waymont

Gamakatsu hooks are great. I use these the most. EWG Off set worm hook and one that isn't talked about much but has an excellent hookup ratio, the G-Lock. Probably my favorite hook for plastics. It's like a modified EWG hook. Here: https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Gamakatsu_Offset_G-Lock_Worm_Hooks/descpage-GOGL.html

These seem to be discontinued. They were deleted from the TW site.

I've been wanting the same thing. Most good reels could probably deal with under 1/4oz, but for me I'm on the lookout for a good rod that can load up with under a 1/4oz but still have enough backbone to get a good hookset. Maybe the 7'2' Shimano Expride medium light, but I haven't held one in my hand yet.

Hi. I’m interested in this rod for lighter fishing applications. What presentations do you use it for, and what type/size line do you use with it. Thanks.

I have all right handed casting reels, but about 5 years ago I started casting with either arm. It's a good way to spread out the casting fatigue throughout the day.

Ugh. Watch out for the E6x haters.

I recently found the Mustad off set grip pin hooks for worms and lizards. I like to use 8” Jelly Worms and these hooks have the best hook up ratio and save the baits from getting torn up at the bend. I used to use EWG for everything, but switched back to off set for more narrow baits.

Mepp’s with black blades (Black Fury) are outstanding baits. I have caught literally 1000s of fish on them from size 1 to size 5, SMB, LMB and pike all love them. Dark or clear water, it doesn’t matter.

Tatula 100

It looks like the split ring is still in original condition in this photo. Did the ring open or did your hook break off?

Good advice. What do you guys suggest regarding the S-Waver 168? Change the hooks and rings? If so what size of each? I have caught some 35" pike and a few 3-4lb bass on mine so far with no issues.

I have a 721 SJR and a 782 SJR. I can't think of a better spinning rod action. I am not familiar with the 7'6" model you are interested in. The SJR actions are beautiful though, great for many applications. The SJR actions are kind of like the Loomis MBR casting rod actions, in so far as it's great for many things. The model you want is a 7'6" version of the 6' 721, which is a beautiful rod. I bet it would make a great ned rig, small crank, small popper,....bitsy bug jig rod.

I catch tons of fish on the HJ12 and HJ14 regular and deep versions. The blue chrome, bass, and yellow perch colors are the best for me. X-Rap is also fantastic XR-8 and XR-10 in silver, silver blue, perch, and gold are my colors. Iv'e caught lots of 4-6lb bass and tons of big pike on them. Walleye eat them too, but I usually get them by mistake. The 2.5" X-Rap is a great smallie bait in streams. Actually the 2.5" catches every kind of fish everywhere.

I bought my first Kistler H3 this year. I ended up with three (7'1" MH, 7' H, 6'8" LMH) all with the newest NFC blanks. I'm a big fan of the Loomis MBR feel and taper, and these have a feel that is not exactly the same but similar enough that I felt very comfortable with them. I got them all from Kistler for $200ea or less, which I think is a real great deal. All my other casting rods are older Loomis rods with the longer fore grip in the GLX and IMX versions. They are really my favorite rods. I find the H3 series casting rods to feel very familiar, I guess that's why I ended up getting three. They are very sensitive, and well put together. I don't have a history with the older problems, in fact it was news to me when I started this thread. As far as I know they are great rods. I hope the new versions are just as good.

Good catch. I didn’t notice that

This seems to be one of the new blanks Kistler is using. The site states it's a new blank designed and made by Kistler. https://www.kistlerrods.com/store/helium-3-all-purpose-special-medium-heavy-7-0.html

The swim jig heads are fantastic. I haven’t tried the skirts. I will never go down the pre-made swim jigs road again. 5-6 bucks per jig VS about $2.25 when on sale like now, or about $2.65 at regular price.

I never used the old style blank. I got my first Kistler 2 years ago, and I love the current blank. So there was an issue with the original blanks breaking huh?

Corzza gets my vote. They are pretty slick. Light, crisp, and well put together.

I wrote to Kistler to ask if they have deleted some Helium 3 rods, and here is the response from Trey Kistler: yes because we are sold out and will not be restocking any 2019 models. On January 8th, 2020, we will announce the new rods on our brand new web site. It will be well worth the wait. Holler if you have any questions. Thank you, Trey Kistler

Dude! $268 https://www.ebay.com/itm/G-Loomis-IMX-PRO-Mag-Bass-Casting-Rod-782C-MBR-66-Medium-1pc/401934538268?epid=7034942005&hash=item5d952a561c:g:A0wAAOSw-INdsxvX Ugh....the sale ended

The best rod for what you’re describing I have ever found is the Kuying Teton TTS. It’s a 6’6” two piece medium fast rod. It’s so nice I sold my G Loomis SR 782. It’s very crisp for an UL, and super sensitive. I’ve lucked into some 3-4lb bass too, and handled them great. It’s an excellent 1/16oz jig, size 0-1 mepps, small Rapala, and popper rod. I have it matched with a Tatula LT in the 1000 size. It’s really a perfect combo. Best part is it’s $62 on Ali Express.

Can't really beat the G Loomis SJR rods. IMX-PRO 842S SJR would suit you well. It's a great all around rod for freshwater bass fishing techniques you mentioned.

I think it starts being available when the sale starts, but I'm not 100% sure. It's weird huh?

Zoom is having a 25% off and free shipping sale on Friday