Columbia Craw

I have one of each. Light, sensitive and really well balanced. Both are split grip. The 743 is my Senko rod but it can handle a myriad of baits. I throw 1/4 oz football head Hula Grubs with the 703.

What do you classify as a deep crank? Do you or will you throw baits over 1.25 ounces? A SK 10XD is a niche’ bait for me and I just don’t go that large. WTS, I made a move in May to an Alpha Angler Mag Rebound. The blank is NFC S2 glass and I love it. It’s like the old Lamiglas SR765R on steroids.

Pop Max for me. Champion 705CB, Tatula Elite with 12 Sunline mono. The 6th Sense Splashback 60 is no slouch either.

Size, sound and water displacement are important. Chartreuse with a blue back is my starting point in that water type.

The other perspective is, would you, if you’re wacking them, cut that bait off and offer it to your buddy?

The Cordell Ripplin Redfin was way ahead of its time. That is one bait I have had custom painted. Whoops, there I go being a mentor.

NFC Edge is an interesting company. It’s 25 minutes away from me. The CEO, Alex shared some insight with me a couple years ago during the opening of their first pro shop in Woodland. The primary focus on finished rods and blanks was steelhead and salmon. They have a huge inshore following. They also have a huge fly fishing and surf casting market overseas. What caught him with his pants down is the market for bass and walleye. The production model is at on facility so the various rod productions take turns and the timing of the production cycles we’re competing against each other. That was the challenge that production had to overcome. Training new builders was also an issue and was becoming an absolute priority. It was clear to production that wrappers would have to go to two shifts to meet demand. I saw inventory building by the month. I was able to purchase some rods at the pro shop and ordered some. A 32 day turnaround was the norm, the Epitome 764 S was slow due to supply delays for a specific guide set. Finally, Alex recognized the demand in bass rods far exceeded projections. Those skews have to addressed. I think that transition is moving forward. The series that I feel has the greatest merits is the EFX Pro MBR. First Strike is close. Delta Series is a great bang for the buck, Black and Silver Widow will require some discussion to aid the selection. The plan is to open another pro shop in Houston Texas. Anyone interest in an Edge can reach out. I have contacts there. They are developing a grip handle design for the upper tire spinning models that will be a game changer. I’ll try to get some photos. Finally? Edge runs promotions up to 40 percent off. November has had them. That’s the time to order.

Okay. The Orochi X10 touts itself as being built on a new blank design that features natural plant fiber material which is sustainable. So much for the green deal hype. I’m sure this series is made exclusively for the US market. I’m convinced there is an element of a plant based material but that material can be applied as skrim in the production of the blank. The blank itself is what I consider to be a larger diameter thinner wall design. The Bandersnatch does have that feeling, similar to high end glass blanks but not that large of a diameter. Regardless, the rod is less than five ounces. The action is “regular” At 7’ with a lure rating of 3/8 to 1 ounce you would think is to be true heavy. I would put it as a med/hvy plus or between a 4-5 power Dobyns rod. Most of my rods are fast to xtra fast and the Orochi regular was on the slower side of fast. This is actually a plus however because the regular action makes for a very controlled cast ability. Roll casts and target casts benefit from this action. Sensitivity is pretty darn good. II reminds me of my Xtremes. The blank is really responsive for that regular action. Nice tip and a delayed lick up but not lacking in power. I put the sweet spot at 1/2 to 5/8 ounce and the ounce top end of the rating is pushing it. Components are all top tier. The fit finish and color scheme are really nice but not gaudy. The upper 70 percent of the blank is lightly sanded. The split grip is nice and quality of cork is as good as I’ve ever seen. The grip itself is however, short. My big hands roll off the end in casting but it’s comfortable when palming the reel. The balance point is good with a Scorpion 70 series reel. I do like the way this rod loads and for an action that is slower than the rods I usually fish, it locks up into power fast enough. I’ve had limited time on the water and have run 3/8 to 1/2 swim jigs and buzz baits with it. These baits are a great match for this blank. I like it. It’s different but in a good way. The components are especially nice and everything compliments itself. Is it a $400 rod? Sorry Megabass. No. Did I pay retail? No. I was able to capitalize on a sale plus discount and for what I paid for this stick I can’t complain. It comes with a super nice soft case. What impressed me the most is the casting control, really good feel and sensitivity in a superb build and finish.

Zoom Z Craw with no skirt. That’s all I throw anymore.

I’ll write an evaluation-assessment of my Bandersnatch if there is interest.

I’ve experienced what you are facing multiple times Jim. My heart goes out to you and especially to your wife. Dwight’s comments are so accurate. You are the covering for your wife. You must take on the role of advocate and keep records of everything. Waiting for the pathology was almost more than I could tolerate. It is the critical piece of information that will dictate where you both go from there. I don’t mean to over reach Jim, but don’t get caught up in googling every site out there. That process will wear you out and can generate anxiety you don’t need. Medicine today is so much more advanced that 24 years ago. The future is bright. I’ll be lifting you both up in prayer.

It appears you’re talking about a casting rod and the power rather than the action. Medium power and action rods perform well with lighter weight baits, lighter test lines and smaller diameter hooks, especially treble hooks.

I found a golf ball retriever at the Goodwill for four bucks. It telescopes to 12 feet and is aluminum. I modified the end so I can slip the line into the loop. One bait save and it’s paid for itself. Anything deeper and the plug knocker gets used.

Balance over total weight.

Don’t. There you go.

There are three key components to fishing, rod, reel and line. Each have evolved with new technology. Of the three, which component would you select as the most impacting in your fishing? Basically what two components that you started your career with, would you be satisfied with. Mine is rods hands down. I could fish my Lews Speed Spools from 1979 and my Trilene XT without out a hitch. Rods is another matter. Today’s rods are game changers.

No. The one thing I’ve come to like is Shimano having very affordable 70 series models.

On bait casters it’s either mono, Sunline Supernatural or Fluorocarbon. I’m having some good luck with Daiwa’s JDM floro but Seaguar Invizex has an excellent track record. YZ was fine but didn’t hold up as well. That’s just my preference.

Wow. They doubled in price since I bought mine.

I have absolutely no problem telling my wife just how things are going to be….. when she let’s me.

Life is full of options. You just have to find out out what they are.

Make your own. Cut to fit. Cheap and easy.

Zillion over both .

It won’t take long for this topic to hit page 183.