Chris at Tech

Shimano, BAU

I'm not impacted here since I only really purchase Shimano spinning reels but it's pretty crappy that they killed both the lifetime warranty AND the OTC part at the same time

Aren't they also eliminating any element of over-the-counter warranties?

How much weight are you adding? What type of cover?

Fish the salt

The 7' MH/F is my jig rod and I love it. I hated fishing jigs, mostly because I never caught crap, until I started throwing them on the Zillion rod. In my hands this rod just feels right. If you're interested, I have a 6'9" MH/XF Zillion rod I'm trying to get rid of. PM me if you're interested. It's a great "feel" rod.

Yes, I've fished there enough... First off, I assume you know it's an electric-only lake, and you cannot even put a boat with a gas motor in it, correct? Secondly, onto the fishing. I can't say that I've got the place figured out, but we'd generally always put fish in the boat. Problem is that it was a grass lake until last year then they decided to eradicate, so I've not been out enough on it post-grass to see how the fish have changed. What I can say with a relatively high degree of confidence is that you should be able to find some largemouth and hybrid schooling activity in the afternoon.

To me, M or ML spinning rods and weeds don't really go together. Unless your intention is to finesse fish via split-shot rig, weightless plastic, etc. If you want to get into the weeds, I'd recommend at least a MH rod and 30lb braid

Yeah, I've been there a few times since my folks are retired there Where are you staying? Regardless, you can find bass in just about any of the ponds in the plantations. Yes, keep an eye out for gators especially when landing or releasing fish. But with that said, my recommendation would be to fish the salt. Your bass gear will do just find for redfish and trout, and many of the ponds down there are tide-fed and brackish. A 1 lb redfish will kick your butt much more than a 5lb bass. PM me if you'd like more info on the fishing, or if you like a salt guide recommendation. My avatar fish was caught in HHI, and the 'poon are just starting to show.

Redfish, tarpon.

You gotta keep your eye on those little buggers!

My dedicated jig rig is a Zillion on a 7' MH/F Zillion rod, and 80% of the time I have a 1/4 oz jig tied on. I'm not going to tell you that a Zillion reel is the best choice for light baits but a 1/4 oz jig with a trailer is absolutely not a problem to throw.

Zillion. Edit: and they can be found on sale now since Daiwa will be releasing an updated model. But don't let that dissuade you. The current models are great!

Surf? Jetties? Pier? Marsh? Creeks?

I usually am throwing 3/8 and above baits but I don't think you'd be disappointed with this as your crank rod.

So do you want a well-rounded rod or a drop shot rod? I've got the Avid you mention and though I don't DS much, it does a very nice job

Tuna, swordfish, halibut, grouper, Cobia, snapper

I'd never consider doing such a thing.

Oh look! TT gave a high review to a Shimano product... What a surprise!

That combo looks pretty sweet...

100% preference. I prefer HB since I find their menus simpler.

I really liked my first Kistler Mg from 5+ years ago with a grey blank. It broke and I replaced it with a newer version of the same rod, with a green blank. The first one was lighter and more sensitive, though the current one is fine for moving baits. RW's comment on the baggage is valid. But I will say the KLX line is pretty sweet.

Ha!

Again, huh? My 8-15 PB came on a 1/8 oz shaky head and Zoom finesse worm that I was throwing on a ML spinning rod with 8lb test. Absolutely no one is saying you MUST use spinning gear but let's please not pretend that big fish are not caught on small tackle. Use whatever you want, but I have multiple spinning rigs as part of my arsenal, and when I need to throw something less than a 1/4 oz, they get the call first.

To me, the 3-power's sweet spot is 1/4oz weight + plastic. It'll work for 3/8 but if it was me, I'd go 4-power for 3/8and up