PGA Dropout

I'd check out a ML or M 7' Crankin Stick.

I don't think the new Scorpion is the way to go for getting into JDM. However, I saw Metaniums for under $300 on jpangler and I think SS SV's might be getting around $250. Thank God I had someone change my Paypal password when the Yen started to drop. I'd be like Scrooge McDuck diving into a vault of fishing reels.

It's still so much more tolerable than the original.

I give you 'til Black Friday.

Solid reel for the $100 that you can get them for. Positives: Magforce 3D is a great braking system and the reel palms very nicely. Negatives: Spool is so-so, handle is awful (short with riveted knobs), and the reel doesn't feel very refined. Some people like 'em, some people don't. I would suggest looking at the T3-1016, which for only like $90 more gets you a 1016 spool (which is awesome) and a much nicer handle, plus a general sense of refinement. At the end of the day, they cast and reel in fish, so you probably would end up being happy with one. Edit: This is assuming you're a lefty. T W still has 6.3:1 LH T3-1016's for $200.

People with cheap gear probably catch many more fish than I do. That's because they're out fishing while I'm changing the handle on my Sol for the third time this week.

Always nice to meet a kindred spirit.

Metanium XG almost certainly.

Yes, I had that exact issue with Shimano seats in an Elite Tech.

7' MHF would be good for 5" Senkos rigged weedless if it's on the softer side of MH. Likewise, a stout M would be good as well. Unfortunately, there's no industry standard as to what constitutes M, MH, or H. This is especially true for Dobyns rods; Gary Dobyns seems to classify everything but the kitchen sink as Medium-Heavy power.

I'm interested to see if the old Crankin Sticks will go on clearance.

Hmm. I might have to come out and get my hands on one.

I trim the weedguards on the 1/4 oz jigs sometimes. However, I also take 4-5 strands out with a pair of small scissors. That way, I can have a shorter weedguard without it being too stiff. I leave the weedguards stock on the 5/16 oz and heavier. I have not yet tried trimming straight across the weedguard so it's longer in the back and shorter in the front like I see some people do. I'm not sure what the benefit is. I also like trimming the skirts to a finger-width below the hook bend. That way I get more flare out of the skirt and less interference with the action of chunk-style craw trailers.

Australian yellow Tatula. Crikey.

Gonna be cooold in central michigan tomorrow. Good luck!

I'd use a 7' Heavy power, something rated to 1 1/2 or 2 oz on the top end.

I'm actually having good luck throwing 1/4 and 3/8 oz jig and trailer on a 7'1" MH ***.

Well you know how I like to lose tungsten rocket weights!

Book 'em, Danno.

Tragic.

I can tell you what I use for 1/2 oz to 3/4 oz walking baits and jerkbaits with great success: 7'1" MH *** Black, CH201E7 (sporting a Hawgtech 102mm handle), 40-50 lb. original Power Pro. The setup bombs lures, the hooksetting at distance is fantastic, and I don't lose fish (Carbontex helps).

The red and black Stradic will clash with the Eyecon's olive green.

I'm using the 10 lb. as leader and main-line. It's a solid line for the price.

I feel your pain. The city recently decided to start enforcing an under-14/over-62 years of age only policy on the lake downtown.

There's always the "petite" 90mm handle. I think the cork knobs are worth the money but the Shimano knobs are still solid. Good call. You'll love that rod.