HawkeyeSmallie

My most used rod last year is my cheapest and oldest. It's a Gander Mountain Tournament Guide Series or something like that. It's a good 15 years old at least. Brand new I think it was around $100 give or take $10. I'm actually going to upgrade it this spring. Definitely keeping it though.

I'm probably not the best angler because I RARELY change colors. If something isn't working I just change rods with a different lure. The only times I'll change color is if the water clarity surprises me and what I have pre-rigged is off.

Definitely too big to weigh by her lip. Monster bass.

A fishing license. Gonna go hog wild in a couple of months though.

@FryDog62 Thanks for your thoughts. We are definitely in the same boat as I mostly throw 3/8 oz swim jigs (Dirty Jigs California) along with a 4" trailer. Only difference is I use a Mayor. I also have some 1/2 oz as I'm still trying to figure out which I prefer. I'll still use this rod for spinner/chatter baits so the 843 might be better for me as well. Curious what line you use for your swim jigs? Personally I prefer straight braid, either 20 or 30 lb.

Would you mind explaining what you learned? Why some suggested the 843 over the 844. I can’t fish for a couple of months but I’m sitting in my office right now exhausted and in need of some retail therapy. LOL Thanks!

Almost everything goes inside my truck. I'll keep my net and paddle in it but that's about it. Last year I lost my measuring board driving to a lake so I'm always conscious of items blowing out. All my rods go in the front passenger seat so if anyone comes with me they have to sit in the back. LOL

I've got the Mark 56. It's my swimbait rod. I only throw baits in the 1-3 oz range. Works great. I put a Curado 200 on it but I wish I had something with a little more line capacity as you can chuck those baits a loooooong way.

You can tell the kid in the blue shorts is really contemplating his life choices.

Thanks, might have to try it. The pumpkin seed color looks pretty cool.

Does it rattle or is it silent? I'm starting to prefer silent baits.

Thanks for sharing. It's going to be a huge learning curve whenever I get a boat.

Ain't that the truth. A jig head and a blade for no less than $5 is bonkers. For some reason spending $20 on a hard bait is much easier to swallow.

That's for sure. Took the family over there a few years ago. No fishing but some white water rafting if you can believe that.

I'd be terrible with electronics. Are those fish or BAITfish?

Well, since this is posted in the Smallmouth section, what about Lake St Clair? That's my bucket list trip for smallies.

Sounds like I need a NRX+ 843 MBR. I was really leaning towards a full cork grip on this particular setup.

Looking forward to this discussion and what you decide. I'm looking for the same rod. I don't mind something a little longer though. (Please, no "That's what she said!" jokes).

Heck a plastic grub was my go to 30 some years ago. All you needed was white, yellow, black, and a chartreuse. Rivers in Iowa to Shield lakes in Canada. Caught every species you wanted. Never in a million years would I have guessed a BASS tournament was won in the year 2026 with a plastic grub. Pretty cool.

Attention all: I also have accounting skills willing to trade for DD bass.

You're not going crazy. I just saw this come up the other day as well. Like you I thought it was new. I don't even have Facebook.

I can't be the ONLY one can I?

No need to explain, we get it.

Are their prices similar to the Japan stores? I hate to assume, but I'm assuming no????

How are you liking the Baby Boss? I've only thrown mine a few times with no luck. I literally just tried getting a Micro Boss about 10 minutes ago but I hopped on too late, all sold out. I need to head out some day and only bring my swimbait rod. Otherwise I try it some, don't get any hits, and then switch back to the "regular stuff".