PatrickKnight

I use 10 lb regular Power Pro and 8lb Stren original mono and I have no issues getting lures unstuck (pretty easy for me to bend out hooks with this set up).

I ordered a 703 Sierra last night and it will be here in two days (gotta love TW 5 dollar two day air shipping) I will let you know what I think of it when it arrives.

Curly tail grub

7 foot medium power spinning rod Stradic FK 3000 10 lb Power Pro to 8 lb Stren mono leader 1/8th ball head jig with either a curly tail or paddletail on the back (tube if we don't count the jig head as a bait) Since this is what I throw 90% of the time it was fairly easy

I do it on all my rods using braid. By doing this you can get two seasons out of one respool. Saves some serious money.

I had been tossing around the idea of getting a Levante. What was so bad about them?

What is that spinner second from the right?

I had this conversation with Richard about 3 weeks ago. He said the medium is more like a mag ml and to choose the power based on hook size. I use a lot of 1/16th - 1/4 oz jigs but they have a pretty stout 3/0 hook on them so he said the 703 would be better even for the 1/16th size because the added power would be useful for driving the hook home. Most times when I fish a shakeyhead (rare for me) I use ones with a stout hook because I am throwing them in the same places I would a Texas rig or a jig so the 703 would be the clear choice here. However when I fish a wacky rig (more common) I use light wire drop shot type hooks so here I would likely go with the 702.

That is pretty much what I am going to use it for tubes, grubs, and small paddletails.

Thank you so much for all the info. Thanks for the info!! Man I love that these are slightly slower rods! Would you guys say the jump from the Fury to the Sierra is similar to for jump from SC2 to SC3 in the St Croix line up? Also how do these compare to the Avid line of rods?

I like my rods on the slower side of fast so that is welcoming. How would you say the 703 Sierra compares to the 703 Fury? I am currently trying to unload a couple folding knives to fund new rods

What is are the general thoughts on this series? Thinking about trying out a 703SF but I will have to buy it online without being able to hold it or see how it balances a Stradic FK 3000. I know the Fury is popular at the 100 price points and the Champions are thought very highly of however the Savvy didnt get the best reviews. So for $170 are these solid or should I look else where?

You mentioned one of the most over looked parts of it and that is comfort to the angler. I think this is very often over looked by a lot of people.

I have really wanted to take the dive on one of the FB Ci4 reels but I just cant seem to get them to balance right. Maybe this is just a sign I need a new rod too!!

As a general rule I don't think store brand baits perform as well as the name brand ones do. Prime example is the Keitech Swing Impact Fat and the Bass Pro Speed Shad. While similar, the action of the Keitech is noticeably better when compared side by side.

One thing to keep in mind with Shimano is if you buy off ebay they will not warranty the product. You may save a few bucks but I would rather buy local and keep my warranty.

In the 200 dollar range nothing touches the Stradic FK imo. 2500 and 3000 are the same frame just the 3000 has a slightly deeper spool. A 2500 Daiwa is the same as a 3000 Shimano and a 3000 Daiwa is the same as a 4000 Shimano so compare line capacity not model numbers.

I fish the Great Miami a ton and there isn't much difference between the two rivers. Tie on a green pumpkin 3-4 inch curly tail and fish the spots where fast water meets slower water and you will catch fish.

Which ever one of these three you can find at the best price.

A medium power spinning rod with more flex than a traditional fast but not to the level of a moderate.

Checking this one out as well! I will check it out!

Either 6 or 8 haven't decided yet but likely 6. Senshi was one of the lines I was really looking at. I looked at this as well but tacklewarehouse doesn't have it in 6-8 lb test. Also the 11lb is a good bit thicker than the 6-8 lb Senshi I am looking at.

I am going to try mono on one of my rigs this season. I have been braid for about the last 3 years but I want to keep one spooled with mono. What is the best mono currently on the market for a spinning rod (only reason I am going with mono is when I need some stretch). Also the river I fish is pretty shallow, fast, and rocky.

Never thought about this thanks for the tip!! Do you have the Fury or Sierra 703 by chance?

I am in the market for a medium power mod-fast action spinning rod at least 7 foot long. I am currently looking at the Lews Custom Speed Stick tube rod, which is a 7'2" medium power mod-fast rod. I have not really had much success in finding other models that meet these requirements so any others that I can compare would be great. Price needs to be under $160.