FishTank

If you are new to baitcasters and if you are not planning on ever buying a baitcaster with a regular brake system then the DC would be the way to go or if you are introducing a young angler then the DC is a good place to start. If you are experienced with a baitcaster, then the DC is a tool you use for the more difficult and unpredictable casting situation.

I would go with the St. Croix Premier or even the Mojo. The Triumph is one of the worst rods I have ever owned. I have tried the HMG and it's a good rod for the money. The Fenwick Elite Tech though > I have had two and both have now broken on hook sets, both in the same spot. Pure fishing replaced them but I don't think I will buy another one. When not snapping like a twig, they're not bad.

I would go with the 7.1. You can just slow down the retrieve if you need to.

I have the 844C GLX and have the 844 Conquest on my list to get next year. I also have the the 853C NRX. I sometimes wish I picked up the 854C but it's a close tie between the 844C and 853C as to which is my favorite jig rod. The 844C is more versatile but the 853C just has that something special that makes it a fuzz more sensitive and better for jigs. As far as reels go, I have the Steez SV TWS and the Antares 70A. Overall, the 70A is my favorite. It's slightly smoother, it can cast further (if that's your thing), is great for flipping and is just a pleasure to fish but the Steez is actually more practical. When it comes to skipping, to me it's not reel specific as much as it is a skill you acquire, just like skipping a rock across the lake.

I have bought several lines off of Amazon over the years...... Seaguar Tatsu (best price I have found), Seaguar Invizx, Seaguar Smackdown Braid, Seaguar Gold Leader, Sunline Defier, Sunline Defier Amarillo, Sunline Shooter, Sunline Sniper, Sunline X-Plasma braid, Trilene XL 100% Fluorocarbon, Trilene Big Game, Runcl mono (cheap and not bad line), and Runcl Fluorocarbon (didn't care for it). I really never had an issue with Amazon but the potential to get bad line is there. Just watch out for who sells the line through Amazon and check the reviews.

I was fishing a lot of muddy water at the beginning of last year and I tried all the recommended baits and no luck. I found using a 1/2oz yellowish colored Megabass Dark Sleeper was the trick and more than anything, whatever gave off a lot of water disturbance.

I hate to say it but that sounds like it is beyond repair. Also, the repair by a professional would cost more than the reel is worth. I would try Ebay for a used one if you like the reel. I had a Sahara years ago as well. It was a great reel but I destroyed it when I hooked into a 40lb+ blue catfish. I stripped the insides, bent the shaft like you, and broke a rod to boot.

Have you tried using a pool noodle? Cut the noodle (make it a snug fit) to hold the transducer, use marine goop/glue to secure the pool noodle, press the transducer in the hole. Also, make sure to use to clean the place for the noodle using fine grit sand paper and and alcohol.

I did this on a buddy's boat... The rod storage on his boat was just a long hole and his rods would get bumped around a lot on the water causing some nicks and dings on his rods and reels so I cut two pieces wood to size with holes in one and slats in the other and mounted them in his rod storage compartment. The holes have felt placed inside them and pvc pipe on one side to hold the rod in place.

Plan, work, save, use patience, spend. > Enjoy.... but know this, a kayak or canoe is only the beginning. You will need all sorts of stuff to put in it to use it safely, such as a life vest and a quality paddle and a back up incase yours is lost on the water.

It looks like a good idea but the size is just not that great. It's 9x7x2. Maybe it's geared toward kayak anglers? And at $30, kind of pricey.

If you can't find one to pick up and hold it in hand, try Amazon or American Leg. Fishing. They both have it in stock and they both have a pretty easy return policy if you don't like it. A.L.F. also has it $10 cheaper than most places. You can save another 10% if you sign up for their emails.

To tell the truth, I have not fished this particular rod. I have the Avid and the Legend Elite. Both have a softer tip than other St. Croix Fast rods I have. I would think St. Croix would have passed this through to it's other rods.... But.... I have also fished the older Legend Tournament and it was a little stiffer but worked great for jerkbaits.

Prana Zion. Expensive but worth it. Others I like..... Kuhl Liberator, Patagonia Guide Water and for going all out Arc'teryx Gamma LT> These pants are tough, light and breathable. They aren't for super hot days though, best for 70 degrees and below. One other thing, don't ask how much they are.

I watched it. Very good info. I have been using this rig for a while but never called it a free rig and I didn't use an open hole drop shot weight either. I used a round lead ball weight with the open hole. I tend to like a regular T-rigged set up better.

6'8'' M Fast St. Croix Mojo.

I had one but after several years it broke (probably user error). Shimano replaced it with a Curado rod. It has been a good rod so far. It doesn't seem to be as well made as the Cumara but it is more sensitive, not as stiff, and it's kind of more fun to fish.

I would think that reel would handle it fine but like Tom eluded to above, the rod may need to be looked into. I picked up a G. Loomis IMX 903CBR and this rod will launch a 3/8oz crankbait a mile. I have tried multiple reels with this rod> Daiwa Steez SV TWS, Shimano Bantam, Abu Garcia Winch, Quantum Vapor PT and a Shimano Curado DC. I ended up liking the Bantam the best. Another rod to look at is the St. Croix Legend Glass 7'2'' Med. It will also throw lighter baits but I like it better for 1/2oz cranks.

I tried it a few years ago and it was great line. I liked it better than Power Pro and Sufix 832. I bought a bunch of Seaguar Kanzen in 40, 50 and 60lb and have not had a need since.

Looks like a Tag Heuer commercial, very cool though. I think it will sell well next year. Also, nice to see something new besides a Tatula.

12lb Big Game or 12lb Trilene XL. Big Game is cheaper and tougher but not as soft and as easy to cast as XL. Both are great lines and would be great to learn with.

I use both straight braid and braid to leader. I usually use whatever I have left over from a filler spool if it makes sense for leader. I always have one baitcaster and one spinning reel set up with braid to leader but they are not my first choice when it comes to line. I found I like FC the best for most of my techniques.

I would call them. If you try to remove it with say pliers, you are probably responsible for any damage. Good luck.

I ordered one set of bearings for a friend's Curado CU-200 and Boca sent me all this stuff> hat, candy, stickers and a mouse pad. These guys are awesome

I have the 803S and love it for Senkos and lighter jigs. It has plenty of backbone, almost too much. I have paired it with a Shimano Vanquish 3000 with some Sunline X-Plasma braid. It is a super light combo with a lot of power.