Stephen B

No idea regarding the lipless but the DD crankbait rated to run 20ft will not achieve its maximum depth with 14 lb line.

The next things from Shimano will likely be a revamp to the Shimano Curado 70 and Shimano Stradic FK.

Anything Shimano or Daiwa. The biggest thing is finding a reel that balances the rod you intend to use as well as feel good in your hand.

Definitely. I would even say 3-5 years.

He never said what size senko. He could be throwing a 3 in, 4 in, 5 in, etc. Also, is he texas rigging them or wacky rigging them? A jig from 3/16 oz to 3/8 is a big difference regarding rod selection. The rod you would want for a 3/8 oz jig such as a NRX 893, NRX 873, NRX 854, etc depending on cover, would not be what I would want for a finesse jig around 3/16-1/4 oz. Thus, more information may be helpful

I don't think Academy's business model will work either. The past years with Kmast, Sears, Toys R US, Gander Mountain, etc all failing shows that big box retail isn't a viable option anymore as the overhead cost and inconvenience. Whereas most all online retailers are thriving.

I know you said fishing weighless senkos and 3/16-3/8 oz jigs in moderate to heavy cover, but that is very broad use for one rod. You would like need two different rods for those applications from weightless senkos to jigs in cover.

I would go with the NRX. There is a reason the NRX is the pinnacle of bottom contact techniques and I don't think G Loomis sells there blanks to builders anymore. The Megabass Destroyer lineup and GLX are impressive too. I wouldn't go for a custom unless you weren't satisfied with any production rods. There are so many great options. Other than maybe a K2, I don't think there is a blank available for a custom build that would beat the sensitivity of an NRX.

I would buy elsewhere but if you do just make sure its fulfilled by Amazon. It ships WAY quicker.

Definitely agree that all reels value is a diminishing value as with most gear. I actually prefer deep spools but that is just me but I have a lot of BFS reels as well (Shimano Aldebaran, Shimano Aldebaran MGL, etc.) Definitely understandable to like shallow spools. We all have our own unique preference. I just don't think reel upgrades are worth it IMO other than drag upgrades and a few other minor things. I think a good function, and well maintenance reel from a quality reel tech is much more valuable. Just ask DVT for his opinion as he sees this a lot and could definitely add to the conversation regarding upgraded bearings performance from Hedgehog vs cleaned, flushed, and properly oiled stock bearings in a Curado K or Daiwa Tatula.

Save your money. Almost all aftermarket reel parts aren't worth it as the performance for the cost is not beneficial. The price you'll end up spending for bearings, spools, etc to build a BFS reel, you would be better off buying a BFS reel such as a Shimano Aldebaran MGL.

That is interesting. I have yet to have a problem from Seaguar or Sunline. Did you notice any abrasion issues or did it just random broke? The knot issue is fairly easy to solve. Tie a double pitzen knot. You can go to YouTube for a demonstration. It's a phenomenal knot.

Interesting. Why don't you get along with fluorocarbon? Which fluorocarbon have you tried?

Your experience is very similar to mine thus far. I'll keep using it for a bit and see if my opinion changes any.

I used Suffix Advanced co-polymer with no issues at all. It seems to be very good line, but I was not blown away with it. But I definitely think it's worth trying to form your own opinion.

I agree that color, presentation, size, etc regarding lure choice can definitely be a factor. However, bass are naturally curious animals as well as territorial and aggressive. How natural is a wacky rig bright pink zoom trick worm or senko haha? But I know a lot of people who catch a ton of fish on them.

Yep. That pitcher made the entire Indiana team look like a novice. That kid has some talent!

DOBYNS!

Too much testosterone in one forum. Where the women at? Hahaha jk I agree with Glenn. Its important to remember that everyone is entitled to an opinion and everyones experience, budget, and preferences are not the same. We should accept them and be more helpful to others. At the end of the day we are all apart of the same BR community.

I use to put a pencil through the spool and place between my feet and apply pressure with my toes to keep the line tight hahaha. Now, I use a spooling station. Big upgrade haha!

Haha. ? I remember I went up there 3-4 years ago and everyone was complaining about the heat wave and it was 30-32 and were buying air conditioners. Goodluck on the rod search. Let me know if you need any help. I am sure others will chime in and provide there recommendations.

I have family that lives in Truro and Halifax, Nova Scotia. It's amazing up there. Especially during the summer when its 25 degrees Celsius with a nice breeze. Finding a versatile frog rog isn't near as hard as finding a flipping rod with the versatility to double as a swimbait rod for swimbait such as the Hudd 8 which is close to 4-5 oz depending on which ROF. I am all for versatility but I can't think of a rod of the top of my head. Most flipping rods are typically rated to around 2 oz on average. So, I would recommend two separate rods. There are lot of great flipping and swimbait rods from Shimano/G Loomis, Dobyns, St Croix, Daiwa that you could choose from. Is there a local tackle shop near you that carries any rods?

The main thing that attracted me to them is they are built relatively local as well as I want to try a Suzuki outboard so bad. I've been told that Yamaha is behind in manufacturing the SHO so Falcon is utilizing some Suzuki's on there boats as they typically have a SHO. No idea if that is true. Definitely intrigued. Likely need someone that lives in South Carolina. North Carolina, or Coastal Georgia to chime in as they would/should know more regarding feedback.

Yea there are 3 authorized Suzuki dealers/mechanics all within 50 miles of my house. My main concern is the build quality of Falcon boats. I don't hear/see a lot of them so unsure if they are a quality boat. They are manufactured in South Carolina, so only about 3-4 hrs from my house. Looking at making a trip to take a look at them and definitely going to buy out of state to avoid paying sales tax in Georgia. Definitely. Thanks for the insight. I haven't decided on the F195 or F205. I think the F195 is only rated for a 200HP, I am not sure about the F205 but I am currently leaning to the F195 just due to price. My knowledge of boats is very poor haha.

Definitely agree. I have been impressed with Suzuki's fantastic reputation and they consistently get rave reviews. I am curious about Falcon as they are on a lot of their boats from the factory.