Hogsticker

Yes, the new Alphas has a clicking drag

My Alphas SV should be here end of the week. What are your initial impressions?

TT did a write up on a Revelation build.

I think I've tried them all. Kahara are the best I've found.

Good read fellas. I think my favorite is when a fish hits it right at the boat or shoreline. Couldn't resist letting it get away! You just have to put your time in.

Very true!

That should set ya back a pretty penny! Money well spent!! What are you doing for the handle?

Weightless soft plastics, lipless cranks

Nice write up. Enjoy the whine. I think I'd be a little more stoked if it the a DC system of braking similar to the Excense. That would be one expensive side plate to drop in the drink.

That's a fantastic deal. You will not find a better stick for that price.

Pointer 78, Spro Aruku Shad, Jackall Aska squarebill

My father in law always comments how spoiled we are now. Keep the R&D coming!!

Quite the opposite. I throw hard baits 85 percent of the time.

Hard to beat a gen 1 Cumara brand new for 120 bucks. I don't think you will find a better rod new at that price.

I'll use the smallie Beaver on a light 1/8 or 3/16 jig head tipped with a piece of worm for finicky trout.

Never used the jigs, but the Santone take 5 is one of my favorite spinner baits

If you're gonna go Z Bone consider the custom route. Fuji titanium alconites shouldn't set you back to much and will keep the weight down. I still suggest custom. The wait will be worth the trade off for balance. Just fish the reel on a stick you already have in the meantime. Keep the thread and deco to an absolute minimum. Use guides that are only big enough to pass a leader knot through. Shop blanks and look at the weights. The new Shimano Zodias may be an option

Well you're a Jayhawk fan so I'll have to take your word for it. They were my team before I moved to Spokane. I was under the impression they were built on the same exact frame. Didn't realize the nose piece was different.

How exactly does the new Zillion palm better than the Tatula? Just curious

I just want to know how a split grip allows me to cast further and makes two handed casting easier???

My vote goes to custom! Especially for balance purposes with that new oober light reel. How long of a stick are you after? Or maybe wait for the new 13 Archangel to hit the shelves. That would be a sick combo!

Every review written by any person regarding any rod or reel is based on personal reflection. I would never purchase either item based on reviews. I agree that the Zillion should have been released before the Tatula. From an Ergonomics stand point, the old Zillion was very hard to beat, where as many find the new frame cumbersome. One rash guard seems odd. Personally, I don't care much for Shimanos new braking system, but again, personal preference. I think people tend to get set in there ways. Hard not to make direct comparisons between new and old Zillion, new and old Shimano braking system, etc.

Different baits provide more defined, distinct action such as flash, dart, and roll. Some suspend better at certain water temps. A lot of trial and error, especially if you're fishing multiple waters. When the water dips below 40 it gets tricky. Generally I reach for a Pointer 78, Rapala Husky Jerk, or Spro McStick. I've been experimenting with a handful of Ima Flits this winter. I throw jerks year round. When I'm not catching Smallmouth I'm catching Browns and Bows. I put quite a bit of time into fishing and observing several different jerks in clear water under all sorts of conditions. I guess like any other techniques, you just have to put your time in.

I'm not much for split grips, but that 2 tone Eva from Mud Hole is a favorite. Wish they made a full length grip like that.

Different strokes for different folks, but personally I wouldn't purchase one. I don't care for the guides with no ceramic inserts. Deal breaker for me.