r83srock

In my 18 foot bass boat I bring 6 rods, and a medium tackle bag with 4 3600s, one for terminal, one for all jigs, one for frogs/hardbaits, one for Spinnerbaits/buzzbaits. And a small bag with a dozen bags of plastics. I have equipment and safety stuff that I always keep in the boat. Rods and tackle usually come out every trip to get re organized/cleaned/maintained for the next trip. It’s the same setup I bring when I fish from someone else’s boat, except I may cut it to 4 rods. From my kayak I cut it in half, from the bank I cut it in half again. I probably bring more food than tackle.

I can’t say on x-ship. Besides marketing I’m not sure that it really amounts to much, possibly smoothness, which the k does feel a hair smoother on retrieve, but I would think that’s due to gearing. Both reels are great, and I don’t consider one to be an upgrade or downgrade over the other.

I’m in this same dilemma. I’m just looking to up my jig game, it’s my favorite way to fish, and I want something light, like featherly light. Sensitive is subjective and I’ve been happy with 100-200 dollar rods regarding sensitivity. I really want to try a helium, have wanted to for 15 years. I’m no help, but I am following.

Our club does team jerseys with our names. Local companies sponsor our club, so those are the only logos I elected to put on my jersey, except for the boat brand I own, that one I threw in there. We have the B.A.S.S. And FLW logos in the appropriate locations in the event that one of us were to fish a state or national level tournament, it would meet the requirements. When we are at our weigh inns and doing community type work, I think wearing the jersey gives the club members a uniform and professional look, acting that part can be another matter for some. ? I don’t care to wear it any other time. If someone wants to wear one for the heck of it, more power to them!

I like the looks of that box too. It’s way more space than I need though. I think the Plano 3600 terminal is what I’m going to end up with.

I am looking at getting a new terminal box for next year. I’m using a Plano 3601 and it’s alright, I do love how thin it is. I’m eyeing up the new Plano edge 3600 terminal, does anyone have one yet? I use a 3600 size bag, right now I use 4 boxes. I’ve considered going to something different, maybe a backpack, and downsizing to two 3700s, in which case opens up my options. I’m turned into a bit of a minimalist. What does everyone think of Plano edge 3700 terminal vs h20 academy vs bass mafia?

I have owned many St. Croix rods over that last 17 years, most of them m/h or heavy. I have a ml xf avid and other than my spinning rod I have never owned a medium powered St. Croix, but that is going to change! Some of St. Croixs mh rods have gotten softer in the tip, bass x and mojo are good examples, but the mediums I’ve used are much closer to a medium heavy in other brands. A St. Croix medium fast is really really nice, for a lot of things, especially for a braid user like me. I have used the 7’1” mh xf in legend elite. St. Croix is pretty consistent for the most part across the lineup, so I’d think avid/avid x would be similar, it’s a true xf tip. That rod is a bit lighter in the tip compared to the equivalent in mh fast, a bit less versatile maybe but really nice for small Texas rigs and 1/4oz jigs. I do feel a medium fast could handle those same lures with more versatility.

You have a well rounded set there! Save for maybe a medium fast casting rod and a heavy for frogging flipping. If the heavy isn’t needed I’d look at a crankbait rod, like a medium moderate or medium heavy moderate depending on what you throw most.

I find the SLX to be as simple to use and setup as the b series Curados. The xt I don’t have but I do have the mgl slx which is the same braking system as the Curado K. The VBS allows for a cone that makes contact with the brake shoes to apply more contact with those shoes via turning the external dial from 1-6. There are only 4 shoes on the SVS much like the 6 pin system on the older curados. Most people apply 2 shoes ON and 2 OFF and is generally a set and forget, with the ability to fine tune braking externally. I have come to like the SVS infinity on the SLX mgl and Curado K. I still own Curado 100b and 200b reels and aside from those, the SLX mgl and Curado K are my latest favorites. I’ll likely use these ones 20 years also, just how I am.

I have the 7’4” H mojo and like it a lot. It’s not the lightest rod I own but it just feels solid to me. Lots of power, but more flexible than heavy powered St. Croixs from previous generations. It casts most frogs really well, like a spro 65 or pad crasher. I use it for punching, big jigs, jigs down to 3/8 oz if need be and big Spinnerbaits too, it handles all of these tasks just fine. It’s a bit parabolic when it loads up and I like that, it’s plenty sensitive too! I have fished the Avid X version and about the only difference I can feel is it’s a bit more balanced.

Yeah, I seen that! Lol ?

Good to know! Which falcon and shimano? Expert and Expride?

Catt, I’m a huge braid user and I can’t agree more. Love braid, but I need to be using something else around wood. Big game, or do I haaave to use flouro? ?

I’m a long time St. Croix user and have been pretty happy overall. Used Kistler products when they first hit the market so nothing late model. I’m looking at lessening my inventory or rods and reels further. I’m always looking for that perfect jig rod though. ?. Thinking of trying something different. For those that know, how would the ALX zolo compare to the Kistler Helium? ☕️

It’s good to hear real world feedback from anglers that have one. Few people I know have one. If it’s in your heart to buy that unit, get the one you want! Buy once cry once! ?

My uncle fishes the upper Mississippi a lot and knows of a few anglers that busted up their ultrex, but these are highly competitive fishermen. the ultrex may not be the best choice if you primarily fish shallow. I would like to see a breakaway spring on the ultrex someday. Other than that I think it’s an awesome motor!

So my boat is older, and I originally had a Maxxum 74 which was on it for 14 years. Never an issue but pins and bushings were worn so I’d figure I’d sell it and get a new version of what I had, a Maxxum 70. Big mistake! The new maxxums are not built as well as the old. I had nothing but issues for 2 years. This summer I purchased a new Fortrex 80, and so far I have been very pleased! The built in transducer is very nice and the motor seems robust! I would have loved an ultrex, but the cost was one issue for me, as well as known issues with foot pedal boards, and no breakaway shaft spring for shallow water, it just wasn’t the motor for me. I have used an ultrex when it first came out, and the spot lock technology is awesome! I will say, whatever you get, cable steer is the way to go for bass fishing.

I rolled in the 15+ rod camp. I seldom do big tournaments anymore so 5 is fine for me. I fish lures that can be used in a variety of situations so I’m not retying all the time, but even if I need to no big deal.

If you want something for year round, I think layering is best. I purchased a Gill insulated suit and it has been one of the best purchases I’ve ever made, can’t believe I’ve gone all these years without a good suit. It was 29 this morning and 37 yesterday and I was good to go! I did wear it with my insulated bow hunting boots. I have a cheaper frogg toggs suit for warm weather and it does a good job for that. Makes a nice spare set too. I would look at Guidewear, BPS 100mph, Gill, Simms, Aftco. All of these brands carry a good reputation. Frogg Toggs has high end suits as well. I have heard that frabil has good suits for the money as well.

A-jay, those fish are impressive! I love catching smallmouth, this time of year I try harder for them. Pound for pound, smallmouth seem to have more attitude and fight than largemouth. However, I’ve had some largemouth fight as hard as any smallmouth I’ve ever caught. Smallies almost always seem more acrobatic which is fun in itself. Largemouth or smallmouth, if they live in a river they seem to fish harder to me. I enjoy both species.

They are tough to fish in rock for sure. I don’t fish a tube often but it’s one area I tend to grab one. Senko works too. Like Tom said it’s more about covering water with a moving bait, when you get to a piece of cover or a change in bottom that’s where a jig would be a player.

My favorite finesse swim bait is a 5” Kalins grub in white or smoke/pepper. I throw it on a 1/8 or 1/4 oz ball head jig. This bait has pulled me out of a bind many times. In grass I like a 1/4-3/8 swim jig in black/blue or white, sometimes white/chartreuse. Not that a swim jig is a swim bait per se but I do throw the same grub on those. I’ll sometimes throw a yum pulse in whatevershad pattern is available.

I agree it’s more about how to fish rip rap than the lure used. Lures I do tend to use most if windy: Trap spinnerbait single tail grub/jig head. calm: jignpig tube jig senko

Welcome! I fished the wolf today and had one largemouth. Last Sunday was very good but water temp dropped from 46 to 40. Next weekend is a high of 50, so I’m not winterizing yet. Go Pack Go!

I bring a mh baitcaster and a jignpig everywhere I go. If I have an assortment of sizes I can fish the entire water column.