Cyacnba

I have this rod paired with the Aldebaran 51HG. I will try to get a picture of the balance if I go fishing later today.

I've used them during my last 2 trips. It's pretty much the only lure that catches bass right now, but since it's the 90 size, expect to catch a bunch of small ones. There were a few 2lb bass as well, just not too many.

Went out to the Charles River again today. First few hours were tough with just one decent bass on a jig. After lunch, I switched to a mini Rapala minnow, catching a few bass, bluegill, and 2 crappies. I saw a bass jumping to chase my minnow, so I changed my lure to the whopper popper. Man, I never caught so many bass on a topwater lure like this one. I caught over 10 bass with it, including 4 decent ones.

I went to the Charles River today and caught 4 bass. 2 of them were over 3lbs, and I also snagged 2 huge carps

This is why I stopped focusing on rods because if you ever decide to sell them, you run into all these issues of packaging and shipping. So far I sold 2 rods shipped in a PVC tube, but since I was so worried, I put a lot of bubble wrap around it and taped the ___ out of the caps. I'm really grateful they made it in 1 piece, but I'm done buying and selling rods (shipped). It's too risky. I bought a G. Loomis NRX, which I will keep forever and that's it. Nowadays, I buy different reels to try out as many as I can since they are much easier to sell and ship.

All my reels weight less than 6.4oz, so the Exsence feels way too heavy for me. The G. Loomis is the NRX 803C (6'8"), which I got from Tackle Warehouse when they were on sale. I wish they had the blue ones on sale though lol

My first DC reel ever on my first G. Loomis rod. The Exsence DC is definitely heavy, but it feels like a tank. I'm still debating whether I keep it or sell it to get a Met DC instead. I think it would work great in my next trip to Argentina

I have the TW reel covers, and I noticed that it doesn't perfectly fit the 13 Metanium. It fits my Aldebaran 51 fine, but I would get a different reel cover for the Metanium.

I can finally post something here lol.

I just found and purchased one for less than $300, but it's shipped from Japan. It's supposed to be free shipping, so I hope they don't charge me anything else. If you are interested, I can send you the link.

I currently use the 14# Sniper FC for jigs, and I must say that it's a great line. I had no issues so far, it's also a very strong line

Oh yeah, I was too excited that I forgot there are pikes and pickerel haha. Thanks for reminding me of that haha

My first pike ever! 3.5lb and caught on a football jig haha

You guys should try fishing in Boston too. I caught a 4.5lb and 3lb bass and a 3.5lb pike today, all under 30'

I actually fished for bass on their beds last year without even knowing what they were doing. I was wondering why they wouldn't budge or inhale my baits after constantly throwing it next to them lol. Back then, I was using a T-rigged Rage Craw, and I noticed that a few bass would bite off the claws of the craw. When I casted the Rage Craw without the claws, most bass became really aggressive. Not sure why, but I will try this again this year. Nevertheless, I release the fish ASAP after I unhook them. I'm extra careful with these bass since they are spawning.

That's probably the most beautiful combo I've seen so far. May I ask what the whole set up's weight is? Looking at your rod makes me want to get a custom rod now haha, but I must resist!

That's a beautiful combo. I might try with the Aldebaran

Alright, after reading all the posts, I bought one. Thanks a lot, everyone! Hopefully, my Tatula rod still feels nice even after using the NRX lol. I just need to think which reel to pair it with now...

Hi, Seeing how the G. Loomis NRX 802C and 803C rods are on sale for $300 at TW, I'm really tempted to pull the trigger. Since I've never spent this much $$ on a rod, I just want to make sure I won't regret it. So do you guys think the NRX is worth the money or do you think I should wait longer for a further reduction in price? Also, what other rods would you recommend at around that price range for bottom contact fishing? I prefer 6'8" to 6'10" rods. Thanks.

Went to the Charles River today and caught 3 bass. 2 on the Cabin Creek Spider jig and 1 on the Skinny Bear Finesse jig with a Zoom Super Chunk Jr black&red. Others were catching sunfish and crappies. I saw a white perch too.

You can try Craigslist, but you should be prepared for many low-ballers. Unless you have some crazy deal on a really popular rod, I don't think there's an easy way to sell rods. I'm still struggling to sell my Tatula rod lol. I wish Boston had more fishermen...

How much cheaper can you find them when something like that happens? I should probably ask on the flea market as well

Thanks! I actually gave them a call today, and the guy on the phone had a Champions 683C for $180 including shipping because it was a rod used as a demo or something like that. Not sure if it's a good deal, wish it was free shipping.

Not sure, but if I were to find a good deal now, I'd buy one right away. Not sure how the fishing is in MA in general , but around Boston, the Charles River is the only consistent option in my opinion. Local ponds are still kind of covered in ice. If you ever come to Boston, just let me know. Thanks for letting me know. So far, I had no issues with the Tatula reel seat, and I hope it stays like that lol

I have a Type R, which balances pretty well with my Tatula rod. That's the issue. I would love to handle them beforehand, but there are no stores around the Boston area that carries them. So, I've always purchased my fishing equipment based on reviews and others' recommendations/experiences.