lmbfisherman

Yes watch your line and use high vis if you can...but after Friday night I think there are times you just won't know no matter what and instinct just takes over. Friday night I was fishing a local pond. I was using a split shot rig with a worm, I was watching my line carefully. I cast my line out towards a fallen tree, I was watching the line and let it fall on a slack line until it hit the bottom. I did not see any jump in the line, tension on the line nothing..I had my finger on my main line and nothing, but I don't know what it was..but something told me, Wes,...there is something odd and I set the hook and the fight was on. I am not sure what told me there was a fish on as clearly there were no signs. So I just think you can do everything and still can't detect the bite.

If it is indeed to stop you from fishing the dock, it is a poor setup. Personally I'd probably put up some kind of mesh thing so that you wouldn't have so many gaps to fish it. Just from that picture, I see gaps where I can pitch and skip between the docks/pvc and fish it fine. Heck you can even go in between the boat and dock and corners. I do agree however, if I see someone near/on their dock I would ask permission if I can if not..then I'll move along. When they come running out and politely asked me as a human being not to do it, I'll leave too...If a guy came out yelling and spewing I'm better than you, I probably couldn't keep my mouth shut.

The Crucials are very good rods, but the at that price it is great!

Congrats on the PB!

Looks nice, although I'll probably won't get a new Crucial anytime soon...since I'll probably land a few the clearance ones. At 99 a pop, that is a helluva deal.

I third this, I have Chronarch CI4+ and it does feel slightly tip heavy, but this rod is so light...I don't feel this rod causes any discomfort or fatigue like other rods I used that were tip heavy.

I have my Cumulus and exact rod, it is paired with the Chronarch CI4. Awesome setup!

I had a Quantum Energy PT, very solid and smooth reel. I got rid of it last year, the main issue I don't buy Quantum reels is because I couldn't palm it as easily as the reels I own. That hump is just too much for me. Otherwise I'd probably would've owned more. I was going to pull the trigger on a Smoke rod one time, but the guy in the shop said it has breakage issues. Lots of returns and he was selling them out to not carry them any longer. So I didn't.

Another vote on the Smallmouth and Crucials.

If someone asks me of course I'll give them tips. I have no problem with that, like others..we all have something in common, that is why we are all out fishing.

Best!

I know how you feel, on Sunday I went out on my kayak for the first time. It was a slow day that day, I had a few bites but only landed 1 after 4 hours. I threw a spinnerbait (3/8 - White/Cht) and as I was bringing it in, I felt weight..just weight, without thinking (I thought I hit weeds or trees/brush, the lake is filled with them, I was also in a state of wow what a slow day)...anyway when I jerked it my MH/F Veritas 7'3 rod was bent over real good and felt a big TUG...I was like SHOOOOOOOT! In the back of my mind I was like I didn't set the hook properly so instinctively without thinking properly, I placed slack in the line while trying to load the road...it jumped and went off. In hindsight when I tried to rip it out of the so called trees/brush, I probably set the hook. I was so mad, I didn't get to fully see how big it was..but if the bend of my rod was any indication..it had to be a big one.

I know they have smallmouth, not sure on Largemouth.

I agree horrible rods, the Cumaras just suck. I'll take it off your hands though, will trade you some baits and plus pay for shipping.

Texas rigging is fine and you can use an EWG or an Offset. The hookset I use is a sweeping hookset, do not do an overhand hookset, I find you pull it out of their mouth that way. Similar to what I do for a spinnerbait, you sweep to the left or right whichever side you are comfortable with. Another key tip make sure you know the fish has it, don't set the hook too early.

I'd probably use it for plastics definitely...I'd also try up to 1/2 oz lipless cranks.

They aren't in the same class, the Citica all the time.

Best advice here. I have the same thought philosphy.

Like he says but not because of saltwater for me in this area. For some reason the local shops will not have my Zoom Super Fluke's, a lot of the better places carry fly fishing stuff. Especially in pearl white, my favorite. I also like my stik-o's but I don't go out of my way to get'em. I am also loving the BPS Squirming Worms, they flat out catch fish for me.

Sorry can't choose one, I'd be limited.

Out of my 6 rods I usually take, 2 of them are spinning.

Congrats, I have 3 of them. Fine reels.

No Question, the Citica is far better. However, if you want to save a few bucks..you can buy a used one for around 70-100. The other option would be to get a Bass Pro Shops Pro Qualifier for 100 bucks, but I believe it is on sale at the moment for 89.99.

HA, nice to your face I guess. I wondered what they said about you after?