LCG

That type of behavior infiriates me, especially with young children around. Just a little common decency would be nice. Especially with everything going on nowdays.

Last year was shoulder to shoulder and most places. I used a kayak most times just to keep distance from other people, covid and sanity I don't mind people having fun and getting into the sport, but some people I shake my head at. Leaving garbage everywhere, line all over the ground and water, empty pop and beer cans in the water, etc. Spent one day at the end of the season just picking crap out of the water at my favorite spot. Just have a little respect for nature. Same with handling the fish, if you not eating it, then treat it humanly.

I took a chance and bought a 100 pack of big bite baits 4" Creature bait last year. Always have good luck with zoom, but it was way cheaper so figured why not. It was a huge producer for me last year, so I bought another 100 pack. Colors are junebug red and watermelon red, both produce very well. Same as their yo mama bait. They have a scent that smells almost like black licorice to me. Either way the bass eat them.

I completely agree with this. I dove into the whole gear ratio/IPT thing last year. After a lot of research, I learned that a 5" difference in IPT is measured at a full spool, reality and a long cast is quite a bit different. I seem to gravitate to 7:1 ish gear ratios. 28-31" IPT. My spinning reel is 35" IPT, mostly because the techniques used are more of slack line retrieves. I find I can slow down or speed up and the 7:1 ish is a good middle ground for me personally.

This is the current problem But I am sure stock is coming soon. I will pay full retail for the rod that fits my needs. Sale price would be a bonus but stock is so low nowdays.

I have a Shimano SLX MGL 70 with 10lb big game ready to mount, currently on the fury. Hoping to use light texas rigs, finness, squarebills, and light spinnerbaits. A jack of all trades type of set up, not necessarily perfect for all those techniques, but good enough to do them well.

This is exactly what I want. Something very versatile. Leaning towards the 6'6" M-f casting 2 piece rod. Need something for the kayak, bank, and family trips. How would you describe the action of the rod? A true fast or more moderate fast? The two carbonlite rods I have are both xf and I love the rods, but not familiar with their other rod actions. I have the fury currently, but really like the Winn grips of the carbonlite. But I like the action of the fury, hoping to find the perfect fit.

I keep going back and forth with the fenwick hmg travel spinning and casting rods. Comes in tube with 4 pieces and two powers, ie ml and medium fast or medium and medium heavy fast for the casting. Comes with a rod case.

Does anyone have experience with both the dobyns fury 703c and the carbonlite 2.0 medium fast rods? How do they compare? I like the action of the rod, but prefer the carbonlite rods. Looking to get something similar. Thanks for reading.

That's a nice collection. How do you find the new curado MGL? I recently picked up the SLX MGL and am very impressed with it so far, thinking of getting another mgl reel.

6'6"-7'0 for me. With 6'8-6'9" being the sweet spot. I fish from the bank and kayak, occasionally a buddy's boat. I think that's a big factor for some. I am in the process of setting up a new combo 6'6" Medium power fast action casting rod, 2 piece for maximum versatility. Paired with a SLX MGL for plastic, squarebills, light spinnerbaits, etc. Something I can use for serious trips and family trips, without worrying about the full length of the rod. Had one a few years back, forgot how versatile that combo was. Now if I could just find somewhere that actually has stock on the shelves

That rod looks amazing. Love the looks of those handles as part of the blank. It's a bit steep for my pockets but I might be able to make an exception

I prefer shorter rods as I fish from a kayak and the bank where some places have a lot of tall grass or overhanging trees. Medium, extra fast spinning combo. Medium heavy extra fast casting combo. Working on a medium fast casting combo at the moment. Length is 6'6"-7', that's the sweet spot for me.

I completely agree with this. Buy within your comfort zone. Yes higher end equipment is nice, but it won't make up for lack of skill. Fishing is my primary hobby so I don't mind spending some money, but still within reason for my budget. My reels are about $200, rods $120 ish. I would love to fish more expensive combos, but wants vs needs.

I have owned shakespeare, Abu, Daiwa and Pfluegers. I have sold them off and am now in the all Shimano camp. I am more than happy with my Curado K, SLX MGL, and Stradic FL. Bought them all in 2020, expensive year Nothing wrong with the other brands at all, but the smoothness and refinement of the Shimano reels are higher in my opinion. But opinions vary, it's very subjective. My next reel will probably be a Bantam MGL or a Curado 70 MGL.

I use them for a few reasons. It helps protect the rod blank which is more prone to breaking than fiberglass rods. It also helps protect the guides and line as well. Also the rods don't get tied up together if you bundle then. I also use covers for my reels. I like to protect my stuff when not in use or in transport.

I was guilty of it too. Now I have a small tackle bag that covers it all for me. A few techniques that I am proficient at using that covers reaction and finness styles. I don't need to take 50lbs of tackle for a day on the water. Two double sided 3500 boxes and some tools, line, water, and a snack.

When I am fishing from my sit inside kayak, I kind of do a side pitch if that makes sense.

I will second the stradic FL. Solid and smooth. I am sure the Vanford is equally good with you want light weight, but you also need a light rod to have the combo balance, if that's important to you. For my off the rack rod, the stradic balances well.

I have a curado 200 K and an SLX 70 MGL. The Curado holds about 110yds of 14lb mono that I have spooled up, my SLX 70 MGL holds about 90yds of line of 10lb mono. So for what you want, I would stick with a 150 or 200.

People tend to get terms mixed up ie rod action/power, gear ratio/IPT, etc.

I am curious about the amount of sensitivity, especially since the Ned rig bite often isn't really felt at first.

Whether line visibility is a factor is debatable. I don't know the answer myself, but I use a leader not just because of visibility. I use the leader to help with abrasion resistance and some stretch. This year I am trying primarily mono line and see how it works for me.

I went with the SLX MGL, ordered from Japan last fall. Great reel, very smooth, works well for light lures. Was throwing a weightless trick worm on a pretty stout rod and it did great. The Curado 70 MGL is probably a better reel though. Micro Module gearing and dual supported pinion bearing may be worth the extra money. That said I have no plans to replace the SLX MGL. It seems solid and smooth so far and I am sure with a little TLC every once in awhile, it will last a long time. I also own a Curado K and a Stradic FL 2500 that I really enjoy using as well. Those three reels cover my needs very well. If I were to buy another reel though, the curado 70 MGL would be near the top of the short list.

I was fortunate enough to have stocked up on hooks, weights, and plastic to last awhile. Enough hard baits for a bit too. But, now days it's impossible to find much of anything. I have been calling BPS for a rod I have been looking for and they still don't have stock. It's probably going to be a rough year for tackle again. Could really use a few more spinnerbaits as well, but can't find them.