lmbfisherman

I've never tried it honestly from the bank, from reading all these posts. I'm going to have to try it now.

My wife has stopped nagging me about too much tackle. I think she's given up.

I don't have a 5 power Loomis rod, but I would say yes. Even my JWR 894 has amazing backbone to pull a fish out.

I think everyone covered it.

They shut us down too for Pike from end of March to 2nd Saturday of May. I really don't see why, the last 2 years it seems I've been catching more Pike than ever!

That changes everything, I never used the GLX FPR with 1 oz, 3/4 oz I have and it was fine. Looking at the specs, that is the highest end it can handle (1oz). Add this with plastic it maybe out of it's range. Unfortunately I can't test it out for you.,,,I could test it on my GLX 894C JWR if you want but again that is not apples to apples. The FPR is a more stout rod build. I agree with iabass if you're using 1oz regularly then between the two I'd go for the Dobyns.

and to you too Sir! Have a great 2015!

You aren't comparing apples to apples really. They both aren't the same power. I have never used the Dobyns so can't comment, however the GLX 894 FPR I used a few times. (A friend who is a tourney guy). The stick handled pads and weeds not a problem, but I wouldn't describe the areas we fish as super heavy like you see down south. I'd imagine you would be fine just from your description and the fact you live in the Northeast (I live in Ontario Canada). The one thing I was impressed about the latest GLX line, even though they were light (I was skeptical on backbone and strength) that the back bone was amazing. As far as balance, I found that it was just fine for all day pitching/flipping. I definitely would use a heavier reel if balance is a deal breaker. My friend had a BPS PQ on it and balanced ok.

I agree with this!

Sweet thanks for the tip. I actually have the Green Pumpkin Cht tail. I've caught a lot of Largies with that one. I may have the black/blue flake.

At least your season opens most of the year. Mine won't be open until the 4th Saturday in June. I really need to move back to the US.

Still the Lexa for that price is still a very good deal.

Really either will work and there are some people who even go 30lb.

In general I use a MH for topwater.

I can only comment my experience with the Savvy vs Crucial. I've never fished a Perfecta before. The Savvy although pretty sweet looking and very aesthetically pleasing over the boring looking Shimano Crucial. I found when I fished them, the Savvy felt like a dead stick. The Crucial was superior in sensitivity. So if sensitivity was a big thing for you, (using for bottom type techniques), I'd say go for the Crucial.

Ruh Roh - I just updated my spreadsheet and picked out the rods I am selling. (winter cleaning) Just noticed I have four baitcast reels that do not have a home any longer: Chronarch 50E Chronarch 50MG Curado 200G7 Curado 200B This is bad, real bad...the monkey is now on my back! I should've never updated my inventory! Surely I can't leave these reels without a mate.

Go out more on the water. I felt I didn't go out enough this season.

Yes I do! I mean I really don't need the Fenwick 6'3" Medium Fast...I do however need a swimbait rod or deep diving CB rod. If they had a Crucial in those ranges I would've finally caved into the monkey, they only have rods that are specs that I already own many of. I am still trying to "resist" the temptation and truth be known. I posted the deals on a local fisherman board in hopes people will buy them all up.

Right now you can find the previous Gen Crucials on clearance. This would be the best imo. As for the standard price I'd say Fenwick Aetos and Elite Tech Smallmouth. I haven't bought or used the latest ET, but the previous generation is pure awesome. Best bang for your buck.

Yep.

Definitely can use it for wacky rigging, my M/F BCs and Spinning rods all are my fluke roads and on top of that texas rig weightless plastics and splitshots.

Ah I see... When I use to catch shiners I used a size 16 hook. Just tipped it with bread and I would easily catch a day's worth.

Definitely why I'm hesitant. I know for a fact it isn't a Winch, it would be labeled that. Really I don't "need" these two rods, but at 64.99 (Fenwick ET) and 54.99 (Veritas), just a great buy. I also went to a big box store here in Ontario, they have the old Crucial for sale 79.99. Too bad they had power/actions that I really don't need. I'm trying to "resist".

I can get them both new for 130. Question what would you use them for? would that veritas be too stiff for swimbaits?

Great topwater bait. You just need to have a good spot for the hooks. Hence the small hooks.