Stephen B

It's an awesome rod

Ark Tharp series or Shimano Intenza.

I second the Expride, Poison, and Orochi XX. All great rods.

Expride as well lol

Also, you could tie in leader (braid to flourocarbon). That's been my best way to prevent from buying so much line

Spot on! Locations can change hourly, daily, etc. Bass fishing isn't just about locations, it's about patterns and knowing when to go to a specific location

While some people are more gifted, I personally think there is a learning gap. Like everything, It's important to have a mentor who can teach you what to look for and how to apply knowledge. Reading about things is important but application of what you read is more important IMO and that's why I learned with people who were more knowledgeable than me. Understanding bass behavior, bass movements, and putting time on the water. Understanding this and utilizing baits that are appropriate are key. When you catch a bass, mark a waypoint and date the catch. Keep track of your catches and try to understand why you had success. Putting the time on the water is so valuable as you can track shad spawns, mayfly hatches, bass spawn, winter and summer transitions, etc. It can be beneficial to apply this knowledge year after year. You can then apply this knowledge and replicate this around the lake.

For around $150, the Ark Tharp Series, Phenix Feather are my top choices. St Croix Mojo Bass, Shimano Curado, Daiwa Tatula are great options as well.

Where are them big ol largemouth lol jk. Jealous as we don't have smallmouth near me. I need to come catch some.

Highly recommend!

I prefer the rod you already have. The Tatula series from Daiwa is a great rod. I find them to be more sensitive than both the rods listed from Powell and Dobyns

Waiting for Glenn to send me some of that Tatsu lol?

Great rod! You will be very happy!

100%. HANDS DOWN! Furys feel ok, but the Ark Lancer Pro is on a different level

Exactly! I tie 4 other connection knots and I can't get the fg to behave right. It looks good but seems big. Any advice?

I have never gotten my fg knot to behave correctly. Looks perfect and marveled by the way the weave looks but always seems bigger than I expect. I find other knot quicker and seem to be smaller for me.

St Croix makes fine rods! Great company

755

Although both are 4 powers, they are different rods as the NRX is a JWR and the Conquest is a MBR so they have a much different taper thus they have advantages but in different areas. Sensitivity advantages goes to the NRX in my hands. Balance on those specific models goes to the Conquest. Versatility advantage goes the Conquest as it's very capable of throwing a wide variety of baits. For strictly bottom contact, I prefer the NRX. It really comes does to personal preference on feel as we all vary as well as the baits you intend to throw.

Great choice on the Flatside Special.

I would opt for 14 since you are looking for versatility. Think it will serve you well

I find the opposite to be true for me. I find slowing down is harder. I find the 6 gear ratio Curado a better all-purpose cranking reel. Ultimately all is personal preference. Best of luck

Since you want an all purpose cranking reel, the 6 is the way to go.

6 gear ratio is my recommendation.

DEPS Get it lol