Chris at Tech

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

Slllloooooowwwww and deep. Try a jig or carolina rig in deep water. I have the same problem on a buddy's lake. The little ones bite shallow all day, but you need to do something different to find the bigger fish.

Have you used one? Just a question

Revo SX-L or STX-L Even with the brake on pretty high, my 3/8 oz buzzbaits and spinnerbaits go a LOOOOONNNNNGGGG way

Ditto! And also add maribou jigs in chartreuse or yellow.

Revo SX and St Croix Premier

I've just started throwing swimbaits lately. No fish yet, but I'm working to change that. My last outing, I had my first visible 'follower' fish. When that happens, what do you experience swimbait guys do to coax a bite out of the follower?

You can get a Shimano Crucial for another $20, and it will have the split grip you want

I grew up in NJ. Where was this tourney?

I have a 704C, and so far I've used it for jigs, C-rigs and smaller swimbaits. I've yet to hook a fish on it yet (DOH!), but I love the sensitivity and the balance.

Depends on how big a swimbait you're looking to use. Bass Pro makes some 7'MH casting rods rated for 3/8 - 1.5 ozs in 2-piece. It's a Bionic Blade, I think.

Hmmm...you still got Saturday open? ;D

Yeah, we got the scoop from Buzzbaitfool. No worries man...sorry to hear about your loss. At least SOMEONE from GA got some fish this weekend

A 2/0 hook would be a better bet, in my opinion.

Well at least he was fishing while playing hookey from the GA meet

Those new spinning reels look freakin' awesome.

Take a look at the Dobyns rods too. I just got one and it's unbelievably sweet. Same specs and price as the Powells

I'm a little confused as to where I should be oiling my spinning reels. My Stradic has the convenient lube port, but my Daiwa Tierra has no such place. Where do I oil this thing? I'm not talking about full-scale disassenbly and maintenance...rather just a quick few drops of oil every few trips. Thanks Chris

I remember talking to Randall about this before as well. If memory serves, I think he actually took this kid out fishing for this news story 2 years ago...

Are you fishing the frogs in really heavy slop? Your normal frog braid with a copoly leader should do the trick. EDIT: Let me clarify Braid by itself for the frogs. Then, just add a leader for jig fishing if the water is clear.

What are you planning on using the rod for? Reason I ask is that I got a 6'6" Avid MLF for Christmas this past year. When I mounted a reel to it, it simply felt too whippy. I swapped it out for a 6'9" ML Extra Fast Avid and I couldn't be happier. I primarily use it for shakeyheads and splitshot rigs, but I wouldn't hesitate to throw small jerkbaits, etc with it. I also totally recommend trying the reel/rod combo in the store before purchasing. My personal preference was that a 2500 series Shimano reel didn't balance very well with the ML St Croix's. For that reason, I went with a 2000 series Daiwa. You may be completely comfortable with the 2500, but try it out firsthand before buying

I have both a Stradic and a Tierra. Truth be told, I have no idea which one I prefer. I find them both to be great reels. And does the 'test of time' thing really weigh that heavily for companies that have been in the spinning reel game for such a long time? People hesitated to recommend the Tierra when it had just come out, but over the years Daiwa has shown they know what they're doing. The Tierra was nothing revolutionary, so I took the leap and got one. I suspect the same can be said about the yet to be released Stradic. Is it brand new? Sure. Is it safe to say Shimano knows what they're doing? Yes again.