesse applications may mean an expensive or upgraded reel. But, for others, it may not require such high level gear. All depends on your definition.

Yeah! That would be awesome. Thanks.

Yeah, this is sounding more and more like the issue. Other reels I'd set pretty loose with the spool tension. I did the same with the ci4. It's probably what I need to look at first.

I haven't had many issues like this, and when I do, it is annoying but I rarely find it worth getting worked up about. What I will get worked up over is when my safety is at stake. I fish from a kayak and have had pleasure boaters and jet skiers fly by me way to close for comfort.

I do tend to heave my cranks out there. Maybe I'll back of the juice.

It's brand new original pp.

I have the DX 703sf and had the 742sf. I really like the 703, which is why I still have it. I think the 702/703sf combo would suit you well for what you want. If you want an in-between rod, take a look at the 742sf. The one I had I really liked, but just didn't use it enough as I have other rods I like more. I don't dropshot much so I sold it.