Arv

I really like Sunline Sniper. Just bought a spool of Berkley 100% and it seems to be doing a good job so far.

This is mostly what I've read as well. There's a topic on tt comparing the 735 and (I think) the 764. I also just bought the 735, and while it's primary purpose isn't going to be swimjigs, I'm definitely going to see how it handles them. I have a handful of 1/2oz NSCB Flip ' Swims as well

Thinking about it, it really isn't that big of an issue. I fish from a kayak or the bank. No vertical drop shotting. I know a lot of people like shorter rods for their yaks, but I used 7'2 rods all the time so I'm sure an extra 2in won't make a difference.

Thanks Brad. Sounds like the 742 is my rod. I've read so much about it but for some reason I never really payed attention to it until I was in the market for one. I appreciate your help.

I usually use 10# mono. I don't know why I started, but its never given me trouble.

Brad (and anyone else for that matter), how much of a step up sensitivity wise do you feel you get in the DX line from the Champion? Specifically wondering about the Champ 702sf and DX742sf since those seem to be the rods I've narrowed it down to. I realize the performance:money-spent ratio is all subjective, but I do want to get the best rod for applications I'm throwing and not sit around wondering if I got the right rod. Also, I will be using braid+fc leader.

I actually remember seeing that the Champion 702sf is about a 1/2 power up from the DX702sf. I'll take ya'lls recommendations and see if I can find a DX742, and if not, I'll probably get a Champion 702sf.

Unfortunately its a casting. I saw it pop up a day or two ago and thought it was too good to be true... it was, haha.

Thanks Brian. I'm already leaning towards the Dobyns. A big part of me wants to get the 742, but I'm not sure I want the extra length. I appreciate your input.

Hey guys, I'm looking for a new spinning rod. I want something versatile enough to toss dropshots, shakey heads and tubes (primarily shakey heads). I won't be going over 1/4oz, but a lot of what I throw will be around 1/4oz. I don't intend to throw lures around heavy cover or anything like that. Between the dx702sf and the GLX 852JWR which would you guys pick? Thanks in advance. Erik

Wherever I can find a deal. I buy most stuff of the fleamarket here to be honest. I will say, our sponsors do have a great rep and everyone I've ever dealt with has been outstanding. I do go to bps but I'm fortunate enough to live near Springfield, Mo so I can go to the catalog outlet store. I rarely go to the main store haha.

Assuming you're not talking about big swim baits, I'd suggest a 6'6 to 7' m/f or mh/f rod. I'd hold out for a deal at the black Friday sales that are about happen. Personally, I'd look at a Powell max, duckett magic or fenwick smallmouth elite tech. I don't have first hand experience with the duckett or the fenwick but my powell max 683 is one of my favorite rods.

That's up to you.

Personally, I haven't been hooked anytime note worthy enough to make a story out of it. BUT, I was present for 2 pretty good "hookings." First, in highschool, a bunch of us were at a graduation party at a large pond. I was fishing and started to draw a small crowd when I caught a fish. Some one else brought a rod out and started casting and the crowd kept getting bigger out on this small dock. Fortunately, it wasn't me that didn't think it was necessary to pay attention to who was around while casting and accidentally hooked one of our friends in the back of the head with a treble hook. I think his mom wound up taking him to the ER to get it taken out. Second, my brother is almost strictly a fly-fisherman. One year in the Sierra's we dropped him and his float tube off at a lake while we went hiking. When we came back he was already out of the water with a fuzzy black thing hangin off the side of his neck. Apparently, on his back cast he misjudged where his fly was heading and stuck himself. Thankfully those hooks are tiny so it didn't go past the skin, but it did make it tough to push the hook through and cut the barb off.

I don't have any experience with Arigs or swimbaits, but I wouldn't use a Citica or a Laser MG for throwing those. I'm not sure all the reels out there for HEAVY stuff like that, but I'm pretty sure any low profile reel capable of throwing an Arig or heavy swimbait is going to be well above 130. I would look for a round reel to handle those lures. From what you described, that seems to be your greatest need, IMO.

Considering they just came out I doubt anyone has had an opportunity to make a solid review. That said, I've used several powell rods and still do. The max and endurance are both great rods for the money, and the diesel had a good rep. I don't care for the reel seat on the inferno so I probably won't be getting one, but if the rod falls in line with the rest of their rods I'm sure it will be a good investment.

It's really the only cranking I do. Strike King makes some solid cranks at an affordable price which I've had good success with. The 1.5s catch a lot of fish for me. I recently got a hold of some lucky craft squarebills which I like a lot and have produced some good fish thus far. As far as colors go, start with shad, blue gill and craw colors and go from there.

Personally, I would start with cheap mono in case you need to cut our a backlash. I would save my money now and figure out how to cast first, just to be sure you want to continue with baitcasters

For $200 I'd also get a Dobyns Champ on the black friday sales. Or check out the fleamarket. Lots of good deals there!

x2 TW also always has sales. Nothing I'm currently interested in but it may be worth checking out.

Search for a Lews Tournament. You should be able to find one new around 120 if you look. Heck, you might be able to find a Tournament Pro for that price if you're lucky.

Ive never had a knot damage a guide. I tend to use shorter leaders out of personal preference.

Mostly shakey heads and wacky rigs, but I will throw a drop shot, finesse jig, weightless senko and light texas rigs.

not at all. I use a 25 and a 30 on a 6'10 and 6'6, respectively

A rod for those applications, I would look at something 6'6 - 7' M/F. If you're fishing from the bank a 7' might not be a bad idea for extra casting distance. The actual rod will depend on your budget.