Rodney Smith

Yes. They seem as good as before to me. I

I am the fellow that had all the Wadda jigs. TNT makes the best jigs in my opinion. I have ordered once from them since they reopened. Their jigs are hand tied with living rubber. The powder coated heads are extremely durable. They have excellent colors. My personal best came on a black and blue. Their M80 jigs are great also.

I have several Metanium JDM’s as well as USDM ones. I like the JDM versions, but they can be tricky to dial in. I recommend two on, two off on the brakes. I would go up one on the side brake compared to what you normally do (mine is on 2 vs my normal 1). Lastly, I would recommend filling the spool with a little less line than normal. If you do these things and still have issues, something is wrong with the reel.

Yes, the Bantam is pretty easy to dial in. I also Metaniums and an Antares. If you don’t go with a heavier reel, that would be my recommendation.

Bantam MGL.

I know this is one of the best jig and worm rods on the market. How would it be as a dual purpose rod throwing moving baits and bottom contact? Is it too powerful for underspins, spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, etc?

Ok. Let's try this another way. Does anyone have any experience with the Black Label crank baits that could help get me started?

I would like to try some of the Black Label crank baits that are based off of the Zoom WEC molds. Can you anyone help me get started with which model (and colors) to start with? I'm thinking maybe starting with the Hickster and Wreck. Thoughts?

I have the Metaniums and actually was using one for cranking until I got the Bantam. I believe the Bantam will hold up better and be better suited to your St. Croix cranking rod. Just my 2 cents.

I have the new Bantam MGL (7.1 ratio) on my cranking setup and love it. The Bantam palms very well and is smooth and powerful. The new model is also a very good caster. You can launch a crank bait. I recommend getting one from one of the JDM sites. I added a Hawgtech handle to mine and it seems like the perfect cranking set up. You would love the Bantam for tackling those big Mexico bass you chase…

The Jet Boost does make it cast better. I have found the same to be true with their new jerk bait. I also like Rico’s, but I find myself with the World Pop tied on most the time now. It works great as a popper and is easy to walk.

Dwight, Have you ever had any luck finding a promo code for Hawgtech. I want to get some more stuff, but it is a little pricey.

I have the Expride A 6’10 M and it is perfect for jerk baits, lighter topwaters, etc. It is one of my favorite rods. The guys on Tactical Bassin say the new Exprides AB’s are the same. Some of other forums say the new rods are stiffer and not as good for jerk baits. The hadn’t fished them though, only handled them. Is there anyone out there who had the old model and now the new one?

I just got a couple of Hawgtech reel handles. They have the Winn grip handles. I really like them, but I kind of wish I would have gotten the cork handles. Anyone have experience with those?

Does anyone have experience with the NRX+ 903c? I’m considering getting one as my all purpose rod. I got 904c for that, but even with the MBR taper, it is a smidge too stout.

I have a couple of the new bantams and I have been very impressed. One is one my frog rod. The JDM is just got went on my cranking set up. I couldn’t believe how far it casts a crank bait. The changes Shimano might have made this the perfect cranking reel. Strong, smooth, solid. What does everyone else think of the new Bantams?

I’ve seen that rod described as a “finesse jig” rod. In my opinion the 873CRR is a more versatile rod. I’m sure the x-bites is a sweet rod though.

So if a 844c would would, I’m guessing a 904c would be good. Would that be too much rod for a 1/2 chatterbait?

Maybe WRB can weigh in…

I have caught one fish and lost one because he wasn’t hooked well. I get a lot of bites, but so far, it hasn’t translated to landing them. It may just be short strikers. I do believe the profile and hook placement will lend itself to poorer hookups compared to something like a football jig. I hope I’m wrong because it’s fun to fish and does generate strikes.

Braid has a definite effect on hook setting power. I have fished braid for years. I tried 15 Tatsu on the same 873CRR with a 1/2 jig. Standard setup. I got poorer hook sets and lost more fish in one day than I would in a year. I think a lot of folks would just step up to a 894c with that setup the stiffer, heavier powered rod would compensate for the line stretch. This is what I mean by braid causing a rod to fish stronger than it’s rating.

It was probably a poorly worded question. The rod’s power won’t change, but the overall effect does. The zero stretch makes the rod fish much stronger in my experience.

I know it isn’t perfect science, but in general how much power does braid add to a setup? A half power? Full power? The difference on my 873CRR with braid to leader or 15 lb fluorocarbon seems pretty significant in terms of hook setting power.

I am very interested in this thread. I have a couple of JDM Metaniums. Will the offset handle work on the Bantams/Metaniums?

Would this one be better? https://gomexus.com/products/aluminum-baitcasting-reel-handle-cork-knob-bdh-ca27?variant=39853746651235