NorthernBasser

Come on over to WI this spring! I love that we went to open season (C&R) all year round a few years ago. It used to always be the first weekend in May. Now as soon as ice is off lakes in March, I'm out there.

Just took delivery of the 6'10 M Expride B. And I feel like crying knowing I'll have to wait 3.5 months before I'll likely be able to use it. Paired with a Curado 70 MGL, this setup feels like heaven.

I have everything needed for it, I just never use it. I need to start.

2 techniques I rarely use, and I know they're deadly for most people, is shakey head and neko rig. I'm not sure why I neglect them like I do, One technique I've never used in my life, and probably never will, is the Carolina rig.

I like the Rage Menace as well. Especially rigged vertically. But a good paddle tail will give the swim jig a slight back and forth roll as you're retrieving it. Sometimes that's the ticket.

Do you throw swim jigs? They make great trailers.

So I put $114 worth of stuff in my cart. 50% off takes it to $57. But then with tax and shipping it takes it to $75. Still a good deal obviously but the $12 for shipping kind of hurt. I thought I read free shipping for orders over $50 but I must have been seeing things.

Reviews I've read say the paddle tails are more durable than Keitech's. The Eco Pro Swing Shad is a great, cheaper alternative to Keitech's. But these at $2.75 pop? For 7 pack (3.75) compared to Keitech's 6 pack...I gotta give them a shot. The X colors section...I wish they had that bone color Kick Back Shad in stock. Surprised more companies don't run that color in soft swimbaits.

Have you used their paddletail swimbaits? I'm a big fan of the Air Tail Rattler.

Oh yeah, this is gonna be next-level! A real chick magnet.

While you're all taking your dogs for a walk, I'll be walking my bass. Don't judge me.

FYI, the Sierra series has a little softer tip than the others.

Great write-up, thanks. I was actually eyeing this reel a while back as well. I'm mostly a Shimano/Daiwa guy, but I do have other brands as well. I like trying new stuff. Speaking of new stuff/Savage Gear, I have the 7'1 MH Black Ops rod. Got it towards the end of the year so didn't get much time on the water with it, but I absolutely love it. It retailed at the time for $300 but I got it for $175 I believe. Looking forwards to your impressions after using the reel.

Yeah I was looking at a rod, but it says shipping cost will be applied after you place your order. I'd kind of like to know that BEFORE I place the order.

You can get a Shimano Expride for close to $200 with the sales that are going on. Some sales end this afternoon, FYI. I know TW does.

I really wanna try the new model/blanks. Because my last generation Helium with the NFC blanks is one of the most sensitive rods I own. Very crisp.

Was wondering if anybody has ordered from them at all. From everything I'm reading it sounds like a reputable site.

I think we, as anglers, overthink stuff far too often. I've heard the argument before about how braid makes too much noise. Yet, we also use baits that rattle, squeak, click, vibrate etc. to trigger bites. But somehow braid going through vegetation is gonna spook the fish? Eh, I don't know. I've caught a lot of bass punching with straight braid.

You talking about overall profile? Hook size? You can make any swim jig smaller just by trimming the skirt.

A 7'11" punching rod would be terrible for poppers.

7"?! Now THAT'S what I call a true BFS rod.

For sure.

The Hammer in the Ark Randall Tharp Honey Badger series.

To me an all-around rod is a MH/F rod. Now that isn't gonna be ideal for most treble hook baits tho. If you like Daiwa and want an upgrade you could get the Tatula for $120 with sales right now (reg. $150).

Nice find. I have the 7 speed. Bought it new about 4 years ago. Used it a few times. Was thinking about changing out the handle. Somewhere along the way I stripped the reel nut or something...I don't exactly remember now. I stuck it in it's box and pretty much forgot about until I just saw your post just now. It is a nice reel.