LCG

I would check out the St Croix Avid X 6'8 m-xf or the 6'8 mh-f casting rods. Light, comfortable, sensitive, strong, and a high level of craftsmanship. My personal opinion is that the 6'8 mh-f is more versatile but YMMV. The only thing is that a 1/4oz weight plus something like a trick worm weighs in at about 3/8 which is the lower end of the MH-F. But it leaves room for more weight or bigger creature baits. I have the 6'6" mh-f version that's now discontinued and I really like it.

I was braid to leader for 5 years. Now I am going to straight braid or straight mono. Experience will dictate which I stick with. The leader knot through the guides is really bothering me lately.

It's perfect for Senkos. I have the spinning version in the mojo series and it's my light Texas rig, senko, drop shot rod of choice. The 6'6 Mh-f avid x is my bank casting rod of choice. Awesome feel.

I have a mojo bass 6'8 m-xf spinning rod that is a great rod for plastics. I also have an avid x 6'6 Mh-f casting rod that is even better, but the avid x has micro guides so that may be a factor. I use braid to leader so I stick with the mojo for spinning, but if I didn't use a leader I would replace it with an avid x in a heartbeat. Amazing sensitivity and comfort.

My neighbour does this all the time, probably thinks I'm crazy

That sounds like some good quality advice and a great way to spend some time with your grandson.

Depending on preference I would make a short list with st Croix bass x, fenwick hmg, shimano slx rods, Dobyns fury, bps carbonlite 2.0. I will second the daiwa fuego ct.

I find this as well. 30lb braid loose spool tension, just enough to stop any side to side play as explained above. I just spooled 15lb big game mono and I had to tighten the tension up quite a bit. I am newer to baitcasting as well so that probably has a lot to do with it. Great real though. Fished it all last year and caught some decent fish with it.

St Croix, G loomis, Dobyns, Fenwick, and many others make quality rods. Alot of it comes down to personal preference ie cork vs Eva vs wynn grips, full vs split handles, reel seats, quide size, length, action. So many variables out there. Personally would recommend st Croix overall. Have an avid x casting rod that is fantastic. Only issue is the hook keeper, prefer open keepers but not a deal breaker for me.

I am going to try to learn pitching with mono over the winter and see how it goes. If not, I will re spool with my usual 30lb yellow braid and try the sharpie camo trick. I don't know if the fish really care or not.

No the reel is great, it's more than likely my lack of experience with baitcasters and mono in general. I used mini for a few months when I first started fishing then quickly moved to braid. Only reason I am trying mono is because the rod has micro guides and I hate the connection knot going through the guides. So I am trying mono for a bit to see if it's a viable solution. Otherwise I am going back to braid with a short leader for pitching. But I would like to use the rod for chatterbaits and spinnerbaits as well and don't want a four foot leader trying to cast.

I guess I know what I am doing this winter.

St Croix Avid X 6'6 Mh-f casting rod with a Daiwa Fuego CT practicing with a 3/8oz plug as I live in the great white north and bass season is closed.

I recently asked a question about big game mono and after a lot of positive reviews and suggestions I went out and bought some 15lb line and spooled it up. Here lies the problem. I have only used a baitcaster for a year and a half and only used braid, 30lb 4 strand braid to be specific. When I practice pitching I am getting quite a few over runs and a few full on backslashes. I tighten up the spool tension and increased the brakes a bit and its a little better but still getting far more than I did with braid. Is this due to line memory? Or does mono behave differently on the spool? Would line conditioner help this? Feels like I am relearning how to use a baitcaster. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Based on all the positive responses, I stopped by bass pro today and grabbed a spool of big game 15lb clear mono and of course a few other goodies. Thanks for all the helpful opinions.

I agree that fishing designated backpacks are priced high. I got a bass pro one last year and it works well, think it was $50. Looked at a wild river one and it was awesome until I looked at the price. But I have used a basic backpack from the Costco and it works well too. I don't know if a perfect tackle Bag exists, but I always end up looking at them when I go to the stores.

X2. I will add that I personally spend more money on a quality sensitive rod than a reel. Example I have a st Croix avid x casting rod paired with a Daiwa Fuego ct. $200 rod, $80 reel. Works great. Lots of rods in the $100 range that are fantastic as well.

I have an 6'6" mh-f avid x casting rod. I have tried 30lb braid to a 15lb fluorocarbon leader using a uni knot connection and I can cast it but I really don't like the knot going through the guides. You can feel it catching. But I absolutely love the rod. So I am going to experiment with some big game mono in 15lb and try it out. If that doesn't work, then I will be using the rod for pitching it tight area using a short leader or straight braid. The rod is as close to perfection that I have found so far, not to say there isn't better but it just feels right in my hands. So I am willing to negotiate on line use.

Smallmouth are probably the most fun to play with. Great fighters. I am fortunate in that I am in Ontario Canada, our lakes are full or them, commonly in the 5-8lb range. So much fun.

I have loved using braid, but my favorite rod has micro guides and leader through the guides doesn't work for me regardless of knot. So it's either short leaders or spool up with straight big game mono. Fluorocarbon is too much trouble for my liking. Figured it's cheap enough to try it out for a season. Still haven't made up my mind if fish care about line (braid, colors, etc).

Well 15lb it is then. Thanks for the replies. How do you guys find the sensitivity?

I am interested in trying out some big game mono for my mh-f casting rod mainly used for jigs, Texas rigs, chatterbaits, and spinnerbaits. What lb test would be best for baitcasters? Mainly used from shore some laydowns and rocks. Was thinking 12-15lb. Also clear vs green line, Any advantage either way? Used to braid with leader but curious to try straight mono, something without too much stretch.

Rod sensitivity can definitely be a factor, braid to leader helps too. But you learning that feeling of the bite is simple experience and conditioning. Try closing your eyes after you have casted. Slowly move the rod tip up and drag the Texas rig or jig along the bottom. It will feel amplified if you take away one of your senses, not seeing just feeling the vibration. Helps you get a better feel.

Fuego has a great magnetic breaking system that works very well. Smooth retrieve and a metal frame, with plastic side plates. Never fished a Shimano reel so can't say first hand. A lot of people like them though.

After the cast try stopping the line with your index finger as the lure lands. Then always close the bail by hand. Then start reeling. Should solve the problem.