lmbfisherman

If you want to save coin the GLX 853 or 893 can work for what you are asking. Own both and they are just awesome. I've tried an Extreme but to me I just didn't like the power/action of it in the same range when comparing them to a Loomis, Shimano or Fenwick. It felt too stiff and it seemed to be underrated. Of course that is all personal preference though.

HA I guess they must've been hungry after such a great winter.

I use PP on most of my reels, I guarantee you part of the reason is your line is digging into the spool. Does the cast stop in mid-flight at times? Try 40lb braid at the minimum.

I'm no technical expert, but someone more qualified may help you. In general I learned that my 50 sized reels (Chronarch 50MGs, 50E and Curado 50E) can handle lighter line than my 200 sized reels. I find that when I use small diameter line I get more line digging in, backlashes and trouble on the bigger reel spools. My 50 sized reels I can easily put on 8lb diameter line and not have the same issues. Not only that my smaller reels can handle lighter weights easier than my bigger reels. The main issue I think with the reel you are using is the braid would dig in and cause issues on the cast, causing you to backlash or make your cast suddenly stop. (Personal experience)

The reason I say the Floro mostly is because PP 30# line is 8lb line diameter and I'd only use that one a 50 sized reel or a reel with a spool that could handle the diameter. I'd say go 40lb PP if you want to use braid.

I'd go with the 12lb floro. For line conditioner, definitely a few sprays of KVD Line and Lure.

When you mean too sensitive, do you mean that it's so sensitive you swing for the fences on everything that feels like different Especially if you never "really" felt what grass, stumps, rocks..etc felt like before? Then YES! When I fished my first Cumara I was setting hooks on things I never felt before. Once I learned what things felt like it was fine. It did take a few outings. This was even on a reaction series rod, before I knew what it meant I used it as a drop shot once. I was able to feel everything and it was amazing when I landed my first fish on it because you just felt the fish just gulp it. Not tap or line taking it was like how some people say you can feel a fish breathe on it, that is when I first understood what they meant. I even felt a fish swim by it because I set the hook and what was on the hook was a scale.

I never owned one but from reading through reviews and other boards. They are just standard rods and are fine with most techniques with the exception of bottom contact techniques. People say there are better sensitive rods at the price range. So sounds like it should be fine if you are going to use it for swimbaits.

I can catch a lot more fish per BPS Stik O than GYCB Senko, I don't feel like I'm losing out either. I also use Yum Dingers, if you wacky rig with an O Ring though the Senkos last a lot longer.

I actually use an empty spool (not reel but the spool lines comes off of) when I want to save or transfer lines to another reel. Easier than to let it free.

Not just Crappie, a Pretty Crappie.... Nice fish man!

For the price range - Spinning: Fenwick HMG/HMX/Elite Tech Smallmouth - If you can find the ET for sale at 99 it is must grab. I'd get the M/XF 6'9" very versatile rod. As for reel - Symetre or Sahara will be fine. or Abu Garcia Veritas - Is another choice, but I'd go M/F, same reel. Casting: Same Fenwick lines - as for the reel go for a BPS PQ or Veritas..or just get a Carbonlite/PQ combo which you can get for under 160 I believe. The Carbonlite gets a lot of praise here. This is only my opinion, but for the price of St Croix Triumph - it isn't worth it as other similarly priced rods are better. If you want to get a St Croix I'd suggest the next level up. Mojo or Premier

Still waiting for bass season to start (another 2 months roughly), but I will give you my prediction that I will catch it on my Fenwick Elite Tech Smallmouth (Spinning 6'9" M/XF) using a Pearl White Super Fluke. Guaranteed.

I only have extensive experience with the Avid from your list (owned 3 at one point, now own 1), since you are an Abu guy right now and if you liked how it fishes. Then I think you can't go wrong with the Avid because imo they fish the same power/action as an Abu rod. I have only limited experience/held a Champion and a Savvy rod. The Savvy felt dead to me, the Champion felt better but I picked a Cumara and a Fenwick Aetos over it in the end. I just felt the other two rods fit my preference (fished the power/action) I liked. Hence why I think you would like the Avid series.

I will say this...I think it aids in fishing yes..like others have said the key things I do on top of fishing with my high end rods: 1. Always line watch no matter what. 2. Keep my finger in contact with the line 3. FOCUS...definitely, I find at times when I lose focus and I'm sure we've all done it, a bass gets a hold and you don't notice within that split second it's a bite..just because you were thinking of something else. Like Kate Upton in a bikini. 4. As I drag or hop or whatever the jig/trig...I will visualize and anticipate when I hit something. I get ready for a strike after I hop it over a rock, stump, ledge...I find this is what has helped me increase my catch rate..(probably can be part of focus). I visualize catching the bass and try to anticipate how the bite will happen. Definitely think the number 1 thing other than fishing braid to increase sensitivity, EXPERIENCE. I also love fishing with my GLX not because of the increased sensitivity, it's just flat out comfortable to fish with and enjoy fishing even more.

7'0" I would go. Also the rod probably can handle all those applications. Although for texas rigs I'd prefer Fast action personally, but I've heard people use mods before..preference thing.

d**n Florida peeps. We actually washed and put away the snow gear for the kids thinking it's over, but I have to pull them out again for one last gasp.

I can't believe we're expecting 5cm of snow and freezing temperatures tomorrow after hitting 20 Celcius yesterday and today. On top of that we won't be consistently in double digits (Celcius) from the forecast for the rest of the month. Granted I can't fish for bass until nearly end of June, but usually would do some kind of fishing while we wait patiently. (Perch/Crappie and then by Mid May Pike) Man!

Oh yeah definitely, awesome sensitivity. Main technique I use mine for.

Every day spinning rod shortest is 6'7". My 2 pc travel do all rod where I am riding a bike or going into an area where it would be tough to carry a 1pc rod is 6'. For casting my shortest if 6'6", I use this for jerkbaits, swim jigs and is an awesome bladed bait rod.

It would be fine for what you are looking to use it for. I also will say the Cumara is an awesome.

PQ all the way.

From that list, I only have experience on the PQ. I like them. Very solid reel.

Easily the Wilderness Ride - I own the 135 and it is awesome.

This!