waymont

I have lots of Loomis rods and only 2 problems. First was a brand new rod that snapped on the first fish of about 1lb, rod was replaced free no issues. Fast forward 10 years, the handle tightening piece got worn over the years and became misshapen. This time the rod was replaced free also, I had to ship the broken rod back. Every time I have called, I have had nothing but great experiences with them. Glad to hear you had a good experience too.

The FG is not difficult, you just have to follow the directions. Mess it up a few times, and you will get it. By the way, it’s only used to tie a leader to braided line. The SDJ knot is only for tying to a hook or lure.

I think you mean heavy power and not action. Action=moderate, fast, extra fast.

These Boss swimjig heads come through everything great, grass, wood, brush, rocky bottoms. I used to buy Dirty Jigs, but since I switched to making my own with Boss components I am much happier, and saving lots of money too. I haven't tried the bUllet Head jigs, but all Boss stuff I have used is top notch. https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/BOSS_Swim_Jig_Heads_4pk/descpage-BOSSSJH.html

Tatula for me.

Any color Zoom fat Albert

Thorne Bro’s tackle has some great deals on the sale page. Tatula SV TW for $149, and some other good deals too.

I got your back! I use their products, and think they are fantastic. YoMama, SwimmingMama, coontail worm, double tail grub, and the chunk are all great baits, and a great price.

By me, I get an occasional pike or musky attack, but it usually mean a clean bite off.

Here's the knot I switched over to, and I have had zero issues with it. It's very fast and easy to tie too.

I've never had good luck with the Palomar Knot with FC. I never crossed the lines, but for some reason the knot is always very weak. I never had enough confidence to ever fish it. The 50 times I tried it at home in varying size lines was enough to make me steer clear of trying to fish it. I know lots of people have good luck with it. There's some knot spirit mojo that prevents me from getting some knots correct. No issues with the Palomar with any other line, just FC.

703 Fury is not a very fast action. There are lots of people who use them as cranking rods. They are very versatile rods. You can throw 1/4oz jigs, top water, 1/4oz T rigs no problem.

I hear you. In this case the fish was big, swallowed the jig, and had the line rubbing on it's teeth during a really strong fight. You wont know your line was damaged fighting small fish, but a big girl will but extra strain on your line....and pop!

Yup, I meant line to lure retie.

This afternoon I nailed a nice bass, 6.5lb which is big around my area. I had braid to a 15lb fluoro leader that was just tied on, so the line was fresh. I hooked the bass around some submerged trees, and tangled with it for a few seconds before I got it out, and had a really good strong fight with two powerful runs at the boat. After taking a pic, I released the bass, and got back to fishing. After three casts I decided I should check my line. It had a section that was rubbing on the basses teeth, the jig was way in there. I re tied my jig on and on the next cast got a strong 3 pounder that put up a great fight too. I'm not so sure I would have landed that second fish if I didn't just retie. You guys always retie after a nice fish?

Tatula rods

Cool, that’s great info! Thx

Just checked those out. They look great. I really like paddle tail grubs on finesse jigs as trailers. Do you think the 3" or 4" would be better on a compact finesse jig with a medium wire hook? There was a time I was using the old Mann's Stingray grub on my small finesse jigs when I didn't want much action, and I caught tons of fish with that gliding action. These D.O. paddle tails seem like they would be a softer material than a Stingray grub.

OP didn't ask about chatterbaits, he's looking for a rod to throw a buzzbait and/or spinnerbait.

I have Loomis rods, St Croix rods both made in the USA Dobyns, Daiwa made in China Kuying I believe made in Korea (not sure) Fenwick China

I usually use a leader , but only 5-6'. Never have an issue in super clear 20' visibity water, and I only use high viz braid.

Zoom Fat Albert. Great action, and a really great price too. They only come in one size.

Cool. I'll try it with 4 wraps. I usually use 6 wraps when I tie a uni knot.

I don't think the uni knot works well with with fluorocarbon. It's a weak knot for fluoro.

An IMX Pro MBR in a 3 power (depending on what length rod you prefer) would be a killer! I have one of those limited edition 863c JWR, 802c JWR, and an original 843c MBR. All are very versatile rods. Loomis baby!