kickerfish1

What temp and how long do you bake those cupcakes?!

You mention you are up north and the uniqueness of the weeds. I have fished quite a few lakes in northern and central Minnesota. The 893 would fit the bill if you have the funds. The DX742 is a great senko rod for the 5 inchers, but not around cover. It isnt as powerful as the 893 but is more powerful than than most 2 powered rods. I feel it is about 2.5 powered rod. The 893 is likely a 3.5 for comparison. An 894 would be overkill for a senko. Just snag a rep sample 893 for under $400 and you should be set for next year.

Haven't fished the new cumara rods (red ones). I do have 4 of the previous generation rods one of which is the 7"2 Medium powered fast action casting rod. Is this the rod you are thinking about it or is it another model? If this is the rod then I really like it for quite a few techniques. However, I don't feel like the rod is a true finesse rod if you were trying to light line and finesse fish with light weight lures. It is a great weightless plastics rod, light jig rod, and light texas rig rod. I have even used some cranks, lipless baits, and lighter spinnerbaits/chatterbaits on the rod it worked very well. I have customized Chronarch 50e on mine and love it. Bought it for $100 when TW was closing them out, a great performing and looking rod.

Yes, for a NIB reel. That reel has a lot of nice upgrades as well depending upon what you may want to change with it should something not be to your liking after using it. Finding them in this condition and price is quite rare. I would personally scoop one up if the funds were there.

As long as the parts aren't plastic, you can remove them and send them to the guys at Hawgtech to have them anodized. You can pick from about 8 or so colors so there should be a color that suits you. I had them do 2 reels and they turned out quite nice. Prices are pretty fair as well and the guys are outstanding to work with and do a good job of getting back to you in a timely fashion. I would call or email Mike and Robert for prices and what they can / can't do.

Same here, as well as jigs.

If it is a spinnerbait only rod the Savvy 734 is a good rod that weight range and any type of cover. This is what I use mine for as well as smaller soft body swimbaits and occasionally a swim jig.

If you could track down a lightly used Shimano Cumulus 6"10 MH casting rod it would be my first choice. The blank is one of the best Shimano has made and the rods are among the lightest as well. The model I am referring to fishes close to a true medium. It casts very well with a reel like a Core 50mg7 for example. I use mine for several apps including finesee jigs and hair jigs in the 1/4 to 3/8 oz range and it is perfect for it. Member "the hooligan" is also a big fan of the rod series for finesse apps and has logged quite some time with several models. They are harder to find but generally sell for under $250 and closer to $200. Not too bad for a rod that retailed for $350 and weighs around 3 ounces.

I have two of the Elite Tech Smallmouth series spinning rods. Both are the 6"9 ML models and they are outstanding rods. They excel at everything finesse. I thought about selling one but have decided they will be with me for a long time. For the price I havent found a rod that fishes anywhere close to it. Picked up both from a local sporting goods store several years back for $69 and $79.

I will probably buy a second Core 50mg7 when the time comes for them to go extinct. The lightweight component combined with the finesse/all around use and and palmability make it a personal favorite. Mine is sitting on a 6"10 MH cumulus and the outfit without line weighs 8.5 ounces.

When I talk to myself I hear the voices in my head.

Cliffnotes? Just kidding! As always top notch stuff Goose. The reel seems like a winner in the sub one hundred dollar range.

You have an outstanding collection of "mini families" of reels! I think it is pretty awesome to have so many fun options both modern and vintage to mix and match with. I hear ya on low ratio reels for apps where taking up slack is needed ... just a bit too taxing in this day and age.

I have 4 previous generation cumara rods and never had a tip breakage issue.

Everything starts with price. I am sure the recommendations will be diverse but with a desired budget it narrows it down by a good margin. You can always selcet from multiple rod manufacturers or just one. Depending on the company or companies I would call and speak to an owner or one of the higher ups. Gary and Richard Dobyns are readily accessible individuals who have designed and developed their rods to match what technique specific anglers are looking for. They could help more than most people think. Other things to consider... Weight of baits for that technique, cover present, fish size, bank or boat fishing, and preferd length of rod and to an extent the weight of the reels you plan to use in relationship to balance of the rod/reel.

Beautiful reel Goose! The match with the Green NRX looks nice though it may be tough to find the right app for the pairing.

Very nice write up and I am very happy you caught the fish!

X2 ... flourocarbon is the worst line for frog fishing from my findings plus it sinks. For the applications you mention braid will work just fine. As noted use a leader when appropriate.

The 2 I noted above would be best if you are focusing exclusively on Roboworms. The Shakin Worm is thicker, heavier, and has a ribbed body and a bigger profile.

I usually rotate among a few though shakeyhead fishing isn't a primary technique for me. The Robowrom Shakin worms are also good for a thicker profile. The Gary Yamamoto Pro Senko is good for clear water or pressured fish. Also the Zoom finesse and trick worms work well too. You can even try craws, stick baits, and various craw and beaver style baits though what I listed above are my favorites.

6 inch straight tail in Aarons Magic typically.

Swimbait fish beware ... Happy bday Speed!

1/8 or 3/16 on spinning gear.

Call Gary Dobyns. Discuss in great length what you want to do and ask him for the 5 rods that best match the techniques and weight ranges as well as cover. If there is any discrepancy he may allow you to swap rods for minimal costs.

Father