waymont

I put about 1.5 casts worth of braid over backing. Original PP, PP Super Slick V2, or 832 in 8 or 10lb will get you going great. All pretty reasonably priced, and very good lines.

Tatula or Zodias. You choose. The Tatula rods are exceptional, not just for the price, but in general. The new Zodias are pretty slick too.

I mostly use G loomis casting rods. I have 4 older IMX, and two GLX with the 3" fore grip, and three IMX-Pro casting rods. I love them all, and find them to be my ultimate in action, power, and feel. I was thinking of getting a current version of GLX for next season. I read on TW lots of people mentioning the reel seat is an odd shape. Any of you guys who have a current GLX casting rod able to speak to that issue?

G Loomis still sells the 723c, now as an 6' IMX-Pro . It's a fantastic rod for lots of presentations.

Every time. Most under rated line out there.

I had a 12 year old rod Fuji reel seat break, and they replaced the rod free.

That's some very expensive line right there. Is that gold label worth 25 cents a foot?

I use these hair jigs on Smallies in deep clear lakes. I slow reel them just off the bottom, no twitches. Blacks and browns work well. These are high quality jigs, and last a long time. https://jimmydsriverbugs.com/product-category/hair-jigs/

These Stike King heads work well too: https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Strike_King_Tour_Grade_Shakey_Head/descpage-SKTSH.html

I use 20lb Sufix 832 to 12lb leader on my two Tatula SV tw reels with zero issues. I have caught a bunch of 5-7lb channel cats while bass fishing, and it works out great. These reels work really well with 20lb braid.

I had the 6'8" MH fast and 7' MH mod-fast. Both of them were too tip heavy, and had an uncomfortable reel seat. Those two things made them very difficult for me to fish them, so I sold them. They are really well put together, and beautiful rods. They just weren't for me. The 6'8" was also more stout than I thought it would be.

You sound pretty set up. For me, the magic power Loomis rod is the 3 power rods, I fish 1/4 and 3/8oz jigs and t-rigs the most. I did the same as you a while back, and sold off a bunch of middle of the road stuff, and bought nicer stuff. I however, have also completely gotten into using 852 JWR rods, 20lb braid to 10-12lb leaders. They can also do anything that's lighter weight. My favorite unweighted 5" and 6" stickbait rod.

GLX MBR is a great rod for all if these presentations: Jigs T-Rigs swim jigs Spinnerbaits Chatterbaits Whopper Plopper Belly weighted hook/Swimbait combo 3/8oz and up Over all a pretty excellent rod. Get an 853 JWR, and a 852 JWR and you can do just about anything.

Shimano make some of the best casting reels in the world. Just read about them all over this site.

I find the Avid X spinning rods to have too short of a handle/grip. They always feel tip heavy to me with my reels on them.

Do you fish them, or collect them, or both? I was away from fishing during this time period, so I never experienced them. Do you also use more modern/current reels too?

Mine was the first generation Cabela's Fish Eagle. It was a very nice rod. I sold a it a few years ago for the same price I bought it for.

G Loomis IMX-pro 721 SJR. Fantastic creek rod. You can also look for a used IMX version.

I fish down to 20' with 3/32 and 1/8oz heads on 8lb braid to 8lb fluoro leaders. I haven't fished much deeper.

I use this rod with a Ci4+ 2500, and it's an incredible combo. It's one of the better spinning rods I've used regardless of price.

I hear you. It's just been my experience for the last 25 years including up until 8 months ago, every time I've had even the smallest issue it's been taken care of quickly. I've had 10 a year old rod that the reel seat gave out, which was replaced with a new rod, to a broken guide that was sent out the day I called. Every thing in between too. Maybe you had bad luck with them. my 2 cents.

That's too bad for you. Being understanding of a company during these times is everyone's own deal. Every company is different, and has different challenges. I have a part from Daiwa that is delayed about three months. I will still buy Daiwa products.

Cork handle Tatula rods

Tatula Elite https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Daiwa_Tatula_Elite_Casting_Reel/descpage-DTEC.html

How will you rig those up?