zelmo

Great information. Thanks guys.

It is a bit worrisome that there are so many negative reviews on the MGX. Are there really so many issues with them or is it just unjustified bashing?

Before I bought the rod I had also read about the weight and balance aspects of Dobyns, but I wasn’t able to get the actual weight of the rod. I already had a DX701C and liked it so I decided to give it a try. As I said earlier I haven’t given up on it yet but I may switch it to a different application. I should know what I want to do after a few more times on the water.

Thanks for the responses. Do you think 1 ounce is a big difference on a 7’+ rod or am I over reacting?

One of my best producing baits is a Kut Tail worm on a Spider head. Since this is very similar to a shaky head presentation I got a Dobyns DX842C-SH and put a Steez CT on it. I have only had it on the water a few times but something just didn’t seem right. I put the rod on a scale and found that it weighs better than an ounce more than my NRX+ or Zbone rods. I am not giving up on it yet but I have some concerns about using it for hours on end. How much do you let a rod’s weight influence how much you use it?

You are correct - I use LH reels even though I am RH. Also correct about the stock at TW. I don’t intend to throw anything more than 1/2 oz total weight and more like 3/8 max. I like small reels. I was going to get another Steez CT when I saw the Revos. I realize that they aren’t in the same class but I could find an application for them.

Too funny! That reel is why I haven’t bought another.

I haven't bought an Abu reel for about 15 years and haven't kept up on their offerings. Can someone explain the differences between the Revo AL-F and the Revo MGX Gen 2?

There have been several comments about colors and blades making a difference. For those dedicated SB guys how long do you stay with one that isn't producing before making a change? When you do change is it a small tweak or a bigger change, like Colorado blades to willow?

Good point to think about IPT in addition to gear ratio. Thanks for all the replies. Fishing the Susquehanna does mean snags. Anything to cut down on them is a good idea.

When using a baitcaster for 3.5" and 4" swimbaits do you prefer a high gear ratio or a lower one?

Our strategy has another potential problem. One lot that I use is like a big rectangle. You enter in the middle of one of the long sides and parking is at either end. It too fills up. I got there once and was the first boat out. I chose a spot to park where I thought I had little chance of damage. Upon my return it was no surprise that the lot was full. The problem was that some JA decided he was just going to park his rig in the center of the lot. He blocked in about 6 other rigs. Luckily I was able to squeeze by and get out. One space over and I would have been stuck. I am glad I didn't have to risk seeing my temper kick in.

Exactly! My situation is compounded by the ramp I often use. It can be a zoo and the parking lot is horrible. Being the first boat out lets me beach the boat while I park (I fish alone) and get a good parking spot.

A-Jay, I just found your thread on night fishing on the General board. There is a lot in there that can apply to the questions I have been asking. I wish I had found it before starting this topic. In the first post of that thread you said "There seems to be 90 minutes or so after actual sunset where the bite is pretty slow." Is there anything like that before first light?

Thanks for the responses. I now have plenty of things to try. Something nobody mentioned is how active they are at first light. Are they actively looking for food or do you need to bounce it off their nose? As for colors I usually have a dark and a light color tube and swimbait tied on and ready to go. Which should work better in dark conditions vs the times when it is pretty bright for nighttime? When it is pitch dark do you need to use a bait that produces sound/vibration? I was going to make a comment about floating grass affecting topwater come July, but I was out today and it has already started. I need to find something that works in it better than Sammys and Whopper Ploppers. I have never caught a fish on a buzzbait so I don’t think about using them. I need to work on that.