Rodney Smith

The folks at Geomexus say it fits, but you may be right. What would you recommend?

The one that fits the Metanium is the 7x4mm / 105mm.

I am looking for some feedback on this model. I have had a Conquest 904C in the past and was wondering what folks are thinking about the 904C in the new NRX+. Does it fish more like a MH than H? Sensitivity? Balance? Thoughts?

I have a JDM Metanium and I'm thinking about getting one of these handles. Does anyone have any experience/feedback? It would look good with the cork on my NRX+, but I wonder if it is comfortable to fish.

So I bought one yesterday and fished it this morning. The bite was very tough today. I got quite a few bites, but only hooked up on one. They were just nipping on things today. Hopefully the hookup ratio is good on this bait. Time will tell. The only that did take it just swam off with it. It doesn’t cast all that well, unlike the dark sleeper which you can bomb. I guess that is the bluegill profile. It is a fun bait to fish.

I have owned most all of the models you mention. The 873CRR is the one you want.

I have one of these rods and love it. Of course, it is perfect as a frog rod. The rod loads up and casts so well, I have been throwing baits like a 6 inch Magdraft on it. For folks who have this rod, what other techniques besides frogging do you use it for? I have an Adrena 7'4 H and wondering if I need both.

I will be very interested to hear if it is worth the upgrade.

I am also interested in the new Bantam. An Antares on the 894+ is the dream combo.

The keeper is right behind the cork. I don’t mind the placement as far attaching a lure. I despise feeling the hook keeper every time I make a cast.

Yes, I love the rods except for the hook keeper. Is it easy to remove without messing up the cosmetics?

For Expride b owners, what do you think of the new hook keeper? I hate the placement. I can feel it every time I make a cast. I’m actually thinking about removing it.

Latest Metanium

Yes, I use it for everything from Rico’s to buzzbaits, Whopper Ploppers, to Shower Blows. Extremely versatile for other techniques as well. Perfect length for walking top waters. I would rate it much closer to a MH and a M.

Poison Adrena 6’11 M+

I have the previous Bantam reel. Does anyone have the experience with the new one? I will buy one if the improvements warrant an upgrade.

I have had the XTasy 754. It is a MH at best. It has a soft top and was one of the best casting rods I’ve owned. I think it would be fine for most spinnerbaits. It is definitely not a true heavy IMO. I liked it as an all around rod, but didn’t love it as a jig and worm rod.

I buy the Hitena braid straight from their website.

The best braid is Hitena. Supercast is great, Silky is the ultimate.

In my opinion, the 873CRR is the best Loomis jig and worm rod. It will handle the 3/8 and 1/2 superbly. The 893 is a little underpowered with a 1/2 jig and trailer. The 894c doesn’t cast a 3/8 jig as well the 873.

I sold my Conquest 842s and replaced it with a NRX+ 852s. I like really like the 852s, but the tip is very fast. I use this rod for Senkos, Neko’s, shaky heads, tubes, etc. I skip Senkos and Neko’s a lot. Should I have stuck with the 842s since it skips easier?

Tom has always been kind to share his wisdom and insights with me. Maybe one day they will pay off for me. Incredible fisherman and great story teller!

Black and blue jigs are very popular and I use them as well. I also like living rubber jigs. I’ve had good success with jigs that have a black and brown combo. I’m wondering if a black and brown living rubber jig might be a good idea. What do you think?

I just placed an order this morning and the prices are still on their website. I didn’t need any more 3/4 and 1 ounce jigs, but couldn’t pass it up.

In my opinion, the best rod for 1/2 jigs is a NRX+ 873CRR. The tip is perfect for dragging a 1/2 jig. It also makes long and accurate casts. I’ve had 894’s, Dobyn’s, Megabass, latest Steez, and others. The 873CRR is the one you want. Balances pretty well with a 2020 Metanium. Love it.