Yudo1

Ian Shields.

It's impossible to vote unless you've used each rod in the survey and even then sensitivity is subjective. OP, I get that you are going spend a good bit of money and you don't want to regret it because we've all been through it. You can't miss with any of those rods IMO. I personally own several klx and I think they are very sensitive, but I've heard a lot of praise for all of those rods.

I use both braid with leaders and straight fluoro for senkos. Weightless, I prefer straight fluoro because it sinks and I feel bites better with less bow in the line. I always run the line across my finger so I feel every tick. I very rarely gut hook fish and I use senkos a lot. On the rare occasion that I do, I go through the gill with forceps, flip the hook upside down and go back through the mouth and pop it out. I haven't killed a fish in a very long time.

I would go with the faster one.

Do you have the newer zillion or an original zillion? The original isn't compatible with current sv spools. If you have the newer model then the absolute best option would be an sv spool. You can get them from the tackle trap, but I think they are currently sold out.

Spinning gear is going to be the easier path. Casting gear for lighter lures can be expensive.

G Loomis cr721.

You might be on the right track.

The 3 year warranty doesn't scare me away. I own several megabass rods and some were bought used which don't come with any warranty. The xx line offers some of the most versatile and well made rods. I figure if it doesn't break within the first couple years, then it should be fine.

Life is too short and unpredictable. If fishing with high end stuff puts a smile on your face, then go for it as long as you can afford it. I think you picked the 2 best reel companies IMO. Get both. I own shimano/daiwa reels from $200-400 and enjoy each and every reel. They all have different strengths and uses. Fortunately, I haven't had the urge to buy anything new lately and currently have my arsenal set. Most of my purchases have been from Japanese companies when the dollar/yen was favorable and also used stuff. Buying used sometimes gets you incredible value and if you decide to sell, you only lose a few bucks.

This topic comes up a lot. It's all purely preference. I prefer left retrieve and I'm right handed too.

Tatula ct is the way to go IMO.

I prefer heavy power rods for frogs because of the slop, weeds and pads I have to pull the fish through.

I'm sure you'll get lots of good advice, but I really like cabela's fenwick silver hawk rods on sale right now for $59 and they retail for $99. I own a spinning model and I think it's a really good value for a quality rod. The blank is pretty sensitive and the fuji alconite guides are quality vs some aluminum oxide inserts you'll get with other budget rods.

A pflueger president in 25 or 30 size would be a great reel. I prefer the 25. I would go with 20lb braid and a leader because braid handles so well on spinning reels. I don't like heavier fluoro on spinning reels because of coils and line twist. With that current set up and fishing from the bank on small bodies of water I'd use soft plastics like senkos, fat ikas and flukes. You could also use it for light t-rigs, wacky rigs, ned rigs etc. As far as a bait casting combo, you could get a daiwa tatula ct on ebay for about $80. I'd get go with a left retrieve 7.3 gear ratio because if you are used to using a left hand retrieve with spinning reels, it will feel more natural and 7.3 is a good speed for bottom contact and some general reaction baits like spinnerbaits, buzzbaits and shallow cranks. You probably won't be doing much deep cranking. This leaves $100 for a good medium/heavy, fast action rod. There are a ton of good rods in that price range. The daiwa tatula comes to mind or a dobyns fury.

Kickerfish summed it up perfectly. I use a 873crr for those weights.

I go with 6 up and 6 back.

The entire xx line uses the same guides which aren't true micros. They are larger than micros.

They discontinued the wild card.

Unfortunately, it's a no go. I wouldn't mind having brass mm gears in my met.

I used to care more about balance when I first got my nrx's. I used rubber chair bumpers and quarters on the butt. I took them off to u40 the cork and never bothered to put them back on. Personally, it doesn't bother me anymore because the rods are so light to begin. If I was using heavier rods, it might be more of an issue especially with tip up techniques.

They are the same. The jdm metanium mgl has a slightly shallower spool than the usdm.

I wouldn't mine 3-4lb LM in numbers. Numbers are always fun.

I might take my yak up to presque on the 4th of July. Are there any smallies left in the bay?

The worst thing you as a beginner can do is get a reel that is not dependable or is finicky. Don't set yourself up for failure and frustration. Buy a reel made from a company with a history and reputation for making quality reels backed by the best customer service My favorites are shimano and daiwa. In your price range the tatula ct is a no-brainer. I fished with my buddy last week and I noticed he was constantly pulling out back lash after back lash and I was consistently outcasting him. He doesn't own a single shimano or daiwa. I spent my time fishing.