PGA Dropout

A 25 is smaller than a Shimano 1000.

Do you have a Dick's close? You could possibly get a 6'6" veritas for like $50. 30 size is good. 25 is small for bass unless you're using light braid.

Watermelon/x Senkos are the way to go on Kent. Nicely done!

Solid plan. Do you require versatility from this rod or is it going to spend near-%100 of its time throwing 4" Senkos? Phenix's new Maxim rod line has two ML power rods rated 1/8-3/8 and 1/8-1/2 oz, priced at $109 and $119 I believe. I am going to be trying the 6'10" ML for a 4" Senkos and Baby Rage Craws. They're not quite out yet though, but if Phenix's other ML blanks are any indication, they are going to be good rods. The M power rods could also be quite good for your needs. The rods should pair very well with a Shimano Chronarch 50E, a readily available favorite for weightless plastic duty, but we'll talk about that in the off season. To answer another question, 15 lb. fluorocarbon is too much in my opinion. I would try 10 lb. I personally like Red Label's 10 lb; $10.99 for 250 yd. Be sure to treat it with Line and Lure Conditioner.

Yep. My ML spinning rod has 10lb braid on it.

A 4" Senko and hook should be about 1/4 oz. What's your budget? I'd be more looking at reel than rod. The M Carbonlite should work but the PQ doesn't really like to go under 3/8 oz in my experience.

Does it have to be U.P.? There are some mighty fine spots in the northern Lower.

1. Assemble PBJ sandwich. 2. Butter bread. 3. Grill like you would a Grilled Cheese. 4. Die happy.

I like fluorocarbon in fast water and wind.

Phenix Maxim might be the new hotness at $100.

Chronarch 100D. They'd probably still run you $299.

Call Reaction Innovations. Vixens aren't supposed to peel like that. They *should* send you a new one.

Do you have a Dick's near you? They have some good deals on clearance reels right now.

Yeah if you can find a Dick's with a decent fishing section, a Drop Shot Crucial should run you about $89.

2500

I agree, though the Sol needs some fairly significant modifications to make it a truly special reel in my opinion. At the very least, the handle and monster handle nut have to go. Carbontex washers are also probably a "mandatory" upgrade. The downside of the Sol/Alphas is that your spool options are limited. Additionally the drag star does not click, but you can throw money at that and change it. I am a big fan of my Sol. It spent the last week throwing Baby Rage Craws for river Smallmouth and I was very impressed by its performance. So for now I'd say the Sol is must-have Daiwa, though we'll see if my choice changes after I acquire a TD-Z and a Steez.

You can't go wrong with a good green.

Thumbs up. Glad it worked out.

Drag, hop, shake, swim. I think the same goes for the arky, though I'm not 100% sure.

Boo uncovered locking nut and exposed threads. Boo!

That Copperhead paint looks amazing.

I like natural craw and tube colors in clear water. Matching the hatch isn't necessary, but I feel more confident if my craw looks exactly like the craws in the river. If there are rainbows around, a rainbow trout pattern Rapala X-rap could be very effective.

I think I'm going to have a shootout between the new Crucials, new Zillions, and the Avid X rods. The 7'3" MH full handle Crucial looks promising considering the price.

If you're going to use flouro, 2500 or 3000. If 15 lb or less braid, the 1000 is nice for saving some weight.

I got one of those Spiderwire shoulder bags from Dick's for $30. It fits a 3600 box and a bunch of plastics. Check 'em out.