lmbfisherman

I bought two of them last season and I still haven't used half the first box.

I don't understand why you would limit yourself really? and technically like others have stated a search bait can be any technique really. I mean you're trying to search for fish, find and catch them.

This.

I realized I made a grammar error, I meant to say it can handle finesse jigs fine. Smallest I've done is 1/4 oz with trailer. The spinning version probably can handle small skitter pops, but can't say if the casting version can. In general you want to stay within the ratings and normally the middle range is the perfect weight. Please also keep in mind that a spinning rod vs casting rod with the same power and action, a spinning rod usually can handle the lower end easier than a casting rod. I really think the best bet for you is the M/F. Just don't fish it in heavy cover, I think you'll be fine...but I strongly suggest you handle one just so you know yourself.

Can't comment on the casting version, I own the spinning..I will tell you it is a very versatile rod, mainly use it for soft jerkbaits, drop shot, split shot and weightless plastics. It can't probably handle finesse jigs pretty easily and I've pulled fish out of cover pretty good. I've caught both my PB (smallmouth and largemouth) with this rod. Definitely has a bit more backbone than the M/F 6'10" Casting rod. The casting probably would be just as versatile and my rod probably could handle what you want to do.

Welcome Brandon.

For the best bang for your buck would be the G Series at 99 . Other than that, why not just go for another I? If you want to try another brand...the Tatula is getting very good feedback. DOn't own yet, but plan on one someday, but probably after I get my first Curado I.

Personally I do not like that length, I prefer more a 7' in general. I guess it depends on what you want to use it for? From just your description, I guess I'd use it for heavy jigs in shallow water..maybe close quarter pitching/flipping. Even then my preference would still be using a 7' rod. Knowing Loomis the 4 power rod is usually more like a MH from other manufacturers (ratings), so in that length it could be a decent spinnerbait/topwater rod..possibly jerkbait. Anyway, if you actually are intending to use it in your arsenal and it enhances your arsenal. I say go for it. If you just want your first G Loomis rod and experience the G Loomis brand, I'd go for at least the IMX level (going by general consensus). Please note though, I have never fished a GL3,..I have 1 GL2 and a few GLXs.

Totally spot on by DVT and B@ssCrzy.

That feeling you get when a bass tugs on your line.

I own this rod too, I can't see why not... I have so far only used it as a super fluke rod, I really like the feel of the rod but I haven't found a place yet for it in my arsenal. I will tell you though it is a sensitive rod though and am thinking of maybe using it as my finesse bc rod pair it with one of my size 50 rods...still deciding though.

I don't have any experience with those, but I would choose Shimano Cumara and Fenwick Aetos.

I live up here in Canada and can find them for 99.99 in a lot of local shops. However, there are a couple of guys who buy Fenwick on this board who also has bought them for that price from an online store. Give smalljaw67 a try he might be able to steer you.

Man you're going to be in love with that rod I'm sure.

You can find a Fenwick Smallmouth Elite Tech regularly at 99.99, this is the best bang for your buck in my opinion for an all around rod. From your list since I only have experience with the Veritas, I think it would suffice too, especially at the 80 dollar price range.

Berkley Lightning rod and any low end Shimano reel. = 50-60 bucks

2 full seasons so far and haven't had to replace any braid on a few of my reels. If I feel I need to replace anyway, I will unspool the braid and reverse it to get further use out of the line. This can double the lifetime.

No difference in equipment, like others stated just the location maybe different..and the same! I don't downsize anything really.

It wasn't 99 for us up here, it was 129.99. You know the retailers have to pay for "shipping up here". You know how that valid excuse they had before (currency difference) and now it's "shipment of product and other taxes".

I'm sure we are all guilty of this and definitely do this during winter especially.

I'm pleading the 5th!

No question the PQ and Carbonlite. As for others, I see no issues with what you are using them for.

What about the Pfleuger Trion combo?

HAHA, I may live in this Country but I sure miss home. (American Citizen living here, married a Canadian). I really want to move back, been trying to convince my wife if we can move to the Georgia/Florida area.

Maybe I'll try the twist lock hooks and see if that reduces the flipping over issues. I've been using keel weighted hooks it helped the flipping but I didn't want it to sink as much as it did. Thanks for your input!