FryDog62

I had the Avid X MH XF but found it to be rather tip heavy, a bit of a broomstick too and sold it. I’ve bought 3 similar rods since and like them a lot better - very light, excellent balance and far superior sensitivity IMO: •Daiwa Tatula •ALX Zolo •Kistler Helium 3 Same general price range as the Avid X, some a little higher/lower depending on sale price. Wouldn't think you'd have a problem with knots going through the guides on these rods. I throw braid/co-polymer leader with an FG knot, works great.

And now a new goal - have successful surgery/recovery from Trigger Finger in my left hand... I guess that’s technically “Trigger Thumb” I spose..

I’m not complaining that I’ve caught a couple hundred+ smallmouth and largemouth over 5 lbs... but I have yet to crack 6 lbs. Biggest are a 5-12 Smb and 5-15 Lmb. Close but no cigar... So the 2019 goal, yet again, is a Sixer..!

Thank you, if anyone has anything with the colorations for Minnesota too would be great.

Is this available for other states... would be interested in Minnesota. Thx

Pretty much a tie for me between the Curado 70 and a Steez for palmability... gets to splitting hairs. Although I’ve never had a Pixi..?

I’m curious/interested in the reasons why he prefers mono for this application... buoyancy, knot strength, etc? thx!

I use Yo-Zuri Hybrid and Trilene XT for chatterbaits, spinnerbaits and crankbaits because it is both tougher and stretches less than fluorocarbon.

Have you ever tried the Popper version? Wondering if it’s as effective popping as the Poppin Pad Crasher ... and if the hook up ratio is as good as the original Scum Frog?

That might be tougher, I was using 15 lb braid to 8 lb fluoro. An FG knot does help some as it is smaller..

I had an AvidX MXF 6’-8” and never had an issue of leader knot hanging up in the guides...

I’m a fan of Dobyns, and they are high quality well-balanced rods... but in terms of sensitivity, they are just average (not terrible, but not great). I also have Helium 3, ALX and Tatulas and all are more sensitive than Dobyns.

Best alternative for lifetime warranty now is Scheels - 13 states and 27 stores, obviously smaller than BPS/Cabelas - but employee owned so less likely to get acquired. Walk in with one of their damaged rods, and walk out with a new one no questions asked. Nice people too..

I will be selling Garmin Panoptix PS-22 TR that I purchased and had installed this Spring. I tend to buy and demo every or every other year. Avail in approx 1 week. PM me if interested..

All I’ve used that size is the KVD 8.0 Magnum Squarebill which is 4.5 inches long.

Lews Super Duty. Small, light, heavy duty gears - and you can get in high speed. Best of all worlds IMO.

I don’t like a lot of stretch but do agree it can be an advantage when fighting big fish. After experimenting with a lot of different lines, I’ve found one for me that seems to stretch markedly less when I get up to 12 pound test... yet just enough give to keep fish buttoned up. It’s a co-poly (Yo-Zuri Hybrid) so it may not fit your true definition of mono. Otherwise, I think Big Game as suggested above would be another good option.

Thanks, how about mid-winter though... is that an ok time to go?

Will be in Florida either first week of Jan, or mid February. I heard a lot about pollution this past year on Okeechobee... is this cleaned up, is the fishing still good - or is it down? Lastly, would Early Jan or mid Feb be best? Thx

10 lb Yo-Zuri Hybrid

Will do, wonder if they charge tax or shipping? Thank you

I tried Dick’s but Garmin is excluded. Anywhere else 25%+ off?

X2

I plan to buy an ALX rod... and am thinking the best deal might be if TW has them at 20% off on Black Friday. Anyone know if there’s anywhere else that would sell them for less?

Arashi Cover Pop with Wayzata Bait small crank leader. Walk the dog plus the popping sound has twice the ability to entice strikes. The leader is small enough to not hinder the action and prevents the frequent pike bite-offs in our part of the country.