FishTank

I haven't tried the 1.2 but the 2.0 and 1.8's I have get banged around cover all the time. Black Back Shad is a good color to start with.

For clear water I like something with some flash and I want to burn it back in. So depending on the depth, 1/2oz-5/8oz with no trailer, white or pink color, double willow and maybe a harder wire. So far the War Eagle exactly like the one pictured above and the OSP High Pitcher Max have been my favorite. I haven't tried the Megabass V9 but it's supposed to be designed for this type of fishing.

So it may be hard to see. This bait was not as transparent as I thought. It does have a couple of balls that rattle. The one in the head is the loudest. Also, another interesting thing, I noticed it has something inside that vibrates when you hit the bill. This would be cool when banging it around cover but based on the design, I'm not sure it would be a good idea.

Got one box of fun stuff in. I am looking forward to trying the R18. I read a review that it is similar to Tatsu but far less expensive. I'll find out next year.

@ghost one other thing, the rod I used for the HG was a Megabass P5 Six Eleven. It's stiffer than most BFS rods but loads well when it comes to lighter treble hook lures 1/8oz and up. This rod has become my favorite P5 rod.

No. It is sort of odd. I wish it did and I wish it had some sort of dots that indicate where you're at with the brake settings but no big deal. I can cast that 4 gram lure on 6lb test line until the spool is empty so I can live with that.

I looked at the Expride and the Curado BFS at my local shop and they didn't exactly feel like BFS rods. They felt more like a L or ML. Even though, I think, they are rated down to 1/8oz. They felt more like 1/4oz would be a good place to start. I ended up with the Dobyns Sierra Ultra-Finesse 700C. Much softer middle and better tip. They did feel like good rods but not light enough to handle what I wanted to throw. Definitely a sweet reel. I took my new HG out on the kayak on Sunday and had a blast with it. I caught 3 small bass, 2 keeper crappie, 4 wipers, and a really good sized yellow bass. I caught most of them on a 1/8oz crankbait and a 4 gram trout minnow.

I'm not big around the middle but if I'm wearing my life jacket the handle can get in the way. Also, my casting style when throwing in specific situations changes, like side casting when seated, which probably is my most common cast around trees and docks. A long handle will hit my forearm. Also, when casting big baits in tight quarters, I need the shorter length to grip and propel the bait. Another situation is jerkbaits, working them seated with a long handle puts the rod away from body, making hook sets and jerking the bait a little harder.

Take a look at the P5 Super Destroyer from a JDM site. It's a great do all rod that can be had for around $300.

TSI 321 once again. It's worked great on my Aldebaren BFS, Calcutta BFS, and Curado BFS.

What do you intend to use it for? What weight range?

Yes but its subtle. If I remember, there are three weights inside. I have a couple more coming. One has a transparent body. I can post a picture when they arrive.

I know a few that use them including myself. I have the St.Croix Mojo Yak 7' M and have always enjoyed it. Another one, and I use it for swimbaits, are the Megabass Valkyrie rods with the adjustable handle. I shorten the handle by about 2 or 3in when I am in my kayak. The P5 line of rods for the most part also have shorter handles. Another series is the Kistler Hunt BFS rods. Do I prefer these rods over others? Sometimes. It just depends on what I want to throw and where I'm going.

The Hook Up Tackle has some select items 40٪ off. One is the OSP Blitz EX DR. I have had pretty good success with this bait but the Max version is my favorite of the deep divers.

I generally wear either of these two when fishing during warm weather. The Teva Strata or Keen Sols. For cold weather I use the NRS Boundry Boots. On a side note, I saw another person fall at the boat ramp yesterday wearing Crocs. Busted his knee up and his ankle. His wife came to get him. Pretty sure he was heading to the ER. His knee looked like a bruised grapefruit.

Check out a site called 99 Strikes. They sell out of everything quick. If you're not in a hurry, they have a rootbeer color that is mind blowing. I have had good luck with their stick worms and the Diamond Tail worms but they are pricey. They do have sales and coupons from time to time. Also, check out a color called Voodo. If you want something specific and like what they have, I would email them.

They're still eating at least at one pond. I caught this chunky girl on a 1/16oz Ned Rig with a Megabass P5 Criffhanger and a Daiwa Millionaire CT with #08 PE line and 8lb leader.

Email them. They might be able to get one of them for you or put you on a list for a particular item. I have done this on a few occasions. Also, their English is not the best. I would keep an email simple.

I almost bought another 6-11 instead but saw a guy using the z-crank for 110's and 110jr's. He is our local jerkbait expert. He's not much for words but said he loved it. I also didn't seem care for the 110 Stick and the 110 Special. One is too short for my taste and the other felt stiffer, like it was made for baits 1/2oz and up. So I am hoping this is a good go between. One thing, I have not seen them carry the 7 new rods yet.

JLS on the last one. Shipping depends sometimes on what you get, where you live, and how they are able to ship it. For the rod I just ordered it was around $40. Which is the highest it's ever been. So total I was around $300 for the rod. As far as warranty goes, I was always under the impression that there wasn't any but I was able to warranty one with some help. I am not for sure but I think Megabass Japan did me a one time courtesy. I have also ordered rods from Digitaka. I just checked and their shipping for a rod is around $55. It's typically cheaper. Something must have changed here recently.

I would agree. They are not quite as sensitive as the NRX line. But when you consider the cost at $252 + shipping, I'm OK with "not quite as". They just got me for a P5 Z-Crank. @Darth-Baiter I talked to the guys at the Hook Up Tackle about this rod when I was looking for a heavy duty jig rod. They said it was close to the NRX+ 894 in feel, and it was just as stiff but maybe a little softer at the tip. Megabass says it's for open water football jigs but the Hook Up gave the impression that it's more of a flipping/pitching rod. I ended up with the 895C and kind of wish I would have picked this one up instead. The 895 is a beast. On a side note, if you are wanting a softer P5 jig rod, take a look at the Super Destroyer. The carbon handle is something to get use to but the tip is soft and it loads well. I tend to like it for a do all rod. For jigs though, I like the NRX+ MBR 904C.

I look at this way. I would go straight braid if you're fishing vegetation and braid to leader if you're around wood but if you're doing both, I would stick with FC, except I would go heavier. I tend to like 16lb Sniper BMS or Shooter. Invizx or Abrazx are also good choices. For braid, I have been liking 40lb YGK Jigman or Upgrade.

@redmeansdistortion and @bulldog1935 thanks for the info. I picked up the MB P5 Criffhanger last year in hopes this 6' rod could bridge the gap between the smallmouth and trout that are in the two creeks I fish but it might be too long and too stiff. It's a fantastic, sensitive rod but it's hard to cast small plugs in tight place. Wrist casts and small flick type casts are hard to control as well. The Daiwa Silver Creek pictured above is kind of what I am shooting for. Something around 5', a Light power that can do 2-8g lures, short handle, and probably glass. I'm in no hurry though. I have already gone overboard this fall and Black Friday hasn't even arrived yet. 💸💸💸

So the HG showed up today. This one will pull double duty for light cranks on a Megabass P5 Six Eleven and it will be used for trout fishing next year possibly on a Tenryu Rayz or a Major Craft Finetail. I know nothing about these rods but I am looking forward to the adventure of figuring them out.

A dry suit is much better than the bibs for sure but these cinch at the top and at the middle. When I got them I tested them in some shallow 50 to 60 degree water. I stayed warm, somewhat dry and I was floating. As far as ice water, let's say 40 degrees and below, I'm staying home. This is the old version with a dry top, which I wish they had one that would fit my shoulders and arms but no such luck yet. https://youtu.be/Ay-mm1I2VFM?si=l4PzPZHLKWaZKvkN