Looking for the big one

There is no problem with a stiff catfish rod, it works just as well as a softer rod. The main reason catfish rods are softer is because they are made of fiberglass for durability. Glass rods such as Ugly Stiks are pretty much indestructible, but also very heavy and not sensitive. You should have no problem using a strong graphite musky rod for cats.

If you intend to use it for casting lures to pike and musky, I would buy a pike or musky rod rather than a catfish rod. Catfish rods tend to be heavier and have a softer action. A musky rod would work for baiting catfish but a catfish rod would probably not work great for casting musky lures. I don’t know about the BPS rod but if you think it would work then you make the call.

Catt’s making some big statements... I’m a dawgs fan and I’m looking forward to the SEC title game to see how we stack up to Bama.

If I am going to be very general, I would probably put 12 lb P-Line CXX on the Black Max and 20 lb PowerPro Spectra on the Sahara. I don’t know what rods you have, but these are generic lines that will fit with many applications.

That's a bold statement... There are a lot of great options around the $200 price point, it really comes down to preference on certain details. If I had to narrow it down for myself it would be between the Phenix M1, Daiwa DX Swimbait, or Okuma Guide Select. Again, so many good options out there, the Muse may be a good rod but I don't personally recommend it because of the trouble that brand has apparently caused on the forums.

Definitely far enough.

I would not recommend St. Croix, I bought a Bass X I’m that same model and don’t love it. Very large, double footed guides, not very sensitive, and an uncomfortable reel seat. Would go with an Irod Genesis, I’ve heard good things about them.

I have used big game, but prefer P-line CXX. Less stretch, more abrasion resistant. Big game is great line though, I'd feel safe flipping wood with it.

Cleaning the chip isn't necessary, it's sealed in the reel. I would send it to a professional for cleaning if I did think it needed cleaning, but I doubt they would do much to the actual chip.

I have an old Metanium Mg DC7, and the D.C. System is bad***, worth it in my opinion. Super long casting, great braking. And that's the old DC system, not the updated one.

Reason, I've seen a black with red accents, a black with yellow accents, and a black with blue accents.

Like some of the others have said, a lefty baitcaster might be in your future. Before buying a lefty though I would try and get comfortable with your current reel because you could just be new to the motion. I use right handed baitcasters but left handed spinning gear, with the different weight and motion you need to get accustomed with. Don't waste money on a left handed baitcaster before you give the righty a chance.

Wooly buggers, black ants, panfish poppers, the works. Pretty much the same as usual, but you might have to fish spots more to get a bite as they become less aggressive the colder it gets.

This is a list of species my brother has caught fishing trout magnets with an ultralight rod over the course of one summer: Bluegill Crappie Redbreast Sunfish Redear Sunfish Green Sunfish Largemouth Bass Spotted Bass Yellow Perch Golden Shiner He never fails to catch fish while I'm always desperate trying to catch a single bass. The Bobby Garland Baby Shad was what he used last year with success, but the shape of the trout magnets allows sunfish to engulf it better.

In ponds I always fish shady banks, generally in the summer shade is the coolest place and where the fish generally congregate. Again this is for pond fishing where fish generally don't have very deep, cool water. I always have a topwater tied on, works really well under overhanging trees.(Been using a teeny Pop-R recently. Lots of fun!) I also generally have a weightless trick worm or wacky worm to work over the area. Spinning gear is helpful for both because there's less fear of backlash from overhanging branches.

Yeah I might have to "test" one out ;).

Daiwa Fuego Rod Would look sexy with that reel. I'm looking to pair my caenan with a Fuego for a frogging combo.

I'm more or less set on the Orochi Extreme Mission Type F, don't know what you're saying about the FMJ.

You're too modest A-Jay. Been watching some of your recent smallie videos, man those were some chunks.

^^^ There are also freaks of nature, like @A-Jay and @everythingthatswimswho I think catch fish every time they go out.

Thx for the input anyway. rippin-lips, I actually decided on going with the Orochi XX Extreme Mission Type F. (geez thats a mouth full!)

Thx rippin lips, I was talking about the 2017 US rods. I hadn't paid much attention to that model for some reason.

Got a question for some of you megabass rod-heads. Looking at you guys @rippin-lips and @Redlinerobert What Destroyer would be the best for T-rigs, Jigs and spinnerbaits. I normally fish them all on the same rod, a 6'10" MH Duckett White Ice by am looking to get into the JDM(cool kids) market. I'm pretty set on a Destroyer, so please don't recommend something else.

I have been absolutely destroying some big bluegill recently with trout magnets, bread, worms, and fly fishing with tiny plastic minnow baits. Caught probably 4-9", 2-10", and an 11" and 12". Right now they don't seem to be on beds in my area, but the lake where I caught all of these is a cool, clear mountain lake. In the summer I don't find that bluegill move deeper, but I do think that they look for shade from docks and overhanging tree branches. Try casting a foam spider or dry fly around both of those areas if you're into fly fishing, it's a great way to pass time when the bass are being difficult. If the bream are being tricky try drifting bread to them weightless with the hook buried deep and hidden. Be as subtle as possible, with light line, either 2 or 4 lb test.

Ha! nipple alignment. ?