Hopslam

I own a 7'1" Legend Tournament "Plastics" casting rod. I feel like the action is a little soft as well. Tried using it for a 1/4oz T rig, and weightless senko and I couldn't get a great hookset with it. Ended up having multiple fish shake off. I'm used to my 7'4" legend elite for single hook baits and that thing hits the fish hard. Last year I used my 7'1" for jerkbaits, and open water square bills with success. Used it for lipless cranks around grass as well and it landed alot of fish, however I also lost a few nice ones that shook off. Could just be the hooks on that lipless. Never lost one on a vision 110 with that rod. Lots of information, but I hope it helps with your decision!

Thanks! I thought that might be the case for jerkbaits. I might try removing the ring and using a snap to the eye on the bait. When retrieving a crankbait will it make it more erratic?

I want to start using snaps instead of tying direct to crankbaits and jerkbaits. I have heard the action is better with a snap. I always tie direct to the split ring on the lure and it has produced fine. However, I would like to use snaps to switch baits and colors more efficiently. What are the advantages to using a snap vs tying direct to the split ring on a crank/jerkbait? Do you attach the snap to the split ring, or do you remove the split ring and attach it to eye on the lure?

Good setup! I'm right there with you. I use a backpack I've had since highschool, and pack it full of what I think the necessities will be for that tournament. I fish as a co-angler too. I don't want to bring a tackle box, binder of plastics, and a handful of rods into someone's boat and it be a hassle. In my opinion this is all the tackle I would need in a tournament or fun fishing. Contents are scissors, pliers, 50lb power pro, 17lb flurocarbon (heavy cover leader if needed), smelly jelly, 17 assorted jigs, 7 jerkbaits, 4 frogs, 4 poppers, 4 lipless, 2 spinnerbaits, 15 crankbaits, 22 bags of plastics ( one bag is senkos/ribbon tails/ finesee, other is creatures/ craws/ beavers

Thanks for the input!

I've searched through alot of threads about the elite tech smallmouth rod. However, I'm curious who still uses them and what specific techniques do you use them for? I have the 6'9'' MHF casting rod, ESMC69MH, rated 3/8-1oz. I haven't used it much, only for a 1/2oz swim jig which it worked nicely for. But when I put a 1/2oz lipless crank on it's not very sensitive. I know its a matter of preference, just looking to see who has this rod and what they have found it best suited for.

Awesome thanks A-Jay!

Great advice I'll keep it mind!

Lol thanks for the input I appreciate it. I just don't want to get spend the money and wish I would've gotten something else. Pretty much set on a st. Croix though, just don't know if the Mod action would be best considering I fish along grass alot.

Sensitivity wise how is the ML blank? Do you think it would fit my needs?

Purchasing two rods next week 1 spinning 1 casting. I like the feel of the Legend tournament bass rods. Thinking about pulling the trigger on 6'9" MhMF "Sniper Spinnerbait" rated up to 5/8 or 7'MhMF "Sweeper Spinnerbait" rated up to 3/4. Never handled these rods but I'm wanting to use them for 5-6ft squarebills and 1/2oz lipless cranks around grass. Does anyone own these rods if so what do you personally use them for? Also curious about the 6'10 MlXF "Drop shot/ Finesse" spinning rod. Would mostly use for weightless plastics, senkos, and ocassional shakeyhead, or 1/8oz weight. Anyone own this also?

I love my HMG have the 6'6" MF. I've literally used it for everything except big jigs, frogs, drop shot and 110 jerkbaits. But it is my main plastics rod, weightless senkos, 1/8oz weights, and shakeyhead are great for it.

Just curious if anyone uses Abu rods or reels. I have never used their products but the rods feel great at the tackle shop. The price point seems to go from $30-$270+ so I'm curious about the quality, and sensitivity. I would hate to throw $200 at a rod, knowing I could buy a st croix and be satisfied with the purchase. Any input is appreciated! Thank you.

Just left my local tackle shop and browsed around for a good hour. Looked at the elite techs, and a few others but ultimately decided on a 6'6" M Fast Fenwick HMG and a Pflueger Purist in the 30 size. They pair up excellent IMO, and I can't wait to try it out! Thanks everyone for the advice. I'm sure I will check out some of the other rods in the near future!

Anyone use the *** 13, or Abu Garcia rods?