kickerfish1

I am not really sure. They have pluses and minuses like a lot of companies. I had a Recon 714 but sold it. Currently I just have a custom K2 spinning rod. That custom k2 is easily one of the best rods I have ever used. As far as my opinion on the Recon and production rod series I feel they make a good rod. The tapers are a bit slower tend to have a bit more give in them. To me this makes them very versatile. However they are a bit underwhelming for bottom contact baits (not in feel but in power). If I was looking for a Phenix rod for jigs and such I would step up a power more to compensate. The Recon while light in weight, was a bit tip heavy for me. The hookeeper was also a joke as it broke within a week plus the placement was not very good IMO. The blank was outstanding for the price and the looks of the rod made it seem very JDM in that regard. The warranty and customer support were good too. I spoke to Vince Borges with Phenix for about 10 minutes to help pick a rod that would fit my needs. Phenix also offers some lighter powered rods that seem to appeal to the BFS guys.

I hear ya. Not sure why more places dont carry them? Only guess would be popularity. I stocked up last winter. Bought about 15 packs for $30 shipped from a guy that decided he didn't care for them. I love them on swimjigs, C-rigs, and rage rigged. I have enough baits to last me years.

For hair jigs I pretty much get mine from two places. A member here does some great 1/4 oz and under jigs. For the bigger hair jigs I usually buy those from Northstar. Excellent for when the water is under 60 degrees and up until ice up. For chatterbaits I also get these from a member here. Excellent baits with a paddle style trailer like a 3.8 in fact impact or a 4 inch swing impact. I dropshot a lot or Jackall products like the I-shad and crosstail shad. The smaller keitech baits also work very well too. For jerkbaits I would possibly point you to LC 78 and 100 series pointers. If you wanted to try a Duo Realis spybait that would be a nice option as you can count them down to the desired depth.

Good deal. I think you will like it. The reel also palms well too like Core 100MG7 and Chronarch D. Casting distance and ease of casting are excellent. I find the external adjustments to be quite easy to use and adjust for different baits and wind conditions. The retrieve is beyond smooth and the clicking drag is a nice touch too.

Nice combo Dwight! Is this your first Exscence DC? I recently purchased one and not might be one of the best reels I have ever used.

Excellent haul!

Oh man! The suspense! Can we get a clue as to the reels?

Hair jigs, living rubber jigs, dropshot, jerkbait, chatterbait, and a lipless crankbait.

There are a small % of anglers that can afford $500 without a discount of some sort. I have not seen anyone talk about the production rods. I would wait for a 20-25% discount during the holiday season and buy then.

I wish you wouldn't have said anything about the jigs. They are my weakness but $7 a jig... Yikes!

Judging by the photo he seems well organized and diligent.

Congrats on the accomplishment and nice gear too! Weight always depends upon the body condition of the fish and the accuracy of the scale used. I have given up on weighing fish 99% of the time. First it can be harmful to the fish to have its body weight supported in such a way. Second it is much more faster to just hold it up to a ruler in the boat. A fish measured properly (bottom lip closed and tail pinched) is an accurate assesment of size and much easier on the fish.

I would also get the Metanium. The resell value is also a lot stronger.

A Stradic CI4+. Frankly it is just that good or a reel for the price. If you venture to higher price reels it would be the Certate and then the Stella in that order.

Very nice! Really a versatile rod that has good balance and feel. Enjoy!

An EMTF perhaps?

682LS

Not sure if I am missing something but the rod I am referring to was built on the K2 blank like I mentioned.

I have a custom built on the K2 blank. I can tell you there isn't a blank as light as these. They are incredibly sensitive. They do fish a bit lighter than you would think. Not as light as the Recon series but a touch lighter than the ratings you see on the rods. I haven't handled or fished a production K2 but the blanks are very good.

Those species of fish are good sized and probably will require a slightly more powerful rod. As with anything it depends upon the weights and techniques you will use it for. I would probably be looking at a MH rod in the 1/4 to 3/4 oz range for lures.

A jig.

A few Hawgtechs with anodized cast control caps and drag stars. Handles are the 102 mm swept designs.

Finally got this TDZ 100m aquistion figured out for the time being. Sticking it on a Kistler Helium 3. I will get some outfit photos up later and some photos of the reel in better light.

Mine is on a Shimano Cumulus. Rod fishes between a Medium and a Medium Light. Have no idea how it is labeled a MH. I use it for 1/8 to 3/8 oz baits. Sort of mag finesse rod. The rod has been discounted but they are a 3 oz rod that has incredible feel and is a killer jerkbait rod too. Used they often show up for under $250.

Good luck. Hard to tell from the photos but if you can opt for the Owner deep throat hooks. They are strong and sharp. You will not lose many fish with these. Well worth a few cents more. Also you may want to try fishing some with living rubber in the fall. They tend to draw the bigger bites. I have 18 3700 series full of jigs but Mr. Siebert will be getting my business again this fall/winter for more jigs, heads, and skirts. Good prices, selection, quality, and if I need anything special he will take care of it.