Rodney Smith

I had a Metanium paired with a 904. Nice combo. It’s a little tip heavy though. I would consider a Bantam MGL (or Antares if you want the ultimate combo).

Which do you think would be better for drop shot? With 10 lb braid, line capacity doesn't seem like it would be an issue.

It can be tough. Just takes practice and the tension on the brakes a little tighter than normal.

I would be using 20 lb braid. I don’t think I’m good enough to empty the spool...

Do you have the Aldebaran MGL or previous version? Is there a big difference?

I watched Matt Allen doing a jerk bait video today raving about the Aldebaran. I have an Expride 6'10 M and I'm considering getting an Aldebaran to pair with it. I mainly throw Vision 110's, etc. Would that be a better choice than the Metanium MGL? Would be light weight and fun to fish for sure. Thoughts?

How would a 7.2 MH Expride glass work for top water?

That’s awful looking. Sorry man.

Would this taper, would this model be good for top water?

I had a NRX 822 DSR. Since I wasn’t really drop shotting very much, so it didn’t make sense to have such a high end rod. I sold it. I have been going back-and-forth between an Expride M and ML. It seems like the M is a little too firm and the ML is a little too soft. I know they aren’t drop shot rods. I use weights between 3/16-5/16 primarily. Any thoughts?

Yes, I feel the same way about the Antares. Maybe someone out that has the 894c/Antares and could post a pic of the balance point.

I consistently read about the NRX 894C being tip heavy. It is also often mentioned as the gold standard for jig fishing. I have an Antares 70. Does anyone have that combo? If so, how is the balance?

I have an Expride 6.10 M that I use for top water and jerk baits. I bought an Adrena 6.11 M a couple of years ago and took it to El Salto as my top water/jerk bait rod. It was great down there. I sold it when I got back because it is a good bit stouter than the Expride M. I’m thinking about getting one again. Mainly throw Vision 110, +1, +2. Thoughts?

I am looking at getting a Vanford 2500 for my Expride Medium. How is the balance on that combo?

I picked up a nice used Antares. Is it just me or does it transmit sensitivity a bit better than a Bantam? Maybe the magnesium in the frame? In my head?

Awesome advice!

I have the Jenkos. The hooks are pretty big, but they are definitely good scroungers. I guess I want making looking for something with a smaller overall profile once you pick a swim bait to match. AJ, what is your favorite trailer on a 3/4 ounce Tremor Head?

Does anyone use these? I am wondering how they compare to other scroungers.

I currently have a Humminbird Helix GN2 10 SI mounted onto my trolling motor (I have a 16 ft Riverhawk Boat). I haven't found the side imaging mounted up front to be all that useful. Should I get the Garmin 93vs and Panoptix?

I have the new Metaniums, Bantams, and Chronarch MGL's. For my one main jig/worm rod, I was toying with the idea of an Antares. It is insanely expensive. For anyone who was used these reels, is it worth it?

I have the US version. I had all my old Metaniums set with the side brake to 1 and the tension pretty loose. With the new ones, I can't do that. I have to have more braking or I get backlashes. Maybe there is learning curve to get them dialed in more maximum performance...

Is it just me or does the new model not seem to cast as well as the old one?

All of my reels are Shimano’s, so naturally, I was excited when the 2020 Metanium came out. I have a couple of Bantams and I love them. The Metanium looked like a smaller, lighter Bantam. I have not found the new Metanium to be as long casting or forgiving as the old Metaniums I had. Has anyone else had this experience? I always use 2 brakes on, 2 off and side brake to 1 or 2. On the new Metaniums, I can’t seem to do that. I have to tinker with the tension to keep it from backlashing and casting distance is diminished.

Tom is right. The Biffle Bug and hard head is the way to go. I like the 11/16 size best. I thing I discovered last summer is that the Black Neon Chartreuse Pepper with a Biffle rattle and some scent of some kind works great before or after dark.

All of my reels are Shimano’s, so naturally, I was excited when the 2020 Metanium came out. I have a couple of Bantams and I love them. The Metanium looked like a smaller, lighter Bantam. I have not found the new Metanium to be as long casting or forgiving as the old Metaniums I had. Has anyone else had this experience? I always use 2 brakes on, 2 off and side brake to 1 or 2. On the new Metaniums, I can’t seem to do that. I have to tinker with the tension to keep it from backlashing and casting distance is diminished.