Puggz

Megabass is one brand that caters to the shorter rod market (under 7') and they offer something in every price range. For example, P5 casting, there are 12 out of ~28 casting rods that are less than 7' with the shortest being 6'0". You may find similar results within their other models as well.

Dobyn's DC 734C, comes in either split grip or full grip. Not as high end as the others mentioned here but I've never been happier and this is coming from a guy who loves P5s.

I absolutely use a leader. Usually wire but on my big musky baits, I have some floro leaders in the 100# category. We don't have Pickerel here, at least in the ESOX sense. Some of us call walleye "pickerel" and for those, I never use a wire leader.

I just grabbed a new Megabass X10 swamp survivor and a JDM '22 Bantam 6.2. These were not planned to go together but I might give it a try. I feel that the rod is going play really nicely with my Calcutta 200d. Time will tell. So, back to the topic, what line? I'm going to use this rod for Pike and Muskie in spots that don't hold huge fish. As well as learning the Bass SB game. I'm also interested in this for hollow body frogs cuz I heard that recommendation as well, Right now I use a 7'11" loomis IMX flipping stick but am interested to see if there's an advantage here. Thoughts??

Generally any good pitchin stick will work - as it works with any other large plastic. I use a DX 745 C w/30 lb braid and sometimes a 15# floro leader.

Don't over think this. 5.xx or 6.xx will work fine. Its more upto the rod to keep a hooked fish pinned.

Personally I'd go for a Calcutta 400d. I use this for Pike and Musky. There are several of them on the market pre-owned with not much use on them.

Yes us canadians get hammered with duty and taxes. That said, its still a cheaper option with a much better selection. Best idea is to get on all the JDM mailing lists. I purchased a Vanquish last winter on sale for an additional $100 of the going price. YMMV

For larger deep cranks i'd go with a Heavy/Mod action. The LTB glass rods are awesome but I cant comment on the grip size as my hands are on the smaller size. I recommend 3 CB rods, M/MH/H which will cover all cranks, spybaits, and I like them for chatterbaits. Personally, I use an Envy Crankenstein - 7'11 Hvy/Mod. I use this for mid sized SBs and for pike as well. Dobyns would be a great option and does Kistler make a HVY/MOD? That would be another worth looking at.

I'm looking for a Swimbait rod and seriously considering a Swamp Survivor. What is your experience with this line? I find a big difference between the XX and P5. TIA< P

Just wondering, why not co-poly? What do you use and why? I ended up ordering this from Japan and it arrived a few days ago

More specifically, the Conquest shallow and the MD. What are your application(s)?? I currently own a Calcutta 200d and 400d. I really like the 200 but I find the 400 a bit on the heavy side. TIA< P.

Hi Tom, yes I should have been more specific. This rod would be for larger squarebills to medium divers. 3/8 to 1/2 oz generally speaking. Not sure about the DC but I've never needed it. I already have a Bantam, its on a Dobyns Champ 734. Funny enough, I don't like the reel as much as I like my '20 Met and earlier Chronarch Ci4s.

With some new models dropping i'm wondering what the latest CB casting reel recommendation looks like. It will be mounted on a Kistler Reel and Feel, MH, Mod action. I'd prefer a 6.2:1 or less gear ratio. Would you think that a "DC" model would be beneficial? I typically run 12# P-Line co-polymer on this rod. Bonus question - would this setup work well with Chatterbaits? Its too soft for Spinnerbaits for my preference. TIA! P.

Thanks guys - I did see these on amazon. Was hoping for a better quality product as this is for my main battery that powers everything except my trolling motor