WI_Angler1989

The reel is a 2500 size Shimano Stradic FK. It does balance well. The rod itself is a little tip heavy, but I've never noticed it while fishing. I also have 2 Avids, a 6'6" M and a 7'MH. I like all my St Croix rods, but the LTB handle is super comfortable and I prefer it. I know you'd be happy with your purchase if you do end up getting a St Croix.

I absolutely love my 610mlxf LTB! It doesn't feel weak as many have stated and I frequently fish towards the top end of its lure ratings. Honestly, I don't dropshot much. It's on my list of things to learn next season. I mainly used my LTB for tubes and finesse jigs. It's an awesome finesse rod!

Got my best and favorite combo ready for the water! She's cleaned, spooled, line conditioned, has a leader tied on and a jig ready for whatever plastic I end up using! -610mlxf St Croix Legend Tournament Bass -Shimano Stradic FK 2500 -8# Stren mono backing -15# Power Pro Super Slick mainline -12# Sunline Super Sniper fluoro leader -Cadman's Custom Jig Smallie Crawlin' jig (1/4 oz)

By now means a big fish, but a favorite photo still! Smallies love them some pbj

Nice Izula! I've got a 2

Lots of love for the LTB on here. Gotta love it!

I'd be torn between either going high end on both, or going for an even better rod. I fish a TON of "finesse" stuff for river smallies: 2.5" tubes, 4"-5" grubs, 4" wacky rigs, etc, so a sensitive rod is a must. I'd have to think long and hard to decide between: -610mlxf St Croix Legend Tournament Bass paired with a Shimano Stradic FK 2500. This is my best current setup actually. ($460) Or.... -7mf St Croix Legend Xtreme paired with a new Shimano NASCI 2500. ($490) It's a tough call for me haha

I'd say get a high end rod first. I've had tremendous success with pflueger president reels. A high end reel by no stretch of the imagination. When I got my first rod in your price range (st croix avid then legend tournament bass), my fishing experience sky rocketed. The sensitivity gained from a quality rod will make all the difference.

Thanks Roadwarrior! I've seen you mentioning the smokey shad Rage Menace lately... it must be the ticket!

That's great, Blue! What one where you using? I've got a perch colored 90. It sure feels like it's coming soon, Dwight. I haven't had a lot of luck when the water is still really cold, but I'm more than ready to go try anyway.

Yeah it is. I've accumulated a lot but I'm proud to say I use pretty much all of it! I actually fish out of a canoe. I've got an Old Town Osprey.

Haha that's true, but I was eyeing balling them at a tackle store last year. Maybe I'll snag a few when they stock up!

Thanks man! A bunch of my stuff isn't pictured too. Cabin Creek tubes, other tubes, Kalin's grubs, small paddle tail Swimbaits, worms, Roboworms, etc.... I'm stocked haha. All the rivers up here are open. Not the lakes so much. That's too bad it takes so long for ice out! I guess UP is pretty far up there. Best of luck to you too, UPSmallie!

I think it's safe to say that I'm all set for fishing to start up! Stocked up on the staples and picked up all the new stuff I wanna try! Jigs and terminal tackle New tubes and The Ned Rig!! Hard baits (cranks, top, jerks) Spinners (aglias, war eagle finesse)

You've got plenty of budget options here, so here are the tubes I use. -Cabin Creek Salty Critter Jr (2.5") -Dry Creek (3.5") -River Rock Pro tubes (2.75") Now I'm not saying these are expensive by any means, $4.99- $5.99 isn't bad considering the amount of fish I can catch on a 10 pack. The key for me is to fish on a weedless sled jig. Cadman's Custom jigs makes one I use a ton now.

Replacing an old President that's damaged with this beauty. After using a Stradic FK last season (incredible reel), the Shimano reels just feel "right" to me. I still like my presidents, but there's something about the Shimano ergonomics. It's funny when I switch between the two brand a lot, because they have such different bodies that I end up dropping the line.

I'm kind of in the middle. I have 3 really nice setups that cover everything that I do. My best (most sensitive and costly) setup is my finesse rod/bottom contact rod. The 2 others are high quality rods with solid "bang for buck" reels. So, I say get the best quality you can afford, in as many as you can afford. All gear catches fish, but if you're like me and enjoy using quality rods and reels its worth it.

A lot actually. Cabin Creek tubes and craws, BizzBaits baby Bizzbug and killer kraw, Culprit worms, River Rock tubes (not just G. Pumpkin blue, but close) It's my favorite color by far. Watermelon blue is awesome too. Idk that it matters either way. The smallies LOVE either one

It really would be. That color KILLING in my waters!

I really wish Zman would make a green pumpkin blue flake TRD. The blue craw doesn't look like I wanted.

I've got my Shimano Stradic FK 2500 on my St Croix Legend Tournament Bass 610mlxf rod, a 560$ combo, and yet I STILL can't help wanting a Legend Xtreme.... it's a problem. Also, 560$ seems kinda insane now that I typed it out haha

Hear hear! I wish you luck, sir. Personally, I'm one of the lucky few over whom the "Bait Monkey" has little influence. Now don't get me wrong, I still drool and ogle at stuff plenty, but I limit my new lure buying to tax season/late winter. The rest of the year is all about restocking what's hot.

Well that's good to hear! I was actually really surprised by how much I liked the Canada Craw color. I had only ever seen the TRD online and boy was I wrong about which colors I'd like! Green Pumpkin is obviously a winner, but I thought the blue craw would be my favorite.

I tried a mono backing on my spinning reels with braid for the frist time last season. I really liked it! Not only did I save a TON of braid, since I only spooled up the maximum that I'd need, I never once got into trouble by having the backing knot come out. I came close, but never got there.

Finally pulled the trigger on one of these! I wanted to wait until the stores started stocking up on fishing gear so I could buy one in person. I wasn't 100% sure what color to have, I don't really have a go to topwater color. But there are perch here, sooooo....