JGBassinAL

I have to disagree with spool size and line capacity being your main concern. As mentioned, you are throwing shallow cranks so a 50e will hold more than enough line. If all you were throwing was the 2.5, I'd say either would be fine, but I have both reels and I throw my square bills on the 50e because I feel that it excels at throwing 1.5's and other 3/8 oz squarebills. The 200e5 will throw them too but I feel the 50e throws those smaller cranks better, and will also handle the 2.5 and other 1/2 oz cranks as well. Plus, I throw my squarebills on a 6'10" medium/moderate jerkbait blank and the size of the 50e fits my squarebill rod better IMO, and I like the 6.4:1 gear ratio for squarebills.

What is this sale you guys speak of?

You are right in what you believe. A 3/8 oz t-rig should be thrown on a 4 power. IMO a 5 power is better for a 3/8 oz jig or t-rig than a 3 power. A 5 power is great for pitching a 3/8 oz jig around wood and laydowns.

Sunline, Sunline, and did I mention Sunline?

Another vote for the 50E. I personally would not throw a square bill or jerkbait on anything with a 5.X:1 gear ratio. Definitely not a topwater either. I use a Chronarch 50E for square bills and jerk baits and I love it. I like a little larger spool for topwater (spooks), but since you say "occasionally" throw a topwater, then I think the 50E would be perfect! It also casts small poppers well if that is the topwater you like to throw.

The only difference I find between the two performance wise is the TP can cast a little lighter weights better. Honestly though, if I throw under 3/8 oz I'm more than likely throwing it on a spinning rod anyways. Actually, the only things I throw that weigh less than 3/8 oz is a 1/4 oz shaky head and a 1/4 or 3/16 oz dropshot, so those always get thrown on a spinning set up. I like the longer handle on the Tatula and I also like the knobs on the Tatula better. I give the nod to the Tatula because you can get it for $100 at a lot of places and I personally did not find it hard to palm (and I have smaller hands). If I was getting one to throw 3/8 oz and up I would definitely go with the Tatula because of price and neither is better IMO when you get to 3/8 oz or up. EDIT: To be quite honest, I HATE the Lew's knobs. Too thin for my liking.

Call TW to make the order, should be able to use two cards that way.

I have no experience with those rods but if their regular is more of a mod-fast like everyone is saying then I would say go for it. All of my jig, t-rig, and c-rig rods have mod fast tips on them. I like it way better than a fast action rod. Better casting and keeps fish pinned better. Never had a problem with hooksets either. If it's a little more moderate than you like, I'd still pick it up for swimbaits, swim jigs, spinnerbaits, etc. I throw all of my single hook moving baits on glass rods with moderate tips and I know this sounds crazy but my landing percentage has greatly increased. I do have a few fast action rods still but those solely go towards chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, and rattle traps in and around grass. If I am throwing those in open water then I'm using a MH or H glass blank with a moderate tip.

Nice fish and go Sox! Red Sox nation for life!!!

Do these strip line off of baitcasters as well?

I am a Shimano guy thru and thru, but I agree with the posts above. If I were picking between a Shimano Citica and a Lew's reel at the same price point, I would pick the Lews. Also, I agree that the Tatula is leaps and bounds better than the Citica or any Lew's reel at that price point. I owned a Tatula and a Type R, and while I sold them because I prefer Shimano (and am OCD so all of my reels have to be the same brand) I would go with a Tatula if I were you. Heck, you can get a Tatula Type R for $130 from Sportsman's Outfitters.

I like to use 8lb Sunline Sniper for my drop shotting. I use braid and attach about a 6 ft fluoro leader as the braid will help with hooksets. When you say 1/0 Martens hook, are you referring to the Roboworm hook? I find it to be the best hook for drop shotting by far, and I believe if you switch to braid with a fluoro leader then you will be set. I like the 12 lb Sunline SX1 braid when I am drop shotting. Also, make sure your drag is set pretty loose. I set mine to where I can pretty easily pull out line when my spinning reel is engaged, and I have found this to really help with those bigger fish. With the braid with fluoro leader, you will still get a good hookset with a loose drag and then you can let the fish play themselves till they are tired and you don't have to worry about the line breaking.

I talked with Clayton Bryant of CL8 Baits and he's building my rat this weekend! Thanks for the help guys!

I have seen this one and would like one but I can't find anywhere that has one in stock!

Thank you!

Thanks I appreciate it!

The first picture of the first post, first picture of the second post, and the stripe are from Wilson, everything else is Pickwick!

Thanks for the responses guys. Really looking for a jointed wooden rat that 5 or 6 inches not counting the tail. Anyone know of any?

Really need Antonio Brown to score a touchdown on this drive for the sake of my fantasy team...

I feel like those small of guides + being spiral wrapped would not work out too well. At least in my head it wouldn't...

I know this is the wrong forum but I also know that a lot more people frequent this forum so I am posting it on here. Mods can delete it if they need to. Wondering if any of you know where I can get a Nezuma Rat or anything close to it? Or just a good rat wake bait? Thanks!

Thanks guys!

Thanks man!

And more pics...Sorry for the first one being blurry. Plus, bonus striper at the end! BTW second pic of this post: the three smallmouth went for 13 lbs 8 oz just to give a little something to go by...

More pics...