lmbfisherman

I agree with what DarrenM says. Go Crucial for a Dropshot rod. Especially if you can find the previous Generation with cork. They are freakin' sweet.

I'm one of those Elite Tech fans and Aetos. I've owned Avids (past tense, well down to 1 the 6'6" Medium is the best jerk bait rod ever!) and own 2 Elite Techs and 2 Aetos. I concur with these two. The ET is at Avid level and I personally will state the Aetos kicks LTBs. Please note I'm not saying Avids suck, I just think the ET performs equally and better bang for your buck. The Aetos is an even better buy.

I love the Gen 1 models, I wish I could get more! I am reserved about the newer model, but I'm surprised what I'm hearing about dead feeling. I've heard differently from others, they say they are sensitive and great feel technique rods. The only issue they had, that it tends to be hard to have the perfect balance. (tip heavy)

You don't necessarily have to pitch the jig, a roll cast works just as well or a simple low to the water light cast.

x 20

Great price that's a steal! Too bad it was defective, I'm sure Fenwick will take care of you. The Aetos imo is just as good as 200+ rod.

You can also nail pike with Senkos!

I third this, I own Avids and fished them side by side with the Fenwick Aetos. Long story short, I got rid of 4 of my Avids and still own my 3 Aetos. I did still keep one Avid though, the M/F 6'6" is the best jerk bait rod I've ever used and bladed baits.

Before I bought a rubber net and still kind of do it still do this for smaller fish. I will hold the rod in one hand and grab the line with the other. Once I grab the line I set the rod down and then grab the line with my rod hand. After that I will take my hand closest to the fish and try to lip the fish. I don't normally lose that many fish that way.

I use these rods mainly for plastics. (Please note these are the ones I use currently, not necessarily all of the ones I own) 1. GLX 854C - 1/2 oz to 3/4 oz - Jigs mostly 2. GLX 853C - 1/4 oz to 1/2 oz - Splitshot/Texas Rig/Wacky Rig Worms 3. Cumara 6'8" MH/F up to 1/2 oz - Skipping plastics/worms/jigs I have more but these are the ones I use most of the time for jig and worms.

Awesome day...here's better luck!

Last year it was the super fluke, this year my go to has been a squarebill..shallow or deep. Other than my standard white/cht spinnerbait that I seem to always kill with.

Excellent leader material. I've never used it as main line because 99.9999% of my reels have Power Pro Braid.

The Champion to me fished just as good as an Aetos or Avid level, so I think it is slightly over priced. Also, everyone has their own preferences keep this in mind. Like I'd take an Aetos over most 200-300 dollar rod, because I feel they fish just as well or at least comparatively. Others may feel different, the only rod in that range I'd buy over an Aetos would be the Cumara. I have never fished a DX so I don't know how it would compare against my G Loomis GLXs. But from what I read, they are compared more to the GLX line than the NRX. So can't say if they are priced right or wrong. If they do compare to the GLX then it's priced right.

I too have fished a Savvy line (not bought but borrowed one). I do like the looks and other things, but for sensitivity I was unimpressed. I would not recommend a Savvy because you can get far better for the price range. Take a look at the Crucial, Fenwick Aetos or St. Croix Avid. I've used all of them, they are better all around than the Savvy imo especially that price range.

Try night crawlers (livebait) first, to see if there is anything.

Ok I tried to find logic and understand what you said. I must've read it 10 times now, I'm sorry I just can't figure it out. I just hope after reading it that many times I do not lose grasp of reality.

I don't use pad crashers, but when I see this happen it usually is one of two things. Water is getting into the frog or sometimes some frogs have weight located towards the bottom back and it fell out.

I would never restrict myself, but if I had to take 2...this is what I would take this year: 1. 3/8 oz White/CHT Double Willow SB 2. Havoc Bottom Hopper in Blue This is what has been killing it for 2014. In 2013 it was 1. Super Fluke - Pearl White 2. 3/8 oz White/CHT Double Willow SB

Yes this. Live bait will catch fish in numbers and different species more than artificial too. For instance a worm appeals to all types and I don't want to just catch pan fish most of the time. Why I like artificial more, less chance of that sunfish taking your jig and plastics, or that buzzbait.

Why not look at the Aetos series if you don't want to wait for the new ET series. My favorite spinning rods the Aetos 7' M/F and the ET Smallmouth 6'9" M/XF

So I went early in the morning and in the end no T-storm happened that day. Took everyone's advice, thanks! Of course I didn't catch any bass...this year has been strange so far, my normal spots aren't producing. They aren't where they normally are, the water temp was 67 and it 70 mid morning....I lost one small bass with a last shake near my kayak. I did however land Crappies and one jumbo perch which was a pleasant surprise. I haven't seen one in a long time there because of the "bucket brigade". All on a black back/cht crankbait. The good news it gave me some confidence using a crankbait which was a goal I set myself this year.

Just you... Well technically mine is a Medium/Medium Fast Clarus 6'6", but basically it's moderate for cranking.

I agree with the vertical, however try across the body vertical, meaning diagonal over your shoulder. You get more line that way therefore a little harder hookset.

I want to go on the water tomorrow morning, but forecasts says Chance of Thunderstorm. Would you guys go out? I haven't been out on my kayak for over a week now. So I'm dying (yes nice choice of words) to get out! First three day weekend, so far 2 out of the three days says chance. Darn it!