jbrew73

What line version is actually in the kit?

Go big or go home!!!!

How would y’all fish it?

If you have used and like glass rods disregard. I can’t find any reason whatsoever to use a glass or composite rod for any technique including cranking. Graphite is my preference. I have tried a few and find to be a wet noodle that has poor sensitivity, sub par casting distance and are genuinely unflattering to use. Fish landing has not been an issue for me with graphite either. I would check out Falcon or Hammer for a nice light weight, long casting and sensitive rod for your lure specs.

The guy I fish with and myself challenge each other to fish better but I can’t say any professional or other fishermen inspire me whatsoever.

I think the swimjig rod is excellent for Texas rigs. I feel like the weight rating they use is for swimjig weight plus trailer. I believe it would be perfect for your listed weights and plastics. If you like shorter rods the head turner will work great. In my experience the Lizard dragger is too hvy for your needs.

These 5 speeds that people speak of, are they manual or automatic? ? I have settled on 6:1 reels for all cranking needs.

7’ or 7’2” MH Casting Rod 12lb sniper 6:1-7:1 reel 3/0 round bend hook a medium rod might cast a little better but i like the hook setting power of a medium heavy.

Texas rigged Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver 4.20 or the discontinued Strike King diamond shad would be my suggestion. both have an erratic fall that gets bit for me.

Falcon, hands down. I would rank my older falcon Cara rods only slightly less sensitive than my loomis glx rods. The new Cara line is right in line with the sensitivity of the glx rods and feel lighter, more responsive in my hands. I would only assume the falcon is a much better rod than the gcx based on my experience.

You might find that an actual snell knot is easier the cinch tight.

In my opinion BG is like cheap fluorocarbon except it’s extremely thick and rubbery feeling when more than 10’ of line is out. ? I know it’s decent line for the money(cheap)but the constant recommendations for it make me cringe. PS. If you’re wondering what they have in common it is the unwieldy handling.

Stren ftw.

Did the handle fail from fighting a fish or was there damage from dropping it or some other external force?

If you are using it for 3/8oz jigs, swim jigs and buzzbaits I’d use the Falcon swim jig rod. If 1/2oz and up go with the amistad. I’m not sure that the Hudson would do anything your existing rods cant do better.

Falcon is my standard. Their ratings are constant within the brand but considerately different than other brands.

What rod are you using?

My hammer 7’ hvy did not have the same soft tip as my hammer 6’9” hvy. Maybe it was a slight variation between those 2 rods or maybe all of them are that way. The 7’ was a really nice rod but the tip wasn’t as soft as the 6’9”.

Sounds like the same rod as the Falcon Headturner. Very versatile all around rod.

The number of ball bearings is a poor indication of a reels quality or performance.

There is no standard for rod ratings. Tell us what rod you are looking at and advise can be offered.

With a 3/4oz weight any $100 and up reel should throw it far enough. I get good distance out of a $99 Daiwa. If I wanted more I would get the tatula elite long cast.

You can bill a new one to your credit card.? I have no first hand experience but I believe there is a guy that repairs them and I’ve read megabass will replace them if mailed back.

Give it a shot. Let us know how it turns out.

Are you asking for a recommendation for a reel in the 6:1 range or asking if you should get a 6:2 vs 6:4?