Lucky Craft Man

You know, with each Major League Fishing series, I find myself more and more into this format. If I have a Bassmasters or FLW tournament DVRed and there is a new MLF episode there as well, I watch that one before the other two. Do any of you find yourself preferring the MLF episodes over other Bass Tournement episodes?

In my case, since I palm the reel, I like to balance the rod and reel just behind the top screwdown nut where my middle finger would be positioned. So for me, the weight of the reel would factor into how my rod balances, because my fulcrum point is just in front of the reel. For guys who like to have the fulcrum point right in the middle of the reel seat, then it wouldn't matter much which reel is used (though on a technical and minute scale, the shape of the reel and the positioning of it's center of gravity could shift just slightly in front of or behind the center reel seat location, but I don't think it would be all that noticeable).

I'm pretty fanatical about balancing my rods (I sent you a link to a post I made discussing how I like to balance my fishing rods). Even though more weight is added overall, there is nothing like a rod "floating" in your hand that is balanced just right.

If you are truly bored one day, here is a thread I started a few years ago that pretty much goes through the whole evolution on how my "One" Jerkbait rod was created... http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/99721-effects-of-cutting-an-existing-rod-down-in-length/

You know, I can understand why everyone is saying the IMX as I have owned the GL3, IMX, GLX, Mossyback, Bronzeback, and a bunch of other techniques specific G Loomis Rods (e.g., Spinnerbait, Crankbait, Swimbait, etc.). However, Tywithay actually brings up a good point. The NRX truly is a rod that I think stands on it's own. The GL3, IMX, & possibly the GLX have rivals where the NRX is just in a class of it's own. I have sold or traded in most of my other G Loomis rods for the NRX models, as I feel this offering from G Loomis is truly a "Stand Out"

As many have mentioned, there are a lot of options for good spinning reels in that $100 price range. However, let's talk about the rod. You may want to consider upgrading that a bit as I think you will benefit greater from a different rod than a nice spinning on your current rod.

Matt, You have an interesting dilemma. You are looking for one rod to handle techniques that ideally three (or four) rods will be used for. For example, for jerkbaits, I like to use a shorter rod (6'9") with a faster action (actually, I like a mod-fast rod) with a reel that has 28 IPT when the reel is full. I have gone through many different rods with various actions and different reels with various IPT to come to that combination, which suites how and where I fish jerkbaits. I use a 7'5" moderate action rod for shallow to medium running crankbaits with a reel that has around 24 IPT. I have a 7'11" moderate action rod for deep diving crankbaits with a reel that has 22 IPT. With that being said, I would focus on getting a rod that suits what you will be fishing the most. For example, if you suspect that you will be throwing jerkbaits and shallow to medium running cranks more than deep diving dredgers, then that G Loomis GLC 855 CBR would be an excellent choice. And as far as the IPT on a reel, I would suggest you stay around 26 IPT. If you go up into say 28 to 30 IPT, those medium diving crankbaits could be a little more of a chore to use all day (not saying you can't do it, just saying it will be a little more taxing than with a lower ratio reel). If you drop into the 24 IPT or lower, then you will not be able to catch up the slack between jerks while jerkbait fishing, which is a total pain in the rear end. I think the best choice for you would be the Shimano Chronarch CI4+ (it has 26 IPT). You already have the Shimano Chronarch CI4+HG (which is a great worm and frog reel) so you are used to how it feels in your hands. Plus, if you look around, I bet you could find one around that $200 mark you are seeking. Good luck in your search and I think you will love the GLX 855 CBR. I know I do and it makes for one nice Lipless Crankbait rod on top of those other techniques you are wanting to cover.

New Streamer Fly Rod and a Pflueger Supreme for a rod the is not even made yet (but it will be, I hope)

Interesting question. I learned to fly fish when I was young, but I really haven't persued it heavily up until the last 7 years when I found out you can fly fish for trout all winter long. It acts as a filler for me as my Spring through Fall are in search of Smallmouth, Musky, and sometime Largemouth. I am sure there are guys who catch a lot of trout on spinners and jigs, but to me there is just something about having a fly rod in your hand while standing in the middle of water running around you. To make a long story short, if you think that by learning fly fishing will catch you more trout than with a spinning rod, I am not sure that is true. If you are looking to really expand your fishing repertoire, then get into fly fishing and you may find you really enjoy it. If you are looking at just catching more trout, look into perfecting at what you are already familiar with.

Actually, that is not a big Steelhead. We caught probably 30 that day around that size give or take a few inches. Depending of where you move in PA, you could be close to arguably the greatest collection of trout fishing streams in the country (and being Limestoners, they never freeze in the winter, which means year round fishing!)

Hahaha...I promised Scott that I wouldn't cover up the handle on the custom Sage One he made for me (which is the only rod I own that doesn't have the Rod Wrap on it). I even sent him proof that I didn't wrap it...

I would have to say Musky. Very physically taxing casting huge lures all day, but when you get that one strike/fish, it is all worth it!

I recieved a little bit larger than expected Christmas Bonus (meaning larger than $0, which was what I received the last 3 years), so I decided to splurge on a new Fly Fishing outfit as an early Christmas gift to myself. Here is my new G Loomis NRX 10' 4wt., Lamson Remix, and Cortland Finesse Fly Line. I have Rod Wrap on the grip (which I really think sets off the aesthetics of the rod) and Coral Blue sleeve that Lamson sells to "customize" your reel. I am rather pleased with how everything turned out. Now I just have to see if those wild Brown Trout like it as much as I do.

Imagine the spool on a reel needed to hold enough line to drop shot for that mother.

I use Blade Baits in the Early Spring and Jigging Spoons in the Late Fall. They both work extremely well and for some reason that I can't really explain, I have never crossed over (i.e., Jigging Spoons in the Spring and Blade Baits in the Fall). Maybe I'll mix it up a little this year and see what happens.

The C3 has a lower gear ratio (5.3:1 or 26 IPT) than the C4 (6.3:1 or 30 IPT). Both reels are good and have their purpose. For example, if you are throwing baits that have a lot hydroresistance while reeling in, like Double 8's or Crankbaits, then the C3 would be a much better choice (as you will wear yourself and the reel out if you tried using the C4). The C4 is great for picking up slack when using lure like jerkbaits, glidebaits, or some topwater. If you are looking for just one reel our of these two, I would definitely say the C3.

Great Looking Rainbows! Thanks for sharing. I love looking at pictures of just nice looking fish.

I am not a big deep cranker, but I have thrown the 10XD on my G Loomis SWBR 953 and it has worked fine. I didn't feel underpowered or anything. I have meaning to toss the 10XD on my NRX 916 UBR, but I just haven't done it yet to see how it feels.

I have a few St. Croix Premiers as well. Great rods and if you don't plan on throwing anything over say 12 ounces, this would be another viable option.

Nice Looking Fish! That is one of the best accomplishments in fishing, going on an outing you are not familiar with and catch fish. I'm not an expert on identifying trout at all, but that last fish looks a lot like an Atlantic Salmon.

Even though this is a Bass forum, I will offer an answer. This answer really depends on what you mainly throw, but this following combo should handle a large range of lures. Rod: Tackle Industries XH 9' Casting Rod Reel: Abu Garcia Revo Toro NaCl 5.4:1 Ratio Line: 80 to 100 lb Braid (I like Cortland Masterbraid, but there are a lot of good brands) Leader: Stealth 130lb+ Fluorocarbon That Set-up will run you around $500 (for everything listed) however, if you shop around, you could get everything for about $350.

That's why I had "arguably" as opposed to "unarguably." I am a fan of Fluoro, because of the sensitivity it gives you on slack line. When you are pausing the Jerkbait for 30+ seconds in cold water, feeling that light tick from Smallmouth gently mouthing the lure is the difference between catching a fish am not even knowing he was there.

Let's see what line KVD, arguably the greatest jerkbait fisherman around, uses... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIIMH5eVtec&list=UU9kQSDzX1dzFFZCeJ4sHwYw

Are we talking stocked trout or wild trout? Stocked trout will take about any brightly colored fly. For wild trout, I would have to say the Beadhead Pheasant Tail would be my favorite.

Actually, I never fish there. There are a few lakes further North (and into New York) that I frequent.