Chris at Tech

Whatever you do, do NOT drive the Lambo

Nope. Georgia Tech embarrassed Notre Dame, thank you very much Based on all the media coverage, it's like ND didn't even have an opponent? Oh ND lost? Big story. Who beat them? No idea

How about those Irish? Play like a champion today. No, maybe tomorrow. Go Jackets!

I've never fished a Loomis, so I can't help there. But... Revo SX or STX for the reel.

Hehe....where are you going with this? Like I don't know...

I don't think you can make a general statement without knowing which rod and which reel. Some rod makers are better than others when it comes to balance. With that said, the only way to know if it will be balanced for you is to get the rod and reel in your own hands and make your own decision.

Agree with the others here. Going a little above the rod rating is OK, but after that the handling of the heavier lure becomes cumbersome, and a concern for your rod. Just get a MH or H cheapy from Walmart or somewhere. Hit the clearance racks

Simply making a rod split grip without any other modifications allows the possibility of actually unbalancing the rod. If split grip rod designers take the time to balance the rods, I find them more comfortable to fish than the full grip. So it's mostly personal preference.

Hey Catt, where are you paying $179 for a Crucial? Hopefully, you just mistyped, because this rod can be had for $139 nearly everywhere I've seen Also take a look at the Dobyns 683C or 703C at the $170 pricepoint.

Yeah, it'll be difficult to find one rod that would fish both those types of lures well.

For a spinning rod, you're likely going to want to get a MH power with F or XF action

If the AC70MF is similar to the AC66MF, I don't think this would be a good worm rod. But I've never handled one, so I can't tell for sure. There are several good choices at the $170 pricepoint as well...

Nice rod

I like my Avid AC66MF casting rod, but I'm not crazy about the wider grip just under the reel. I'm about to just take some sandpaper to it, but I figured I should ask before attempting to 'modify' a $160 rod. Is reducing the diameter of the cork handle just as simply as using sandpaper on it? Or are there some other tricks or other things I should use for this?

I like PLine Floroclear and Premium CX

My limited experience is fishing in a stream that is regularly stocked with trout. They're all visible, and rather skittish. I'd recommend having a variety of baits. I'd catch 5-6 fish on one lure, and then they'd stop hitting. I'd change lures, and then the same thing would happen. I'd recommend bringing several of the following: worms, crickets, corn, powerbait and a variety of small inline spinners in different colors.

For what it's worth, if you're returning rods I think you should return the AC70MM and one of the AC70MHF. Here's my logic...but since when does logic dictate what fishing gear you want or need? Hehe... In my experience, the AC66MF does admirably for topwaters, jerkbaits, shallow cranks (10 feet and less) and lipless cranks. Therefore, the AC66MF can throw everything you wanted the AC70MM for, and more. That's why I'd recommend returning the AC70MM (if you do indeed decide to return rods ) The AC70MHF is a good stick for spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, jigs and soft plastics. You'll enjoy it. So now you started with 4 rods, and now you have two. You mention dropshotting. I think you'll find 90% of the folks on this board would recommend spinning gear for this technique. Stick with your Avid theme and try to get your hands on a AS69MLXF. This is a great rod for dropshotting, splitshotting and 1/4 oz and under shakeyheads. An all-around finesse rod. If you've just gotta have 4 rods (stupid bait monkey) and you want to stay with the St Croix Avids, look at the AS68MXF or the AC68MXF. They have identical specs, only 1 is casting and 1 is spinning. Whichever you prefer would be really well suited for senkos, flukes, and really, anything else you'd like to throw. Although I don't own one, I hear this is EXTREMELY versatile. Just some suggestions from a recovering bait-a-holic. I've been tackle purchase free for...oh, that's right, I bought some stuff at lunchtime today

I'm not as scientific as these guys Mono and copoly get a new spool every winter, and another new one in summer. I generally keep braid until the reel starts getting a bit low from retying, etc. However, of course, if I have a reason to respool off this schedule, I do it.

Well, they're the experts since they make the rod. However, with that said, I think the Avid would be a bit more versatile choice for other treble hook baits besides the Spook. Ultimately, only you can decide which rod you thinks betters suits your purposes.

There's likely very little difference in usable length of the rod between a 5'6" pistol grip rod and a 6' casting rod. The difference in length between those rods is mostly handle length, which really doesn't effect casting that much. Put the 2 rods side by side, and line them up by the reel seat. Then see how much longer one rod is over the other.

Just curious. What makes you think this has a softer tip? Generally, in my experience, XF rods seem better suited to fishing plastics and jigs. A slower action is generally better for treble hooks lures. Obviously, I'm no expert, get what you like

Cart and Falcon, I would like to get this rod also, was wondering what action and length you guys prefer? if you could tell the the exact model that would be nice also..I will only get one so it should be the best one to serve me shallow and deep cranking..thanks -wm I use this rod to throw cranks in 10+ feet of water. For deep cranking, I think long casts are important to maximize the time at the desired depth. For this, I got the 7'6" MH since the deep divers can range from 1/2 - 3/4 oz. For shallow and deep cranks, a 7' M would probably be the best compromise that would allow you to throw both.

Even though I don't always agree with RW's hardcore Shimano stance, I do agree with this rod recommendation At this recommendation, and others, I have this rod paired with a Revo STX, and it does great for most of my treble hook lures. Spooks, PopR's, shallow cranks, jerkbaits, etc all are very nice on this rod. Fishing this rod this past weekend, and I'm not even sure it's a true fast action rod. Seemed to me to be more Mod Fast, but all that much better for what I use it for. However, this rod is NOT suited for soft plastics, in my opinion.

These are perhaps the most versatile baits I use. I split shot them with a 2/0 EWG hook and a 1/16 - 1/32 splitshot 1-2 foot in front of the worm I shakey head them I fish them weightless T-rig and jerk them back to the boat. Also try this with a roofing nail or Sluggo weight inserted in the body I T-rig them with light sinkers I Carolina Rig them