Arv

I bend the hook out a tad bit on my octopus hooks so the point is not directed as much towards the loop. Its really not much, but I feel like it helps me get better hook ups.

Sunline Sniper is the way to go if you ask me. Never tried Tatsu, but I also can't personally justify spending that much on line.

There's a good deal out about them now. They aren't the be all end all, but they are definitely quality, especially for the price they can be had for.

Ive heard great things about the aetos, but I dont know many people that use them. I think at that price it will be hard to find a bad rod.

Pq, revo s, citica are all that I have experience with and would recommend. Ive also heard good things about the daiwa lexa although I have not ever fished with one. If you can shop around you can probably find a lews tournament speed spool for 110ish which would get my personal vote over the others.

At 100 the bps pro qualifier is a great reel. Although, if you can up the price a bit more you can probably find the lews tournament speed spool for around 110 new.

What techniques are you going to use? What cover are you going to be fishing? I have used most of the major brands out there, and you really cant go wrong with a budget of 300/reel. I mostly go with Lews because I can find the Tournament Pro for around 150 and, IMO, that's the best bang for the buck that I'm aware of. I do like Shimano and Abu Garcia, as well as the BPS proqualifier.

Definitely need more info. Whats your price range. What type of fishing will you be doing. What rods do you have already. What rods are you looking at getting. There are tons of great options out there at almost every price point. Just depends on you as to what youll get

I keep meaning to do this, I always default to creature/craw trailers though

Over $200, I would loot at a Dobyns Champion or Champion Extreme. Under $200 I would at a Powell Encurance, Powell Max, Phenix M1 or Phenix Recon. St. Croix also makes good rods in all price ranges.

Put it on both rods and decide which one you like more. I really feel like its going to be personal preference at this point.

I know... I'm thinking real hard about it... Its just not a necessity right now. I guess worst case scenario I could just pass the deal on to someone else if I don't wind up using it. Convincing the wife will be the next task haha

Ok. Thanks guys. That makes more sense.

I've heard its fine for reaction presentations, but I want something that does a good job with bottom contact presentations. I've also heard a lot of mixed reviews... I really just need to get out and fish the rod.

Wondering if anyone has experience with the two. I currently have a Dobyns Savvy 703 Micro spinning rod. I'm not wild about the microguides as I like braid with the option of a fluorocarbon leader, and I've heard a lot about the dead feeling of the savvy. I haven't had a chance to fish it yet so I don't really have any applicable experience. The Savvy is well balanced, but that's really all I have to say. The reason I ask is because I have an opportunity to get a JM Carbonlite for 50bucks, but I would have to sell the Savvy if I get it. The Carbonlite I'm looking at is a 6'8 m/f. I'm looking for an all around spinning rod that I can use for weightless plastics, shakey heads, light top waters, etc. Please let me know what ya'll think. Thanks in advance.

P.S. I also fish from a kayak.

I use a Powell Endurance 695cb for those applications, except for weightless plastics. They don't make this specific rod anymore but there is a Powell Max TW Squarebill crankbait rod on sale at TW now. My guess is its virtually the same rod, just different looks. I used to have it paired with a Lews Tournament SS and I liked the combo a lot. I've since switched that reel to another rod and use a gen 2 stx to put the TSS on another rod. I feel comfortable throwing other things on this rod like spinnerbaits, although its not my first choice. TT did a review if you're interested.

I broke one which was my fault, but cs still worked with me. The replacement and my other rod where fine.

Unless you get the Veritas Winch, I wouldn't use the Veritas for cranking. It is a powerful rod with a fast-extra fast tip. I tried running squarebills, mid divers and lipless cranks on my 7' and 6'9MH when I had them and hated them for those applications. However, for spinners and frogs, a 7'MH/F is a nice choice.

I don't think you could go wrong with any of those. I would lean towards the Champion, but, IMO, the M1 is not too far behind for a bit less money. I haven't used the *** or the Recon but I hear awesome things. I do like St. Croix rods, but they are tip heavy from my experience so I don't like them as much as some of the others. Like iabass said, if you can wait till black friday sales, you can get those rods for considerably less.

I own a gen 2 STX. I like it a lot. Great casting distance, smooth retrieve, drag does a good job. I use it on my squarebill/lipless rod with 30# braid and I can chuck a 1/2 lipless crank forever. Its a pleasure to fish IMO

In shallow water yes.

I feel like you can get a quality spinning reel in that range. Pflueger and shimano both make some that people like.

You might want to consider the Fenwick Elite Tech rod as well. I haven't used one but they get outstanding reviews and are within your budget if you get a 50-60 dollar spinning reel

I use the 7'2 H/XF. I like it a lot. Light, crisp, balances well. I like it for heavier jigs, trigs and c rigs.