Lead Head

Ahh... I see. Thanks for the input guys!

Have you ever had to remove a tip top that you put on with 5 minute epoxy? Been researching it and I'm seeing mixed comments. Some say you will damage the tip with the heat required to remove 5 minute epoxy, some say you won't. What is your experience with it?

Thanks guys, it gets pretty hot down here so I'll put thread at the tip. Do you think just running some epoxy over the end of the base is sufficient or should I go ahead and run a few wraps up on the base?

If I had that combo, and couldn't swap for a slower reel or faster rod, I would most definitely put 30lb braid on it. The lack of stretch in braid should help you set single hooks with the moderate action rod, and that same moderate action can help keep trebles pinned. You will have to turn that reel painfully slow for most moving baits... it's not that big of a deal you just can't lose focus or you will be burning spinners like buzz baits. Just because it isn't a prototypical setup don't mean it can't work for you.

Is thread at the tip top purely decorative, or is it necessary for strength? Also do you guys usually run the thread over the base of the tip top or stop flush with it?

The "bass series" has the more moderate taper. I was under the impression the carbon 4 series was nearly identical to SCIV as it says "Our C2 blanks are the same as St.Croix's SCII, and our C4 is the same as SCIV." I'm a complete noob to rod building and have no hands on experience so if this is not accurate someone please straighten me out here.

Last I checked you could get kastking braid online for about $6 shipped. I use it on my spinning reel and while it's not the best, it definitely isn't trash. I suggest grabbing some and giving it a shot. If you don't like it, your only out $6. If you do you can keep fishing it or look into a more expensive 8 carrier line. I know you said no leader but if you watch videos on the FG knot and learn to tie it well, you will fail the knot to your lure before the FG gives. I like 20lb but 10 or 15 will probably suit your needs better. I'm rarely fishing a ned that deep.

Haven't used the SLX but people seem to love them. I have a few MB and those will be hard to beat at $105. I absolutely love mine.

No thumb, but I keep my index finger under the line for all my bottom contact presentations. I have actually cut my index finger on the hook set a few times.

I used floroclear for a few years without issue. Then it happened... 15lb line breaking on every hookset. Switched to a older spool and the problem went away. Went out and bought another new spool and the break offs returned. 2 bad spools in a 3 year stretch (6 spools total) was too much, I stay away from the stuff now.

30lb 832 and a fg knot. I keep the leader about 5' so it never enters the reel.

To me, the MH fury fishes like a M in most other brands. I've learned to focus more on lure weight recommendations than listed powers (thanks bassresource).

Had an old surveyor teach me a trick. Buy flea and tick collars for dogs and put one around each boot. Kinda like a tick repellent ankle bracelet. Helped tremendously the few times I needed to try it, but still check yourself because they can get on you from bushes and such.

Lol... good ol' bluegill and the "machine gun" hit. When I know they are in the area and harassing my bait I usually do a pretty good job of laying off, but if those little buggers start picking up and actually moving my bait I can't take it... have snatched a few rigs right back at myself and had to Matrix dodge them.

I keep a frog tied on most of the year. When it's too cold for frogs the A-rig gets put on that rod. As soon as I decide its warm enough for frogs the A-rig gets put away until next year. My jig rod is the only one that has the same job/bait ALL YEAR.

Jigs

Thanks! This gives me some food for thought. I wasn't even considering the M models and was really just looking at the MH (3/8-1oz) as I was concerned the 1/2oz jig plus trailer would be too much for the 5/16oz top end on the M.

Looking for a bit of guidance here. I'm nearly ready to order a blank for a new jig rod and I have reached a position of "paralysis by analysis". I'm specifically looking at rodgeeks and rainshadow blanks. 3/8 and 1/2 oz jigs (+ trailer) on 30lb braid (with occasional leader), throwing into brush and laydowns is what I'll be doing with this rod. I take care of my equipment, but I definitely use it... this will be a tool, not a showpiece. If you guys with experience fishing rodgeeks and/or rainshadow blanks would throw some suggestions at me it would be greatly appreciated and just might help me make a decision. I need to keep it 7' 3" or shorter. Thanks in advance for any and all input.

Lure wraps... save so much trouble.

Only YouTube fishing channel I watch is milliken fishing. Guy seems real down to earth and honest. He puts out so many videos they can be hit or miss but are fun and informative most of the time. Currently he is doing lots of ice fishing stuff that is of very little interest to me but it's what he has to work with now so whatever. I checked out the googans... not for me.

No exp with the pro, but I paid more for both of my mb and am not disappointed at all.

Definitely take a hard look at the tournament mb. It's a great reel.

I have ordered a lot of the face shields. Last couple of orders the shields seem larger so maybe they changed it up. I wear them pirate style anytime I'm outside since I don't have much hair... keeps the sweat out of my eyes and sun off my head.

Finally found something at Walmart worth a try. Berkley generals for $1.50 a bag. I haven't used them before but they got positive reviews here so I grabbed 8 bags. We will see...

Gridiron brush jigs are all I fished last year... those things are pretty versatile.