PGA Dropout

If you don't have to have the latest and greatest, I would anticipate good sales on the Shimano Chronarch 200E when the new Curado hits. I something similar to what you are planning. I started with the Pro Qualifiers and bought a Chronarch when I took my second Pro Q back under warranty.

Savvy 703 is a delightful 3/8 oz spinnerbait rod. I get a lot of use out of mine.

I have not noticed any real tip heaviness on my Cumara A. I have a Chronarch 51E on a 6'8" MF and it is a very nice combo. I would say for certain that the price increase is worth it. However the Crucials are very good rods as well. Nothing against them; I just really like my Cumara. They fish a little heavier than the lure ratings I would say. My M is rated 1/8-1/4 oz and I don't have any problems with a 1/4 oz jig and plastic.

Tackle Warehouse has sales throughout the year. I got my *** there for $80-ish shipped last Memorial Day.

I'd be looking for used or sale reels at that price point. None of the reels listed really wow me.

Sort of interested. I need a Heavy rod and the price is very reasonable. I wonder if BPS will carry these.

Ah, you must be enjoying the cold weather we're having! Welcome.

Straight braid works for me, though I have neither your CA bass or CA weeds here.

The $800 was in reference to another poster's Cumara/Conquest 50 combo. Though $800 is high even for that. Secondhand, you can do $600 easy. I raid the flea market on a regular basis and one of my favorite combos is from there, a Savvy 703 with a Citica D on it. It sees mostly 1/4 oz jigs and 3/8 oz spinnerbaits with a little jerkbait action thrown it. I also have a Cumara A with a Chronarch 50e on it. It's my dedicated Senko rod. A Chronarch 200e on a MH *** comes in third. It did frog duty during the summer and it's been on Sammy duty since the pads died. For spinning, I have a Sedona on a St. Croix Triumph. It's nice for just about everything and makes a good all-around setup for pond-hopping. There's also a Quantum Smoke casting reel and a Stradic 1000 MGFB in reserve. I tend to acquire gear throughout the summer and then downsize over the winter. We'll see what stays. Was this more along the lines of what you were looking for in a response?

With the holidays and the "off season" coming, you could possibly get a heck of a reel for $129 (or less) on the secondary market.

You should consider the Cumara A. 7'2" MXF would do you nicely.

Yep, same "problem". All Shimano reels and each reel is on a different brand of rod. After acquiring a Savvy, I have a desire to go all-Dobyns, but then I couldn't have Cumaras, LTB's, or ***'s.

Plenty of Zillions on the secondary market for under $200. I'm waiting on Tatula Type-R reviews before I make a move. I've been eyeing a Zillion Coastal for a long time.

I can't say that the ball bearings matter, but the mag brakes are pretty good for skipping.

Elite jig. Blue bug skirt. Blue brush head. Wire tied.

Shimano still has an October release coming. It may be cool. If you're looking for something new and interesting, Daiwa's Tatula is looking to be a pretty good reel.

I got a rubber-netting one from Dick's for like $40 and I believe it extends to six feet. Plenty big for bass. I would get the biggest one you can keep around, really. Here in Pike Country, nets save fingers, line, and lures!

Nice fish!

I use one-piece rods so my friends can't cast the top half into the lake.

If we can bump it up to $160, Shimano Crucial.

I have a 7'1" MH *** Black and it's been very good to me. The reel seat takes a little getting used to and some people (I am one of them) have trouble casting it one-handed. The rod balances very, very well. I have had Pro Q's, various Shimano reels, and a Smoke on it and they were all feelin' pretty good. It's sensitive enough in my hands, but I use it for frogs and stuff that doesn't require sensitivity. To me personally, it feels better than Veritas, Mojo's, and Carbonlites. I don't believe a Falcon Bucco would be "better", but it certainly can be "as good", especially in the hands of a novice fisherman (not that I'm calling anyone a novice). Falcons are also made in the USA if that matters. I am of course waiting for the other shoe to drop and the *** rod to explode on me one day. ***'s are certainly Flavor of the Year, but they're at least somewhat deserving of the praise they get. At the end of the day though, it's still a $100 rod. It won't perform any miracles.

733C

I would say ML.

They should be fine. You might want ML for finesse, but it kinda depends on what you do for "finesse".

Could be worth a shot. Chart/black back is very popular with squarebills.