Stephen B

You'll like the Tatsu. Just be careful to ensure you tie a good knot like the Double Pitzen knot and enjoy

I think you'd be happy with the Shimano Zodias 6'10 MH. I think it would be a phenomenal rod for what you intend to do with 3/8 oz jigs, texas jigs, while still being versatile enough for spinnerbaits and chatterbaits. The Tour Versatile is another great option as well. It definitely has power but as it's name suggests is a very versatile rod due to its taper. It can handle from topwater, jigs, spinnerbaits, etc.

I really like certain rods in the Curado series like the 7'6 Heavy Fast, 7'6 Medium Moderate, etc. But yes the Curado rods are heavier than say a Shimano Zodias as well as not a sensitive as a Zodias but its also 25% more expensive. I really like a lot of there cranking rods. I was mentioning it if $150 was the top of your budget. Personally my 3 favorite rods around $200 are the Shimano Zodias, Megabass Levante, and Daiwa Tatula Elite but they may not have a rod that you find works. What do you plan on throwing/utilizing the rod for? I'm sure a few of us will chime in trying to help you find a rod you'll really like.

I fished a couple and expressed that I wasn't overly happy with the rods I fished. Speaking to my experience with the rods I fished. Just my opinion. A few people on Bass Resource have left product reviews on multiple ALX rods with similar experiences. Not saying that someone won't like them, but I prefer other options in the same price range. What we like may be different. There are a lot of great rods available that I would recommend. I would take a look at the Dobyns Fury or Shimano Curado rods if you want to stay around $150 or less. Both are great rods with great companies backing them. They have both have a really good range of rods with a lot of options for anglers. At a slightly higher price point with the Tatula Elite, Zodias, KLX, Levantes are also very attractive if you want to spend a little more. Let us know what you decide.

I'd personally pass on both. Are those the only rods you are considering?

I'd go with a rod in the following series St Croix Mojo, Shimano SLX, Shimano Curado, or Dobyns Fury rod series. Not impressed with ALX rods.

Me too. I could definitely see it. I like Stren and Trilene XL but usually fish Stren Original. Great Line.

Stren easily for me. More supple and manageable with less memory. Big Game is stiff IMO. I think that Trilene XL and Stren are worth the price increase for me. I'm good friends with a PF employee and he says that Stren is across the board the best mono line across the board in terms of cast ability, knot strength, suppleness, and abrasion resistance among all Pure Fishing branded monofilaments as they have tested them in some simulation.

Highly unlikely.

Stay with your Loomis rods.

We can understand that as many of us are the same way. Keep us updated and let us know what you decided to go with or if you need any help.

I'd take the XX anyday over the ALX. Never heard anyone say anything about the lack of sensitivity of a XX. In fact, the exact opposite. The XX are phenomenal rods and IMO are the among the best in the price range as well as the Shimano Expride. The XX perform well above there price.

I'd look at the St Croix Avid X, Shimano Zodias, Daiwa Tatula Elite, Megabass Levante (when released). Those are the best rods around that price range IMO. Ultimately, buy what you like and feel comfortable with. No ones opinion is more valuable than your own personal preferences.

Go with the 736C for your applications over the 735C if you want to go with Dobyns, but the St Croix Mojo Bass and SLX are also incredible rods too. Decisions, decisions. Goodluck.

You are correct that there isn't a standard measurement of power ratings, however, the Dobyns lure rating is not reliable either IMO.

Sunline FC Sniper, Sunline Shooter, Seaguar Tatsu, Seaguar Invizx, and Gamma Edge are personally my favorite fluorocarbon lines, however they all have different characteristics making them excel in different applications. For example, Seaguar Invizx is IMO more supple, more limp, and has more stretch than Sunline FC Sniper. However, the Sunline FC is more abrasion resistant with less stretch than Invizx while still being very manageable. Both are phenomenal lines. If I was looking for the best of the best overall fluorocarbons I would say Seaguar Tatsu and Gamma Edge. But if could only fish one flurocarbon while still being price conscious, I would pick Sunline FC Sniper as my line. That's just me.

I highly recommend trying an NRX. Worth is an individuals opinion. You may be surprised at the difference.

ZPI F-Zero Reel Oil Shimano Reel Grease Cal's Grease

I tend to agree for the most part with this. While the difference between an Abu Garcia Veritas to a G Loomis GLX is significant regarding sensitivity IMO and detecting structure, bites, etc is amplified with a more sensitive rod, ultimately you are correct in that experience in invaluable. Buying an expensive rod will help in detecting some bites, but you are right on regarding your assessment in that buying an expensive rod doesn't necessarily make you a great fisherman. Rods are just tools allowing us fisherman to complete a task, which is to catch fish.

Not sure what you mean by don't expect much. An NRX, GLX, Conquest, K2, Legend Elites, Legend Xs and Destroyers with fluorocarbon are fantastic and extremely sensitive. These rods are top of the line and I have no problem at all detecting bites, structure, etc with fluorocarbon. You are correct in that braid has no stretch thus transmits more vibration but there is a time and place for fluorocarbon, braid, and mono. I don't have trouble detecting bites and thorough enjoy fishing all of them with fluorocarbon. 100% pleased regarding sensitivity. SB

Exactly! Great point as a lot of people do the same thing. I always recommend trying new things as you may find something you like even more. I have probably 20-30 rods and all are across 4 brands. Try thing, put them in your hand, and keep on fishing ?

No reason to pick one company to buy from. Pick the rod that you find the most applicable to the application you plan to utilize it for whether its St Croix, Shimano, G Loomis, Diawa, Dobyns. Finding what works for others may not be your preference and what works for you. I recommend going to a local shop and holding them in person. Try to get them in your hands and then make the decision. Talk to people who own the exact models you are considering not just one, if possible. I have fished many rods within a series and all had different characteristics and thought others seemed to perform better and be more sensitive due to the varying construction to achieve the desired taper of each model.

A couple reasons. I don't buy used reel. Also I prefer the MGL. However, that's just me. As long as you're happy, that's all that matters. Hope you like them and enjoy them.

Get the MGL. The CI4 for $170 I would definitely pass on.

K I think the K and E are the best Curado series I have fished with. The I wasn't bad but the K was a nice improvement. The G series IMO was a disappointment.