DogBone_384

I own a ML/F Helium 3, M/XF Helium 3, M/F Magnesium 2, and two MH/XF Magnesium TS (one casting, one spinning). They’re sensitive, well build and cast exceptionally well. My favorite is the Magnesium 2, with its Winn grips and rated 1/8 oz. lure weight rating make it my all purpose setup.

I swim a mile (+ -) three times a week to keep in shape.

The thermometer outside says 5*. Boston's looking at -5* tonight.

I’ll toss a 7’ M/F Abu Garcia Veritas into the fray. Abus tend to fish a little heavier than their rating. My Kistlers and Fenwicks agree... My Veritas get the most use of all my rods. Their customer service is top notch.

Are we half way there yet?

I have three Veritas casting and one spinning rod. I had one 2.0 snap a couple inches from the top. Abu replaced it no questions. I closed my tailgate on another Veritas and even though it was not warrantiable (SP?), they sold me a replacement at a steep discount. Great customer service.

X2 ... he’s got three of my reels right now...

Yes. I have a spreadsheet with my rods, reels, and trip logs. I note when each reel is cleaned, tuned, and upgraded. Drop me a PM and I’ll send you my template.

Darren’s advice is dead on. I own Diawa and Shimano casting reels at all price points and favor the new SV’s for their new spool and brake system. I own a bunch of 7’ M/F rods between $99 - $499 and my favorite is a 7’ M/F Abu Garcia Veritas, not because it’s the most sensitive or lightest, but because it just feels good in my hands and does everything I need. My next favorite rod is Kistler’s Magnesium 2, in 7’ M/F. It’s got a softer tip than the Veritas, but feels just as good in my hands. Spend as much time as you can handling the rods you’re interested in. Bring a reel with you and mount it on the rod if the shop lets you. Best of luck choosing a setup.

I own a 7’ M/F Veritas and 6’ 10’’ ML/F Veracity spinning rods. I lost a Villain off my kayak in ‘15. They’re all great rods. The Villain was my favorite: light as a feather, sensitive, and just ‘felt’ right on top of my Supreme XT. All my Abu rods fish a little heavier than their rating, and the Veritas has a little softer tip than the Veracity and Villain. Good luck picking a rod and Happy New Year.

Me too .....

I have three things on my 2018 list: catch fish in New England in all 12 months, catch more bass than ‘other’ species with jigs, and locate fish better with my Lowrance.

This one looks like Long Pond’s boat ramp during trout season!

I’m in Quincy but fish Plymouth/Cape Cod as much as possible.

It’s winter in a good chunk of the country .... a lot of us have too much time on our hands... myself included... The Monkey already forced me to buy another B/C reel I don’t need and a Springfield Armory .45 subcompact.... I fear it’s gonna be a L O N G twelve weeks until the thaw up here.

I agree, but it's cheap and worth it once you find some consistent spots. Simply put - go there with Rhino: it's cheaper and he knows where the fish are.....

It's 6 degrees here in eastern MA. I live on the ocean and the shoreline is frozen. I'm heading to the gun club.

If it's a MH/F, I own a 2014 model and use it for anything except deep diving baits and really light lures.

This might be a good starting point: http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dcr/watersupply/watershed/quabbin-fishing-guide.pdf

I built a 2000 square foot colonial 300 yards from the beach for less than your boat/truck..... I have no words. Enjoy your toys, AWESOME!

Congrats on your 1st BC ... once you get to know it, you’ll want to use spinning gear less, and less..... and less! Is it the MH/M you were looking for? If so, I know a place you can get som nice SMB come ice out.

What Darren said ....

Great! I’ve got a new favorite pond with big SMB & LMB ....

Another member turned me onto a couple of great SMB ponds in Plymouth. They’re worth the drive. I don’t dare add up the gas receipts this year ..... I drive a Tundra, great truck, just a PIG as far as gas mileage.

I have a 6'6" L/F Microlite with a Pflueger President under it. I love it for light baits. I think I paid less than $100 for the rig.