Puggz

I especially like blastin out the tunes when I'm trolling for Muskie...lol Not so much when I'm casting as I think the noise will scare the fish..

Based on what you are saying a Medium power rod is what you need. With that being said, its never a bad idea to have a MH on hand. For example, lets say you're not into pitching into heavy cover but if you're next to heavy cover a hooked bass will make a bee-line into it. In this case its nice to have a bit more power at your disposal. Another thought is if you like to fish crankbaits, a MH is nice once you get into the larger/deeper models.

I really love the quality, look, and feel of the IMX FPR series. My question is that is there a noticeable difference or advantage to the 954 (7'11" Hvy) vs the 904 (7'6") models? I"m 5'6" tall but have never had an issue with flippin/pitchin/punchin with a 7'6". I've heard the longer rod helps with distance and accuracy...?!?!? I`m from Ontario and I have no need for an Xtra Heavy. If i'm spending this kind of cash, I obviously want the most versatile rod for Flippin/Hvy Pitchin'/Punchin applications. Reel and line will be a Tatula Type R (8.1:1) with 50lb braid. If and when I use a leader it will be 20lb floro. TIA!

Great idea! The 7.1:1?

A-Jay et al, I don't believe that the spool diameter is larger on the Calcutta Ds. Just wider. With that being said, i'll try both on the rod and see which one feels and looks better. I've also been doing some additional research and I've found what I think is a better rod. Its the *** Black "Crankenstien". Same specs as the Fenwick but a step up I think. I know there may be better rods out there but my options are limited as I'm from Canada and don't care to mail order from the US. Especially with the exchange rate, international shipping, and duty.

Good points fellas. I do a ton of Muskie fishing so I know what you mean.. Mind you, throwing 6 and 8 oz baits is the norm there. Not a big deal at all to upgrade to 40 or 50# and a 20lb floro leader. Not a big deal at all. Regarding the reel, why the 300? I can't see needing that much drag (which is the only real diff.) I already have a 400d attached to a St Croix Big Dawg..lol

I'm considering a Fenwick Elite Tech Bass 7'11", Hvy/Moderate w/Calcutta D 200. 30lb PP w/17lb floro leader. For big a$$ deep diving cranks and big topwater for Bass and Pike. Thoughts??

If you plan on using 100% Floro, then go for a reel with a larger diameter spool. I use a Shimano Symetre 3000.

I'm re purposing my current flipping stick (BPS Extreme 7'6 Hvy/Fast) to a frog and big swimjig rod. What would be a good reel for this setup? I've heard good things (on here) about the Lew's SuperDuty. I'm thinking 7.1:1???? Also, would 30lb PP with a 17lb floro leader be sufficient? tia.

I've got some spare time over the next little while and I'd like to bone up on bass fishing techniques and strategies. I'd be looking for online content. Who, what, and where would you recommend I look. BTW, I've watched most if not all of the BR vids.. TIA!

My recommendation would be a Fenwick Aetos 7'2" MH/XF with a Tatula type R spooled with 30lb PP Slick.

Exactly my experience as well. I use a 7' Mojo Bass MH/MF for trolling and casting cranks. Because crankbaits use small treble hooks its nice to have a rod that bends as the fish fights. Like a shock absorber. Helps keep the smaller hooks "hooked up"

My first low profile BC was a Daiwa Tatula 100. Don't get me wrong Shimano makes great reels but in my experience Shimano's lower end offerings aren't the best value and I find them a touch difficult to setup. If you were spending north of $300 I'd recommend a Ci4 or better without hesitation. Round reels are another story. They are built more towards strength. I have a Calcutta 400d that I use for Muskie and light Salt Water.. For bass fishing, I'd start with learning how to master a low profile first and then move into round. Fun times and good luck!

I installed 2 Everstart Maxx group 29 batteries in my boat last year and i'm extremely impressed. I'm running a Terrova 80 (24volt) and I use a Minn Kota Precision 15 amp Charger. They are flooded cell and ran about $150 each. Also note that the Maxx line is a much better battery than the standard Everstart Deep Cycles. To get the most out of your flooded cell batteries you must to the following: Regularly check and top off electrolyte levels using only distilled water. Especially if you've been out on rough water (splash out) Always keep the batteries fully charged and charge asap after use. Use a good battery tray and make sure the batteries are very secure Fully charge and remove the ground (negative) cable during extended storage (> 1 month) Invest in a good onboard charger. They are much nicer to your batteries than cheap units and having it onboard is a great convenience. The top models are the Dual Pro Professional or the Minn Kota Preceision. Good luck and PM me if you have any other questions.

I'd say the layout would work great for bass. Ranger make great boats so you know the build quality will be top notch, along with the resale. I would recommend the Evinrude Etec 90HO for power. They can't be beat for performance and fuel economy.

The Ci4 is one of the best spinning reels you can buy, seems a shame to put it on a $100 rod. At a minimum i'd recommend that you look at the Fenwick Aetos, St Croix Avid X, and the G Loomis E6X. I'm sure it will balance to any of them. If you can give us an idea of what technique you're planning to use I'm sure you'll get some specific responses.

No worries! I do a lot of Muskie fishing so PM me if you have any other questions.

Look at the St Croix Mojo Muskie line. I have the 8' MH thats rated for up to 3 oz. I throw bucktails (up to Double 10s), spinnerbaits, topwater and smaller cranks with it. I have it paired with a Abu Toro Winch spooled with 50lb PP and I'm very happy with it. Its also a great rod for going after big pike

Punchin and Froggin require a much different rod than C-rigs.... Approx 7'6" Heavy - Flippin, Hvy Pitchin, Froggin, Punchin Approx 7' MedHvy - C-rigs, pitchin, bigger jigs

Daiwa Tatula on sale...

I agree with you to a point. There are always 1 year old boats to be had which are very close to used but still have great warranty. My advise is to go to your Ranger dealer and ask about Pro Staff boats. A good percentage of these aren't beat to heck like most people thing. Some never even see tournaments. There's even a way to get one with you as the 1st registered owner so you get full warranty. PM me if you need more info as I have a buddy that's a Pro Staffer for the walleye boats and I may be able to offer some guidance.

At the moment my Flippin/Punchin rod is a BPS extreme 7'6" Heavy and for a reel I use a Daiwa Tatula Type R with 8.1 gear ratio. I haven't had any issue with the reel - I've pulled in 40" Muskie with it. Not a fan of the rod tho, at least for your application. I find that its pretty poor sensitivity wise.. Maybe the MH is better?!?

6'8" Med XFast Avid X with a 2500 series Stradic. Like many, I prefer spinning for this application. I typically use 1/4oz. VMC wacky jig heads and 8lb Big Game mono. I also use this setup for regular jigs (IE Grubs), shaky Head, Small topwater, smaller jerk baits and various small hardbaits.

Flippin rods typically have a large space between the reel seat and the first guide, not all rods that may fit these applications have this. For example the St Croix Legend Tournament has 2 rods with almost identical specs. One for Flippin, one for Punchin. The Punchin rod has the first guide closer (typical) to the reel seat. I guess what I'm getting at is watch how the various manufacturer market their rods. A 7'6", Heavy Med/Fast or Fast will suite the applications you want. But if you want to have a proper flipping rod in the mix, its nice to have the extra room between the reel and the 1st guide. And my recommendation is either a G Loomis IMX Flip/Punch (7'6: Hvy) or a St Croix LTB Flippin... Loomis has a full grip, St Croix is split.. Both are extremely light, lifetime warranty, and catch fish..:)

For your application go for the medium. You'll be able to cast lighter lures farther and have more fun when you hookup...