LCG

What size reel are you using out of curiosity? I have had a few presidents and none of them did that. They were/are 30 size reels with 10-20ib braid and never experienced what you describe. Wondering if a larger reel with lighter line would cause this? Otherwise, I have no idea. Curious to see if you find a solution, hope you do.

Watch a lot of YouTube fishing videos, clean gear, organize tackle. Repeat.

I use a Plano weekender in 3500 size for bank and kayak fishing. So far it has been perfect for the last two seasons. Holds two double sided 3500 boxes or 4 individual boxes. Plenty of room for small terminal tackle box and tools. Usually holds my wallet,keys,and phone as well. More tackle than you would ever use on an outing.

For me personally... Worms anytime Creature baits with action ie brush hog when it's warmer and the bass are more active Beaver style creature with little to no action when the bite is tough or something different is needed

I take care of my gear in storage and transport, but once I am fishing, all bets are off we are swinging long rods pretty hard, matter of time before you hit something with the rod. Happen to me a few weeks ago casting from a buddy's boat, he had the trolling motor up high and I hit it pretty hard. Not sure if the was the rod or the lure that hit the motor. My buddy did the same thing 5 minutes later. Luckily the rods were fine...for now. Can't count how many times a bullet weight has hit my rod when pulling free from a snag. It happens, don't be too hard on yourself. Sounds like the rods gave you a long service life, now you get to try some new stuff. Good luck and my only advice is that there should be some good sales pretty soon.

I have found this as well. It feels more connected when it's pegged. I have a had more gut hooked fished unpegged. But I use 1/16-1/4oz, usually sticking to the lighter range.

Anyone has this particular model of spinning rod? Curious how it would be for weightless trickworms, Ned rigs, drop shot, wacky ,and other finesse techniques. Any help would be appreciated. Noticed they come in two piece models either at the grip or the more tradional ferrel in the middle. Thinking of going with the more traditional for ease of transport. Will be paired with a Stradic FL 2500 with 10lb braid to 10lb mono leader. Usually fish shallow, around some cover, under trees, laydowns, rocky areas, etc. Most my finesse is rigged Texas style due to weeds.

I fish from a kayak or from the bank most of the time. Two rods, one baitcasting, one spinning. Hammer and screwdriver. Both have their use.

5/16oz war eagle finnese in white/chartruesse has been my go and it has caught a lot of fish,including a 43" pike that weighed around 18lbs. Tons of largemouth as well. Now I can't find them locally.

Sounds like the reel is fine. Start with full brakes and gradually lower the brakes until it's back to where you feel comfortable. Keep your cast smooth and your thumb gently riding the spool during the cast.

No matter how expensive the gear I would not risk my safety, stuff is replaceable.

The Stradic FL is a fantastic reel.silky smooth drag and power to spare. The reel does weigh more than a ci4+ or zaion material reel, but is aluminum, so that's to be expected. I am on my second season with it and it's still super smooth. It still weighs less than a nasci, I don't find the weight to be an issue. When I was buying the reel I compared it to the Stradic ci4+ as the vanford wasn't out yet, the ci4+ did not balance well on my rod so I chose the FL. No regrets at all. If you want to stick to a budget reel the nasci looks pretty nice though.

Shes a keeper Actually my wife never cares what I buy, but I try to keep it within a budget. Sounds like a great combo. Congrats

Are you using braid, flouro, mono, or copolymer line? I have found changing the line can have a big effect on how the rod feels. I have come to prefer mono with xf action rods for the most part.

X2. But once, cry once. That reel, if taken care of will last you a very long time. Solid build, smooth drag, and excellent line management.

This bass is nothing special but the hook was buried through the top of the mouth, doesn't get much better than that. But again short distance casting.

While the question is not directed at me. I have some thoughts on the subject. This year I really got more into spinnerbait fishing. I use a 5/16oz war eagle finnese spinnerbaits which weighs in at .56oz real weight. I have been using a 6'6 M-F BPS Carbonlite 2.0 rod paired with a Shimano SLX MGL 70 with 10lb big game mono. So far this has been a great setup for this technique in shallow water ponds,rivers,small lakes. Usually less than 7ft depth. Mostly catching 2-5lb bass. I tried various rods,line,reels,gear ratios, etc and this seems to be working well so far. The rod is a tad short, but very accurate. Target casting in a kayak is my style or bank fishing. I think you really have to factor everything into the equation of which rod is best. Type of cover, depth, size of lure in real weight which for a spinnerbaits seems to be almost double the listed weight, then type of line and stretch factor, rod length (boat vs kayak vs bank), rod action, and weed through the marketing and inconsistencies of rod power and action ratings, gear ratio vs ipt, etc and finally factor in your preferences and style. No wonder we all keep buying more gear sounds like we are on opposite ends of the spectrum your style being more power fishing and mine more finnese and I am guessing different types of water. I find these to be big factors that don't always enter the conversation with techniques and gear.

Took the rod out today to a local pond that was packed full of people. Didn't catch anything, not even a nibble. However I did get to spend a few hours casting and getting a feel for her. She casted everything I normally throw with ease. 1/16oz Texas rigged trick worms to 1/4oz beaver style baits, 5/16oz spinner bait (.56oz total), mepps inline spinner #3, squarebills, and weightless senkos. The rod loaded up well and casted very accurately. Rod can handle 3/16-5/8 as long as I did my part. No problem feeling the bottom or objects under the water,and that's using 10lb big game. Grip is comfortable, but due to the short grip area it was best with three fingers in front of the trigger and pinky behind the trigger. After a few cast I was feeling pretty in tuned with the rod. The short handle will be useful in the kayak. Can't speak about the action of the rod while fighting a fish yet, but so far I think she's a keeper. Now I may have to look at getting a Curado 70 MGL to pair it with and put my SLX MGL back on my Carbonlite 2.0 6'6" M-F.

That sounds perfect for what I am looking for to use for light Texas rigs up to 1/4oz plus plastic, light spinnerbaits,and weightless senkos. I remember going to buy the newer elite Tech spinning rods a few years ago and the two rods they had in stock both had broken real seats. From what I read it was the epoxy gave out, which seems like a pretty easy fix if that occurs. I really liked the feel of the spinning rod and kind of regret not getting it, can't find them now.

So I was browsing used fishing gear on Facebook marketplace and found a brand new Fenwick Elite Tech smallmouth casting rod, 6'9" M-XF 3/8-5/8oz for sale for $100 Canadian. Met up with a super nice guy and he showed me the rod. Plastic still on the handles in mint condition, doesn't appear to have ever been used. My understanding is these rods were highly regarded and discontinued a few years ago. Could not pass up the deal so I bought it. Paired it with a Shimano SLX MGL and 10lb big game. Playing with it around the house and it feels great. Taking it out tomorrow hopefully. Anyone have one or use to have one? Curious what techniques people use or have used it for? The tip seems softer than it's rating, it's not super stiff. Currently have a 1/16oz Texas rigged trick worm to try out. Hoping it will throw a variety of baits from finnese to spinnerbaits with a total weight of .56oz The handle, while short, is super comfy and the rod is very light weight. Balances really well with the reel. Hoping this is the unicorn rod I have been searching for

I highly recommend the Shimano SLX MGL. It's small, comfortable, cast 3/16-1/2oz lures amazingly well, super controlled with good distance. Solid feel overall. I have a loose spool tension, 2 brakes on 2 off, outside dial at 4 and I can cast all day and change lures and never think about it. Paired with a medium power rod and your good to go.

I have the MGL and it throws everything very well. I think it will come down to the size line you will be using and how much line you need. I currently have the MGL spooled with 10lb big game, about 80-90 yds give or take, more than enough. I am going to respool with 15 big game as an expierement as I don't need a ton of line capacity, more concerned about control.

I have two medium power rods,one spinning and one casting. The casting has more power than the spinning.

I experimented with straight braid, braid to leader,and straight mono this year. My conclusion is that staright braid is fine in stained to dirty water. In clear water I would personally opt for leader or straight mono. But there are more factors to explore than just visibility. Abrasion resistance is a big factor for me. Braid is not the best in this respect. Stretch is also a factor, both positive and negative, depending on many factors. For me I have landed on 10lb high Viz braid to a 10ft leader of 10lb mono for my spinning set up for finesse stuff and straight 10lb mono for my baitcasting set up for 1/8-1/4oz Texas rigs and 5/16oz (.56oz in actual weight). Mono is big game and handles very well, super strong, very good abrasion resistance. Keeps things simpler as I use the big game for both my casting set up and as leaders for my spinning set up. If there is some abrasion on the line I cut and re-tie. Also changed my leader knot from double uni to Alberto and I like it a lot, just as strong and smaller knot allowing it to go through the guides easier. I simplified my style a lot this year. I use a lot of finnese techniques but around wood, rock, cover, etc and I have had no break offs so far. In clear water I might opt for lighter lb test but that's not often for me personally.

I think it's safe to say most angling enthusiast go down this road.i have more plastics and lures than I will ever use,but I at the tackle store today and still bought more stuff, why not I started with carrying a small amount of tackle with me, soon went to a bigger bag, then to a backpack, back to a medium sized bag, and now a small Plano 3500 weekender with one Plano double sided 3500 box with both plastics and lures. Still way more than you need for a single day or even a month really,but small and light enough that it doesn't weigh you down or overwhelm you with choices. also downsizing my gear and only bring two rods with me either kayak or bank fishing. This style suits me far better and keeps things light. Also carry a scale,multitool,terminal tackle,sunscreen,etc but in a much smaller footprint.