Rodney Smith

I have a GLX (newest one) 822S SYR rod that I love. It is perfect for Shakey heads. I also use it to throw 1/4 Megabass Popx poppers. I have caught a lot of 4 pound spots and one nearly 8 pound bass wth the Popx on this setup. However, I do lose some fish. Would I be better off with a new Loomis Conquest Spin Jig rod for these two techniques because it has a fast tip vs.the extra fast on the GLX? I fish with light braid with a leader and loosen my drag on the Topwater to help accommodate for the extra fast tip.

I have a Raymarine Dragonfly Pro 7 and up until this point all I ever use is the sonar and downvision. I am considering getting Navionics + (Lake Lanier would be the on there and is what I fish most often). What intrigues me though is the notion of mapping a small resivour I fish. Has anyone done that? Is is helpful? Complicated?

I use the Gambler electronic scales. I had the Rapala ones, but they are not waterproof and did not last very long. The Gambler ones are waterproof. I like the idea of certified scales like the Boga's, but they are expensive and difficult to read.

My favorite finesse jigs are the Greenfish Itty Bitty jigs.

Welcome aboard from another GA guy!

I'm about to have my 50th birthday on October 14th and when asked what I wanted, I told them a fishing weekend. I would like to pull my little boat somewhere (I live in GA) and fish the whole weekend. Maybe do a guided trip one day. By the way, I've never caught a smallmouth so a mountain lake is appealing. I haven't fished in any of the Florida lakes. My family doesn't like to go too rustic with the accommodations. An 8 hour drive is about the max. We stayed a while back at a Disney that had an awesome lake on property. Could fish Kissimmee, Lake Toho, etc. Where would you go?

I have not had knots fail when going braid to flourocarbon. I have had them fail occasionally when tying to mono for top water. I have caught some big fish on light line with my usual knot over a lot a years, so I have confidence in the knot. Recently though, I have flung off a few PopMax's, bigger Sammys, etc, during the cast. Maybe my braid and/or mono leader is too slick?

Does anyone use Loctite on their knots when joining one type of line to another? If so, does it help?

Size 30?

What is the most productive color rat, a natural brown or gray one or one of the wild colors like morning dawn?

Anybody used this?

Anyone used these! If so, what are your thoughts?

Is the Destroyer line worth the difference?

Anybody use this rod? If so, would it make a good Carolina rig rod? I would also use this rod to throw hollow bodied frogs into sparse cover.

Would this make a good combo Carolina rig/hollow body frog rod? The frog fishing I do is in sparse grass.

Anybody ever fish in the ponds at the Shipyard Plantation?

Does more wraps make the knot stronger (30 lb Sufix 832 braid to mono)?I would think so, but it seems the more wraps I use, the more often I will break. My guides are small, so maybe it is catching on the guides and weakening the knot. What do you think?

Would this rod make a good combo rod for throwing Carolina rigs and hollow bodied frogs?

Does anyone use one of these rods for top water and jerkbaits. I only keep one moving bait rod in the boat and it has to be versatile. Topwater is the priority, but I also use this rod for underspins, red eye shads, and jerkbaits. Most of my top water lures are in the 1/2-5-8 range. What are your thoughts?

Is it a problem to have a rod without a hook keeper? I don't really want to get a Fuji or other add on hook keeper.

I am thinking about getting one of these for fishing hollow body frogs and Carolina rigs. I don't fish heavy grass and am not fond of stiff rods. Any thoughts?

Does anybody have any experience with this rod? I am considering buying one for top water (mostly 1/2 ounce PopMax, Sammy type baits) and some jerk baits.

Would the 704CB be a better rod for the top water and jerk baits than my ALX Dream (medium action, fast tip)?

I am currently using a 7 medium power rod (ALX Dream) for throwing Megabass PopMax, Sammies, Gunfish, and moving baits. It works well, but I am wondering if a Dobyns DC 704CB GLASS or a similar rod from another manufacturer would be better suited for these techniques. I will also throw Vision 110's on this rod.

Where exactly is the line?