Hogsticker

Thanks Matt!

Love me some T3s! Also got me a Rarenium Ci4+ 2500!!

I agree with bluebasser86. Then again, I love throwing a jerkbait. It's way more versatile than what a lot of folks give it credit for. So many ways to fish it. If you're patient with your pauses and selective with your cadence, it can be a deadly cold water bait.

I'm 50% sure there is no weight in the nose of that worm. Ha! But seriously, I don't think there is.

Rigging http://youtu.be/8cEa5-uvKmQ?t=6m25s Action http://youtu.be/8cEa5-uvKmQ?t=8m38s Stole this from TT

I troll minnow type hard baits for trout and walleye, never bass. Mostly because the old man wears out pretty fast chucking and winding. I've caught smallmouth in water Temps as low as 37 degrees dragging a Rapala deep tail dancer.

Check out Evolves flat sided crank. I haven't got any yet, but I'm fixing to order a few along with the square bill.

Rods of the old and rods of the new are night and day difference. Low quality overseas blanks vs nfc, build quality has also improved exponentially. Being Kistler made it right shows Trey is taking customer service a bit more seriously. All these combined attributes make the Klx and Helium 3 hard to beat when shopping for a new stick imo.

Good news. Hope you have better luck with the replacement!

Phenix is coming out with a new 100 dollar stick called the Maxim. May be worth a look if you can get past the aesthetics. Otherwise the Fenwick Hmg is pretty solid buy. I'd definitely pick one up over the Abu and Denali. Black Friday see what provide the opportunity to pick up a better stick.

Is this a trick question?

I've used original Power pro, ss8, Smackdown, 832,and performance braid. In terms of abrasion resistance I've found that the braids that aren't an 8 carrier seem better in this department, with performance braid being the best option. None the less, I agree with the above posts.

My 51s and 1016s are the most versatile sub 200 dollar reels I've used to date. With that being said I don't care for either with cranks that dive much more than 15 feet, or ripping three quarter ounce traps. I feel there are better reels for that. Defier is the most excellent choice of lines too!!

That's more of what I was looking for. Comparisons to competing higher end rods in terms of quality, sensitivity, and taper, rather than the same description I can read on Tw. Guess I should have been more specific. Thanks

That's cool and all, but those pretty much just break down the components used on the rod. Pretty much the same information available on the rod descriptions. Nice to hear the build quality is up to snuff though.

I can't find much info/reviews on these sticks. Being on sale at TW is what brought them to my attention. Add any additional Holiday sale discounts and these may be a steal. Why are they discounted so soon? My gut is telling me these are pretty nice. The blanks sound above average fair. Throw in the Fuji "K" titanium/sic guides, these could be a winner. They look sharp for sure. Anyone using these? I'm ultra curious what the build quality is like. Any noticeable gaps, is everything tight and uniform, guides are straight, no nasty - unsightly epoxy messes? I see a fair amount of reviews on the DHC5's. I saw the BR write up. Just looking for additional.

I agree, they kinda suck. If wanting an inexpensive crank I much prefer Norman and Bandit.

Any 50/51 size Shimano gets my vote. Just choose if you like red, white, or green. Simple to use, versatile, comfortable, and will last.

Are the labels on the blanks? Does the person selling them know the person building them? Lots of unknowns to be able to adequately answer your question. If he does, ask what kind of guides are on the rod. After that if it reels good I say go for it if the price is right.

I can't decide if winter is a fantastic or terrible time to buy new gear. Definitely two sides to that coin.

11 or 13 lb Sunline Defier for this guy.

If you want ratings why don't you just look at on line reviews? Pflueger makes decent reels. All I've owned started acting up in one way or another after a year or so of solid use, but still functional by all means.

I can cover 95% with 2,but one doesn't cut the cheese. I want to maximize my chances . One stick with one bait doesn't accomplish that. I have fun regardless.

Don't forget the Shiney red knob caps on the new Scorpion! I agree, my XT is noticeably smoother than my 51e. I can spin the handle and it keeps on turning, where as the 51e stops short. Casts a little more effortlessly as well.

I purchased a T3 Mx, Rarenium ci4+,and new in box Fuego casting reel all this year. I need another reel like I need a hole in the head. . . But, the Okuma Helios Air has me intrigued. I may pick up a new Ss SV if I can find the funds.