masterbass

I guess the R+ is still working for you. I love the one I have too.

I have a few rods that were really tip heavy. A simple fix was getting a few chair bumpers and adding coins. They balance under the reel now and feel lighter and more sensitive. The bumper also helps protect the butt so I couldn't be happier. I never understood buying heavier reels to try to balance a combo. It's the most ineffective way to achieve balance because it's too close to the fulcrum. I'd rather buy the lightest reel possible and counter weight the rod if it needed it.

Or an alphas sv.

I'm guessing the tip is too stiff then if you are already skilled with skipping other casting rods.

I saw the gander mountain fluoro was made by sunline. Hopefully someone can give a review because it was priced right. I wonder if it is just sunline super repackaged.

I agree. Adjust your drag accordingly and leader for both presentations. I like the responsiveness of the lure.

I started using sniper this year after being a braid w/leader user exclusively. I fish senkos weightless and t-rigged A LOT so I use fluoro exclusively on my go to combo for this presentation: nrx893/alphas sv. So far here is what I like about it so far: sink rate, slack line sensitivity and bottom contact sensitivity. The sink rate is important for this presentation because you don't want too much of a bow of line on top of the water. The senko sinks straight down instead of swinging back to you. A lot of bites occur when the senko is dropping so the slack line sensitivity comes into play. And here are the cons for me: finicky, expensive and questionable durability. It's finicky with overruns and you have to be careful not to get kinks or it's going to break. I also find it doesn't cast as easily as braid and skipping with it is tricky. If you get hung up and need to break off, it stretches and weakens the line. I'm used to using braid and being able to keep the same line on it for years. I don't think fluoro will last nearly as long which leads to the expense of re-stringing reels over the course of a season. I also have to use line and lure conditioner which is a little more of a pain. Do the pros outweigh the cons for me? The jury is still out, but on my senko rods for sure. I still have braid/leaders on the majority of my rigs, but may try fluoro on my jig combo.

I'd get a curado I for about $130. Then for a rod you have a ton of options for about $200. You almost can't lose in that price range because they are all pretty good.

Cootz, can you skip jigs with other casting combos?

Adding weight to the butt is the most efficient way to balance a rod. I use a chair bumper and a few coins so it's darn cheap too. My NRX893 balances at the line guide of the reel.

Wow, was that up north?

Out of the 3 choices I'd go with the curado I.

Another great helpful video. Thanks Glen.

Great stuff Glen. Very helpful, thanks.

Try minnows or shiners if you want to use live bait. A jighead and twister tail have worked well for me on white bass.

I like braid for jerk baits, cranks and spinnerbaits because of the no stretch. I adjust my drag and use a moderate action rod. The sensitivity on a taut line is key for feeling what the bait is doing and bumping against. I do use a leader though.

Glen, thanks for these great little videos.

This sums it up nicely.

Alphas sv or scorpion xt on one of the japanese sites. Ordering from japan is so easy and they ship FAST.

The weights you want to throw require a finesse reel which are tough to find in you're price range. You might be able to find a used shimano 50 series, but for 1/8 you'll still need a shallow spool like yumeya or avail which aren't cheap. I didn't like throwing this light with my stock 51. If you stick with the upper end of you're weight range then the stock reel can handle it fine. I've heard the chronarch 50mg can handle 1/8, but I have no experience with it. Maybe someone with experience can chime in. You can find gently used 50 size reels for the upper end of your price range.

I started with a bps pq and gained confidence in my bc skills. Easy to use and affordable. Today I've gone to the "dark side.". All daiwa and one 51e.

Personally, I like the 103 spool just fine as long as I use braid. For some reason when I try to use fluoro it gets wild. I can pitch, cast, or skip nicely.

Currently my NRX 893 with alphas sv. I don't know though cause I also love my megabass xx jerk bait special with steez. I throw senkos on the nrx and the jerk bait special is perfect for jerk baits and shallow to mid depth cranks.

I use black most of the time.

My pixy throws the ned rig just great.