Hogsticker

I have the 7 foot my CRT rod with a Zillion mounted on it. It also balances right in front of the hood and this reel weighs over 8 ounces. Just shows how well balanced these rods are

Curious what rod you purchased. Was an XX Orochi?

If I had to switch all my rods out for one line, these would be it

Rapala Shad Rap!

River2Sea Humbug minnow. Its been my most productive jerk and I've just about thrown them all. Its less than 6 bucks and will catch fish!

The 6'10 mh mod fast Fenwick small mouth rod is about the only rod I have found that will handle all those techniques adequate

A heavier line like fluoro will make the spool spin faster. Couple that with a line that has poor manageability, you have to compensate. Fluoro and braid of equal diameter the fluoro will weigh more. The spool speed isn't a huge factor, but it does make a difference.

Definitely not ideal

K guides are grrrrreat

What is happening right now?

The Daiwa Tatula comes in a 7 foot medium regular and can be had for around 100 bucks

I like braid and fluoro for jerks, but being you want to use the same set up for wacky rigs I would go straight fluoro. It will be pick up slack line strikes much better than braid. Line watching helps too. I would go with the lightest line you can get away with, but be more focused on diameter than rated poundage. I think you will be fine with 10 lb.

Really not a big deal. You can get those screws for super duper cheap at T trap and other places.

I don't settle anymore. Everytime I did I ended up selling it. Get what you want. If you can't afford it now, save until you can

Are you looking at the 7'2? Should handle those baits quite nice. Be careful though, that reel seat can be tricky with moving baits

Glad to hear it cast and retrieves well. I would give it a solid 6 months of use before opting to purchase another

Anything that fits a Daiwa, Lews, or Abu should work...I think

Not a Duckett fan, but I'm also somewhat partial to Daiwa rods. Rightfully so, they make great sticks! The Tatula line does not offer much in the sub 7 foot area, and for me personally, the MH would be to much rod for weightless stick worms.

Personally I think its to slow. I think that reel picks up around 22 inches per turn. If you want to speed that bait up, which you will, you're gonna be winding like heck no matter what your rod position is.

Let's hope so...

This, with the 1st option being a lipless crank

I have a KLX, Aetos, Cumara, and Zillion. The difference in bottom contact qualities are not night and day. All these rods offer more than needed feel. The KLX is the best balanced of the bunch, and I don't see the Tatula fishing any better than the Zillion. The KLX can also handle more techniques IMO when needed in a pinch. Get the rod build you like the best. Can't really go wrong with any of them.

I have an odd rod . Now that's funny!

High dollar - Tatsu. Cost effective - Sufix. Both cast great for a fluoro

Tons of rod options available in that price range. Have you serached this subject on this forum? So many threads if will keep you busy for a week. As far as a casting reel is concerned, you will get better performance from a T3 Ballistic with lighter baits, though the Lexa is capable of handling baits down to a quarter ounce, the T3 does it better with greater control. The Chronarch 50E may come down in price soon, and that would be my 1st choice