Pettis

..just an FYI the handle is a couple inches longer on the Megabass than the Dobyns. Not sure if that matters to you at all.

It's essentially medium power. I think you would be very pleased with it.

I think you would be in good shape with that champion, it is a great rod. I would also check out the megabass orochi XX Ronin. It is a perfect fit for your jerkbaits and would handle your light tubing as well. I own rods from both the champion and orochi xx lines and absolutely love them both.

Yes, it's rated for 1/4 to I believe 1.5oz... but 3/8 -1oz would be the ideal range I'd use the 735 for.

Dawsonville Georgia

Lake Lanier is about 20-30 mins from Dunwoody depending on traffic, have you tried going there? Most of the public boat landings have areas around that are accessible to bank fishing. I see films doing it all the time.

Im with bassinlou, I have the 734c, and just like the rest of the champions it feels one power rating below most other brands. I use my 734 for open water spinnerbaits in the 3/8-1/2 range, but personally don't think it would be ideal for a half ounce jig. If you are wanting a champion, a 735 may be a better fit.

Good point. I do have a couple setups already that could handle the 3/4oz + 6". You guys have talked me into the NRX 843 for the flukes. I have a 894JWR in the EX6 line, how do you guys think that would work for the paddle tails? I use it for t-rigs and creatures, but would rather have something a bit more sensitive for that application. If the EX6 I have would work for the swimbaits, I could instead upgrade the t-rig stick to either a GLX or NRX? Or am I reaching?

I have one, the tube/grub 7'. I find it tip heavy and sensitivity is poor.

Do any of the current generation Loomis have the recoil guides, aside from NRX?

Kicker, Thanks for the reply. I have the megabass orochixx stinger shot spinning reel for dropshotting, and love it, so Id definitely be open to that line in casting. As far as the classic mbr844, is the action the same as the IMX? The GLX? I do not own any from those lines, only the NRX and EX6- so I don't really have a point of reference. I can live with having a separate stick for weightless flukes.. maybe an MBR843 or you think BCR? Again, thanks for the reply- very helpful!

I thought they no longer made the GLX MBR842..?

TW has the Lucky Craft cranking rods for $99. That is a steal for those rods. I have used the 7'6" long cast and the 7' mini magic. They are beautiful sticks, and really perform well for cranking.

I am looking for a rod for primarily paddle tail swimbaits. I usually throw them on swimbait jig heads or underspin heads. Generally throwing 1/4-3/4oz heads and anywhere from 3"-6" sb's. (Would also love to be able to use the same rod for weightless flukes, but am open to separating those applications) Usually my fishing is done in deep, clear reservoirs with a lot of rock.. and some brushpiles. (Lanier, Hartwell) On occasion I go to Seminole or Eufala and others. 80% Im on Lanier. I use Dobyns Champion series for nearly all moving baits, and I have tried my 734c for this application and it just doesn't feel right. Love it for spinnerbaits, but I just do not like it for the application I detailed above. I am leaning toward a MBR, either 843 or 844, but just can't decide which would fit best. Also unsure if gL3 would be the ticket, or should I go IMX.. (or even GLX)? I use NRX for my bottom contact applications, and love them.. but I just can't justify that price point for a moving bait. Do the actions/power in loomis other lines generally match up with the NRX JWR? (I have 894 and 895JWR) I do love my Dobyns, I have 734c, 2 of the 705glass, a 704cb, and 806CB. I'd be open to a Dobyns, but if the 734 didn't feel right.... Thanks for any feedback.

I got the 894C in the EX6 series, and have used it several times. First impression- this thing is LIGHT and balances very well. I think folks are going to be pleasantly surprised. I use it for dragging 1/2 oz football heads and it is great for this application. It is very sensitive, not on the NRX level but certainly well above the GL2. Cork is good quality, and the black/green is ok if your into that (Id prefer just black but that's me). Overall at the price point the value is incredible. Again, I have only used the 894, so I cant speak to the cranking sticks, or the flipping sticks- but this one is a winner. Glad I picked it up.

Agree with speed craw. I would add a flutter spoon, also deep suspending jerkbaits with a sloooooow retrieve and loooong pauses work for me in the winter as well.

Not exactly a lure mod... but I put a speed clip on a 2 or 3 oz swiveled sinker= cheap crankbait retriever. Only on one occasion has this not been successful in retrieving my bait. No telling how much $$ it has saved me over the last year.

No, never go up there after them. I am originally from FL, moved up to Atlanta about 8 years ago- then to Dawsonville 2 years ago. I'm all bass (and occasionally crappie for supper!), never caught a walleye in my life- never tried. I hear they are a lot of fun, though.

Been around for a bit, realized I skipped the intro.. I fish Lake Lanier weekly, make trips to a few other lakes when I can. Enjoying the forum, glad to be here.

Saw today that BASS banned the A-Rig in ALL tournaments that impact Classic qualifying. Suppressing innovation, or the right call?

Guys, any insight on requirements (aside from the ever present entry fee and being a BASS member)? Any specific boat? Any prerequisite tournament participation? Also, do they use co-anglers like the BFL? Thanks in advance!

What ramp do you put in at?

Personally I'd go longer for the 6xd and similar cranks. I use a 7'11", but a 7'4" and up should do. It really helps for distance. Of course 1/3 of the retrieve is the getting down, 1/3 is strike zone. and the last 1/3 of the retrieve is the upward movement to the boat. The length also helps handle that harder 'pull' that those larger lures give you. Again, just my opinion- Im sure lots of guys throw a 6xd with shorter rods and have success.

The 7 footer will get you a bit more casting distance, and isn't really more difficult to handle unless you are a short fella.

For that range, I would agree the St. Coix mojo would be an excellent choice. Unless you are throwing heavy deep divers.