gilkeybr

For a shallow jerkbait i've had good luck with the Damiki Slim Jack. Super shallow runner.

The fishing purchase I made that I think has added the most value to my fishing is a trolling motor with spot lock. Fishing predominantly off shore it is immensely helpful to be able to use that feature and not have to worry, "Have I drifted 100 yards away from my intended spot". Really frees you up to focus more on the fishing.

I love how compact the 19 Antares is. Much less bulky than my (admittedly old) DC7 Antares was. The 19 would be my choice without having fished with the 16 Antares before...

It would be easier to measure by the pound instead of by count! Thats when you know you have a real problem!

I was sadly disappointed in my GLX853. To me all the action in the rod was in the last 6" and the rest felt very rigid. I much prefer the feel of my 852 and 854 (NRX). If I were throwing 3/8oz jigs, I would reach for my 852.

Do what the other guys said! Also limits tangling between multiple rods.

Really like my 704CB Graphite for small cranks (1.5s and even a bit smaller)

Does anyone know a $5 code that is currently working at TW? Tried ol' reliable LTBSAVESQ1 and it didn't work! Thanks

I have the OG launcher and like it a lot for 1oz+ crank baits. I mostly have thrown 6th Sense C15 or C20s with it. I did throw a 6XD a while. All of these were comfortable within the rods power. An 8XD would be no problem IMO. Not sure about the 10XD. I haven't thrown one. I couldn't imagine wanting a heavier cranking rod than this. So if the newer one is heavier, I would default to the older model. Brian

Found a Micro Pompadour. Picture shows it next to a Pompadour and Pompadour Jr for scale. I am very excited to see how this thing fishes. I think it will be killer for river smallmouth!

Comparing my Expride to my Champion XP (different lengths/tapers, so not apples to oranges), I prefer the Expride. They seem to live up to all the hype, IMO

I used my Curado DC on a 704CB for a while throwing 1.5s. It does just fine, but it did better once I moved it to my deeper cranking rod throwing 3/4oz+ lures. Would be interesting for 1/2oz jigs IMO

6th Sense Flat 75X. I know this is just a me-problem and not a lure problem. But I just can't get bit on these things. Conditions haven't been just right yet....YET

I agree with the previous suggestion of making sure you're snugging the knot after completing your first half hitch. You typically can see the knot change color as it tightens up. Then I tie the remaining half hitches

Looks great for storing rods, but not great for storing combos! I built this rack out of plywood. Cost ~$40 including the stain/polyurethane. Was very satisfied with it...until I got too many combos to fit. Working on a replacement now that is 6ft long instead of 4ft!

The best part of a DC reel over a standard reel is the whine it makes during a cast. Outside of that, the differences are pretty marginal, IMO. I would be looking for a used Aldebaran or Bantam in that price range, depending on what I was going to use it for.

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Damiki_Slim_Jack_Jerkbaits/descpage-DAMSJ.html Doesn't suspend perfectly, but I can confirm its a slow-floater. I've had good luck with these, the action is nice.

Which model pompadour is that? The wings look shorter than I would have expected...

I was planning to get another Aldebaran to pair with an 852 that I just picked up. But then I held my Aldebaran up next to a Revo ALX and was surprised by how much smaller the Revo frame was compared to the Aldebaran. Now it has me considering a MGXtreme...

Overrated: The DC braking system. Its a fine braking system. But its not significantly better than a traditional system in my experience.

Thanks for the input. After reading some other reviews, this sounds right up my alley! I'll definitely look into it further

Looking for a suggestion for a cranking rod that would throw 2.5 SB and Warts well. I currently have a 704CB Graphite and a MB Launcher. The 704 feels just a bit too light, but manageable. The Launcher is a bit too heavy. What would be a good rod in the middle? 705CB has been my primary focus. Any feedback on the Tatula Elite Cranking rods? Something a little longer than 7' would be great, but not necessary. Thanks in advance, Brian

I would add my vote to the moving bait side, either a spinnerbait or a lipless crankbait. If its an adult beginner, then either would be available. If its a young person, I might lean more towards the spinnerbait just because there are less hooks getting slung around!

My second most fished MB lure is definitely the Ito Shiner (actually it would be first ahead of the 110).

I got a Megabass I-Loud a couple years ago because I was totally sold on its fish-catching abilities (and cool colors). I fished it once and found that it had to be worked quite slowly to avoid blowing out and it wasn't a very stable bait. The Rapala DT-Fat 1 and Manns 1-Minus are my preferred wakebaits.