SMITTY0045

I’m convinced it’s because they kind of try to stick to the “classic” rod styling. Conventional guides, cork handles, and generally black or gunmetal blanks. I think it has a lot to do with their brand image

I would look into the mojo bass line up. Their spinning rods tend to have more backbon without sacrificing casting ability and sensitivity

For me to pick one up, there would have to be a significant difference in technology and performance. I think i’ll just save my money this time around

Ditto

Ok that’s good to know. I have a Tatula currently as my jig rod, I was basically trying to figure out if it would be an upgrade or not. Thanks for the reply!

Give it time, you’ve got the right stuff, just takes some practice lol

Does anyone have any experience with these? I know the same model has been around for a while, so it doesn’t really get brought up on here. I really like the looks of them though so I was wondering if it’s a smart buy

Solid combo. I bet this is a work horse for you?

I max out at about $200 for a rod and $200 for a reel, I can’t convince myself to spend more on a setup that I’m only dedicating to one technique

I agree, I wouldn’t spend money on braid til you’re comfortable with a bait caster. Chances are you may get a birds nest that you have to cut out a few times, which will get expensive if you’re using broad. The big game mono will be good to use for now until you get used to casting, even for frogging

As far as reels go, I’m a huge fan of Abu Garcia and Lews. Both are on similar platforms and I love how both of them fish I’m not near as loyal when it comes to rods, but out of my arsenal, I really like my Loomis rod and my Daiwa Rods. They both are super sensitive, and both companies make some of the best rods in the industry imo

I would recommend a falcon bucoo in the 7’ MH. For falcon, a MH kind of falls closer to a medium than average, but it still has plenty of backbone. I have thrown a wide range of lures on it myself and it performs really well

I think you have designated these set ups correctly, but to answer your question you could really use them however you want. You’ve got a good base starting point on your setups, if you were going to add anything, I’d add a shorter casting rod. It may be easier to work too water baits and jerkbaits

I use straight braid for jigs all the time with no isssues. The only time I’d consider adding a leader is if you are in gun clear water, just to be on the safe side. Otherwise I wouldn’t worry about it

I've been noticing that as well, I wouldn't be scared off though. I am really happy with mine and I fish it hard

So I've never done any customizing with my reels but I found these on amazon when looking for a new reel. Does anyone have any experience with them? I added the link to the amazon listing. I wanted to get the red knobbed one for my Revo SX. Anyone know anything about them? https://www.amazon.com/GOMEXUS-Quantum-Baitcasting-Replacement-Spindle/dp/B0791XW5J5/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1528657190&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=Daiwa+tatula+sv+baitcasting+reel#customerReviews

10 pound is really light braid, it shouldn’t be snapping tho. Either way I’d recommend bumping up to 30 or 40# braid in whatever brand you like (I’m personally a fan of PowerPro. I personally like fluorocarbon when throwing weightless baits, but that’s just me

I understand the feeling, when you jump for a more expensive rod you definitely want to make sure you get the right one. If you’re going for something without micro guides, I ended up picking up the 7’1” MH E6X. It’s been a great rod for my finesse and lighter jigs. You can always get a different length or power if you want something heavier duty, they have a 7’5” Heavy rod that may be more comparable length and power wise to the ALX rod you were looking at. Plus they have close out pricing right now at TW, so you may be able to save some money there

As everyone has said, suffix or power pro is the way to go. I’ve used both and they bother perform great. I’m partial to suffix on my spinning reels and power pro for casting, but that’s just me. I like the suffix original braid in the hi vis orange color

Honestly I have both graphite and aluminum reels, and while I prefer the feel of the aluminum, I don’t really see a difference in overall performance. Just go with whatever reel you like, I can’t say one is truly better than the other at the end of the day

I think you’ve got the right idea, I like the rods and reels you’re planning on using as well. Keep in mind though it’s going to come down to what you are most comfortable fishing with, so if these are the length and powers you’re comfortable using to cover all of the techniques you use, then go for it

As others have said, I would look at the Cabelas or Bass Pro rods. Both make great rods for the money and I think they both have two piece rods in there rods that are around $100

I’m a big fan of the Shimano Sahara. I’ve had mine for 6 years not and it performs great. I think there’s a new version out now but I’m sure it’s just as great. I would also look at the pflueger purist. My brother has one and he speaks very highly of it. Plus pflueger is known for how well their spinning reels perform

This probably isn’t one everyone else would pick, but the Cabelas XML bass rod is an awesome spinning rod. I didn’t realize this until after I purchased the rod but the blanks are actually g Loomis blanks, and the sensitivity is awesome. Go pick one up in store and feel it out, I think most people would be surprised but how good of quality this rod is

I have both rods and the E6X is a more sensitive rod. That being said, if you are using the rod for top water only I wouldn’t spend the extra money on the E6x. The mojo may have a little bit better back bone anyways and since sensitivity isn’t much of a factor here I’d go with the mojo