NathanDLTH

If you can find them the Shaky head or enforcer would be good, the Enforcer would be a bit more than enough rod though. I think all three rod choices are solid here.

The rods I’d recommend: Braillist XX Orochi, Champ Extreme 745, EMTF XX Orochi I’ve read this works surprisingly well for bottom contact, and 7MH BLX in shallower water would work. Those are it, check eBay, you might find rods on there too.

The Landsat for sure of the bunch.

Truthfully a well built medium will throw lighter baits than they are rated for. However, if you are set on getting a ML then go for it, but it's not 100% necessary. I do 95% of my smallie fishing on Mediums for spinning rods or a MH baitcaster. Also don't go below 10lb line cause of rocks, snags, and general debris in the river close to me.

Thanks guys! I’ll check em out!

I'd really look at Dobyns, lots of lines for the user to pick from and then reels it's pretty wide open. Shimano and Daiwa are the mainstay for many people, they have a reputation because their product lasts. Period and it's quality. I like Daiwa for various reasons, but I have held on to my Bantam MGL for many reasons. Other rods I'd consider Megabass Orochi, ALX, Kistler, and Expride.

For various reasons, I am contemplating going all tungsten for jigs. Yes, I know this is an expensive venture if that's the path I choose and will end up being costly to replace when they are lost. In effort to find the best bang for your buck, what recommendations do others have. What I am looking for is: good colors, strong, availability, decent price (no more than $6/per). Thank you.

Dobyns champion XP is a pretty sweet line, others have mentioned the 734, the 744 is another solid option. Megabass Orochi XX is solid $300 rod with plenty of versatility in the rods. I’d recommend buying new here. ALX rods and most are built in the US, if not all of their. Never fished one, but hear a lot of good things about them. Rods in all price points.

Contact the seller. Explain what is happening and see what they say. I have zero experience with that specific reel, but that doesn’t sound normal or right

Nice man, I wanna hear what you have to say.

I don’t. I haven’t had any issues with my rings. Used everything from cheap Weaver and Burris to Seekins and APA Rings.

I’d send it off to be cleaned or do it yourself.

I’m basing Reel preference off the fact you only own shimano, but I’m a Daiwa guy. 7’2 Expride I’d go 7:4 in either Bantam or DC 7’6 maybe 8:1 or something fast because you’re probably flipping with this. Bantam would be better here imo. 6’11 MED+ consider a 7:4 the new Curado 70 mgl would be sweet or a Chronarch Mgl. spinning I’d get a medium lite with a 2500 or 3000 vanford/ci4+ or if you get lucky a used sustain or Exsence. This is your finesse set-up. cranking needs to be glass-7’4-7’6, 12-14lb line depending on the plug you’re throwing. Curado k or tranx 200 6:2 or 7:4. Frog- the 7’2 heavy zodias is a good starting point, 7:4 or 8:5 are the gear ratios you want. 40-65lb braid. The only other rod I’d look at for this is 7’3 XH Expride. All depends on how heavy of cover you’re frogging. Imo Bantam and change out the handle for something bigger like the metanium‘s size 96mm or so. It’s going to give you more power bringing in those fish out of heavy cover.

I’m game. Doesn’t matter if I get anything, but this cool!

May I suggest the Dobyns Fury line? I think comparatively it would be better than the St. Croixs you’re looking at. Either way, both will do what you need them to.

I am currently using a Megabass Orochi F7-70k XXX Destruction for frogging. It’s got plenty of power but a slower load as the action is regular. I have better hook ups than a fast action and more consistent when using heavier braid. Different strokes for different folks. That’s all.

I guess I’m the odd man, I’ve shipped at least 4 rods and no issues. Probably received 6-7 rods with no issue. It’s only a matter of I think, mostly through FedEx and 1 or 2 usps.

They need a good oil and lube because a lot of time Daiwa reels come dry. It's not super hard either. I've cleaned and maintained my reels for a few years now.

My Zillion 10 was practically bone dry when I got, same with a 2020 Tatula SV and Tatula SV

I’m fishing the Orochi XX Enforcer which is the little brother to the Brigand, it’s awesome. Good fit and finish, very comfortable with a 2500-3000 size reel. I’d recommend that or the Brigand personally.

My suggestions: Champ Extreme 744 or 745 used can easily be found under 300, Orochi Braillist good solid rod for this, and Tatula Elite 7'MMH Brent Ehler. That's what I would look at.

Tatula SV, I have fished both and I am convinced the SV is the better platform. The only Shimano reel I have left is my Bantam MGL, it's a complete workhorse and my favorite frog reel. Smooth as butter.

I would think it would work no problem, might have to loosen up the drag a little as to not pull out hooks but yeah I wouldn't hesitate to buy other than the fact for me the reel seat is uncomfortable. I am looking at the Expride 6.10M myself for the spring.

Hey gents, I hope the season is treating you well and with fall right around the corner my tourny friend and I are looking to make a day trip or a weekend adventure. I'm located in Osseo and he's in Woodbury just for an idea of our location. I could use some help for finding a lake that has good numbers with size. My instinct is to head to the family cabin on Bay Lake because there are plenty of other lakes in the area we can fish too including Mil Lacs. There would be no one at the cabin the weekend of the 12 and 13th which would be a bonus. Any input would be appreciated.

I owned a GLX 893, it was insanely light and sensitive for the price, but that’s where my love stops. The reel seat was not that comfortable and the blank is too stiff for my liking. I’ve fished an NRX next to my Xtasy and they were comparable, but I would give it to the NRX still, Loomis knows how to build a rod. The other rods I’d check out would be the Destroyer USA line from Megabass and the new P5 Destroyer line, both have good bottom contact rod and are well made.