lmbfisherman

Hrm you didn't find it flipping over at times? I used a standard EWG though (Gammy). I got annoyed if I didn't keep reeling in, it would just flip over.

I didn't like the Jerk Shad, not the ones you get in a package but the one with the wide tail. I find the plastic to hard and have caught no fish on this version, the other Jerk shad is much better. That is my only knock on that kit. I've caught fish on the other baits though in the kit.

I'm assuming your not talking about the actual plastics, not the kermy? I have a box of them and I've been having a hard time keeping them running true like how the Ribbit frogs can. May I ask how you compensated or how you rig them?

Definitely a great deal you got. Especially on the Curado, wish I was able to afford one...but I've splurged my savings on "NEEDS" already. I have two reels without a home too.

I never gave the Smoke rod that much of thought especially what the local guy informed me...they have a lot of "broken rod" returns. I did think about one last year but then opted out when I was given that advice. I will definitely say I'd like how light they were. Plus it was on clearance too at 99.99, they didn't want to carry them anymore and trying to get rid of their inventory. Guess I'm such a good customer they didn't want me to walk away with one of these. FYI - I'm in Ontario Canada, so the shop wouldn't be close to you plus ordering online would probably be hella expensive because of shipping. I'm still unclear why shipping from Canada to US or vice versa it is such a big rip off.

Hammer 6' 9" MH Casting - pair it with the Lews 7.1.1 - Braid 40lb or 10-12lb Copoly- spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, bladed baits..and possibly jerkbaits Hammer 7' 0" M Casting - Pair it with one of the 6 to 1 reels - Mono lines 12lb - Crankbaits (squarebills/rattletraps/medium diving) Hammer 7' 3" MH Casting - Pair it with Lews 6.4.1 - 40lb braid (use leaders as called for or Floro - Main jigs/trigs Hammer 7' 6" XH Casting - Pair it with 7.1.1 Lews - 50 or 60lb braid - pitching/flipping/heavy jigs/possibly frogs? Duckett Ghost 7' 0" M Spinning - Shimano Stradic FJ 2500( )- 10lb braid with 6-10 lb floro - Weightless Plastics, drop shot Shimano Convergance 7' 0" MH Spinning - Orra - 10lb braid with your preferred leaders - shakey heads/backup plastics rod Keep in mind this is all my opinion on what I'd do.

I have caught a fish with a small ball jig head protuding out (on it's way out of the fish's body). I thought for a moment if there was a way to help it along, but decided it wasn't the best idea and I could cause more harm than good. The hook did look a little rusty, but it looks like it still had some time before it would rust away. I hope it was able to pass the jig!

I would've recommended a MH/F rod in that range by any brand that you prefer. This has bolstered your arsenal imo, the heavy rod can now be set for heavy jigs, frogs or pitching...and this new rod can be your dedicated jig/plastics rod, because of the Power/Action it will be your most used since imo it is the most versatile power/action for all techniques. (Spinnerbait, topwater, plastics, bubba shot...etc.)

The action on my ET is a M XF. A very versatile rod it's light enough for weightless baits but strong enough backbone to pull fish out of moderate cover.

3/8 and 1/2 oz are my favorite jig weights. Just adding my vote to the mix, I have caught bass less than a 1lb on a 1/2 oz jig.

Fenwick Smallmouth Elite Tech or Aetos...I have a Stradic 2500 on the Aetos awesome setup. These two spinning rods are always packed on my trips to the water. ALWAYS.

You really don't need anything, your current setups can cover all of the above. However, if you want to increase your arsenal because "you want to" then...my next rod would be a Heavy rod in the 7'2-7'6 length for frogging/heavy jigs/pitching. After that I would probably buy a new spinning setup. Anything 6'6" and 7' M/F or XF (shakey head/jerkbaits). Then to round out your arsenal in the near future is to buy another MH/F rod as your spinnerbait rod/bladed baits.

I like the way it looks on the Crucial.

Ahh reverse psychology eh. Now that would be a twist!

This is the answer, Power Pro 30lb is 8lb equivalent. I'd go at least 40lb (10lb diameter), unless I am using a 50 size reel or reel that can handle lighter line....but then I wouldn't be using heavy baits.

I personally would take it back if that is how you feel about it. If you think it is tip heavy and don't like it already that is. You can't force yourself to be happy. Maybe take a step up and get the LTB? If you want to stay St. Croix. Personally I've gotten rid of my St. Croix Avid MH/F rods, I did find them tip heavy and didn't like how they fished compared to my Shimano/Loomis and Fenwick rods. I've sold all my St. Croix rods but one it is a M/F 6'6", to me this was the best rod in the Avid series. I'm not knocking St. Croix Avid rods, just didn't suit my preference. They are a good rod and sensitive, just think there are better bang for your buck rods out there at that price range. Maybe check out the Tatula rod? I hear great things about them.

I would recommend this boat. This would fit the bill for what you outlined.

and yet love this reel and smooth as butter with fish on!

So after above freezing temperatures the last few days (birds chirping, sunny days), we are expecting snow Wednesday and -12 C.....Oh mother nature you so tease me so.

Yeah, I disagree with his opinion and think the same thing regarding his comment, I think it's what he has confidence in. I just couldn't believe he was pretty blatant about it and basically kind of felt like he "scolding" the guy asking the question. I also was hoping he would be talking about techniques and tips in how he made it to the level he is. Instead me and another potential new member were like all he is doing is talking about himself. I don't want to go into specifics as I'm not trying to out/bash the guy personally. Just was curious on what everyone else thought. I have more confidence in drop shot than tubes, but I don't usually do the standard setup for tubes..I like to flip/pitch them on a jig.

So I was at a local bass club meeting today and the guest speaker was bashing the drop shot. He says he can out fish anyone with tubes over DS and that DS is a small fish technique. I was kind of perplexed by this. So I am pondering do tubes really get bigger fish than the DS? or is he just going about his personal comfort level? What do you all think in general? This guy has a very good resume. He was pretty adamant when one of the members asked him about the DS.

2 1/2 lbs

Wow talk about screw up.

Crankbaits - I have no confidence in them. (Lipless Cranks I have no issues, just the billed ones) Carolina Rigs - I have yet to catch anything with one. Of course only fished them sporadically.

I have used my MH/F 7'3" Veritas for jigs and frogs. That is what I would recommend.