d-camarena

Have you tried the okuma?

Dont get me wrong, its a great rod and the build quality is really good. My only complaint is sensitivity but that can be fixed by using braid. Id still prefer it over the abu

Lightning shocks are the ultimate budget rods. I fish them next to my lews, shimanos and croixs and they catch just as many fish. Got them for $9 at walmart too lol

Im in the minority but my mojo bass rods feel dead in my hands. They dont feel sensitive or balanced in my hands. It may just be me

X2 i fish hudds on a 7gear ratio reel and have never felt its too fast. I just reel slow

Ive tried every brand, my favorite is the boyaah. I also like manns but boyaah is best bang for buck

Dont have that exact model but i have 3 mach iis. I really like those rods. Light and plenty sensitive with a good backbone

Honestly dont be cheap and buy yourself a 12lb or 15lb spool of big game mono. Youll have leader for years. 8lb is not enough for the baitcaster

Optimal id say maxcuatro. At least thats the best ive found. Only downfall its a little noisy

Whatever you do, dont use 15lb big game. 8lb is plenty

Try a vmc death stick hook with flukes. Your welcome

Zoom, yum and h20 xpress

I use braid with leaders. No problems. Very sensitive rods too.

Okuma helios. Sold for under 150 at various places

I have 2 quantum reels and a rod. I love them. Depends on the person i guess.

Id be too embarrassed to be seen throwing the duck at my local lake. No thanks

I do it all the time. Of course with plastic, hook and sinker the weight it probably closer to 1/2 or 5/8. I use heavy duty hooks for everything. I tend to exagerate my hooksets

I use way bigger knots with way bigger line without problem. I think the rod was already cracked. What is the action on the rod?

My go to has been the strike king shadalicious. I slit the belly my self

Uglystik

Try it. Really is a great jig and frog rod. Youll get over the color quickly. I dont like the spinning ones. They have a moderate action

It probably just had a broken tip

The shock 7ft mh heavy is a great frog rod

Thats a tough one. Seems like you have the right reel/rod. I think your problem could be- 1. The lure is too light 2. The braid is to thick for your setup 3. Reel need a cleaning Or 4. Your combo might just be maxed out

Also what is your rod rated for? And what lures?