PGA Dropout

Showdown update: Ci4+ is a wild child. Digging it though. Finally found something that feels good on the Zodias. I might do a lengthy write-up at season's end or before; JDM Met prices are still falling and I think Mets are going to soon be attainable for those who previously wrote them off due to price. Plus, showdowns are cool.

They're a staple. I fish a lot of public, pressured shore where the fish see spinnerbaits all day. The staple is a 3/8 oz Siebert bullet-style jig with a 4"-ish paddletail trailer. I favor bluegill patterns and the occasional blue/black.

Do what is comfortable. I am right hand dominant so I prefer to cast and use the rod with that hand, so I reel left-handed. Feels good.

I use four turns with pretty much everything.

G. Loomis and NFC are not affiliated. If we could build NRX blanks, we would.

Weird. Mine does not do that.

Probably not, but you know, you do you.

There are a few guys who fish Orochi XX rods. I think a combination of electronics, individual skill, and the techniques that tend to win sort of makes "super sensitive" rods unnecessary at that level. I also think straight fluorocarbon helps.

This thread is a good reminder not to mix health advice and the internet.

CXX does not sink. It floats or is neutrally buoyant; haven't experimented to see which. It's also stretchy but the abrasion resistance is excellent. Hybrid is neutrally buoyant (which you probably know). I'm sorry you didn't like it. I'm usually not a fan myself but the 6 lb is actually pretty legit. Still doesn't sink though. Hi Seas Grand Slam copoly seems to sink but it didn't wow me in any aspect. Sniper is thin for lb test, so I'd agree with 16 lb (maybe higher) or a move to Shooter. I like Shooter but it requires line conditioner and a good, stern talking-to every outing.

You do you. Tie what makes you comfortable and lands fish. Personally never had a San Diego Jam knot fail. I have had more than one Improved Clinch slip.

Very hard to compete with the Zodias @ $200 IMO.

Yeah. Chasing enthusiast tackle is exhausting. November through March is my break. I don't shop much during hard water.

Treat it like Fluoro. San Diego Jam is my preference.

Paul always struck me as a maker of poor decisions.

Mine was a lipless in mid April. Girlfriend's was a Recon worm on Memorial Day weekend last year. Looking for a couple new ones this Fall.

http://stcroixrods.com/shop/bargain-room/

Found a good deal on a Ci4+ HG. Showdown? Showdown.

That's weird. The drag star shouldn't be able to move by itself. Probably harmless if drag pressure is sufficient.

The 853c JWR is probably not a good idea, but the 844 MBR might be. I'd also check out the 7'2" H Shimano Zodias rod. It's monstrous for $200. Versatile for a Heavy, too.

Does just the drag star move, or is it the whole driveshaft? The first is weird. The second is a thing on some Daiwas; a little in and out play can be normal.

Haven't said yet. Probably discontinuing the Rage though. It's in their Bargain Room online.

No complaints with Owner ST-36 here.

Yeah there should be no pivot in a one piece rod. Take her back to the store.

New kid on the block is getting a lot of time on the water; I keep reaching for the 7'2" H Zodias. Shimano got this one right.