Yudo1

I've only used kvd line and lures, but it does make a difference.

I'm so glad I bought my exsence dc last year for $260. I don't think we'll see those prices again unfortunately. Even at current prices it's worth it IMO. The best frogging reel I've used.

I agree with others that recommend the President. For about $50 it's pretty hard to beat. My money goes into casting gear because I don't use spinning gear as much, but I do own a president that is about 8 years old and performs like new. I know people really like the stradic and I'm sure it's better, but the President does everything just fine for me.

I like a 7' -7'4" heavy power, fast action rod. I like tip soft enough to cast and walk the frog. Also I'd like a rod that is relatively lightweight. I currently use 2 rods: megabass XX perfect pitch and a klx 7'3" frog, jig, creature. Both have powerful backbones. There's a lot of great choices in the $100 range.

Perfect pitch will bomb a 1/2oz frog.

I just picked up an nrx 852c and it is definitely my favorite river smallie rod. Its just so versatile. So far my favorite techniques on it are senkos, Ned rig, grubs, poppers and jerkbaits.

For me it's an nrx 893 if it's light cover.

Jump on that deal!

I've only used the hot glue stick because I want to be able to get it off in case I need to replace it again.

Years ago gander mountain sent a rod in its plastic bag inside of a cardboard tube. Needless to say the tip was broken. The replacement was sent the same way and again with a broken tip. I called them and told them they are probably losing lots of money on broken rods because of the way they send rods. The next replacement I had sent to the store and I picked it up. I wonder if they still ship them that way.

I've used 7.1, but prefer something a little slower. I really like my tdz 103ml r+ with 5.7 gears. I have a tendency to make the bait lift out of the water with faster reels.

They are incredibly fun to catch and pound for pound one of the strongest fish, but I made the mistake of trying to eat one....yuck!

I used to use braid with a fluoro leader and liked it, but I switched to straight fluoro because I was told it had better slack line sensitivity. I do like the fact that fluoro sinks for vertical presentation of a weightless senko.

A few years ago I upgraded a bunch of reels with Bocas and hh airs. IMO the real benefit is less effort to cast and not distance. I like them in my finesse reels, but for general purpose reels I don't see much benefit. Nowadays I just flush and oil the stock bearings and I think it's just as good.

I run mine dry.

Shimano and don't look back.

Agree

If you're wondering if it would worth your while getting bc combo, I say yes. A 7' mh/f would compliment your spinning combo and give you more versatility. Now if you want specific recommendations then let us know your budget.

I was bank fishing at a local pond and I only had my 893/met mgl combo throwing senkos and jigs. No luck so I tied on a chatter bait thinking it might be a bad idea with the extra fast tip, but it worked. I started getting bit and didn't lose a single fish. I usually use my klx crt for blade baits, but was surprised that the 893'same tip was soft enough.

Looks like a 4lber

2 1/2

I'd go with the dobyns 735.

Get a 50e or 70i. The lighter spool will make your life easier.

I have the jdm version spooled with 12lb sniper on my senko rod. I don't really need more line capacity. If I was using 20lb then maybe I'd want more capacity. I'm happy saving $100.

Usdm version has a slightly deeper spool and has a little more line capacity. It also has a US warranty. The weaker yen makes the jdm version cheaper.