bunz559

I have 2 rods I kind of alternate through for neds and drop shot, a Dobyn's Extreme 702sf and an Expride 7ft Medium. These 2 rods are similar in power but their tips are very different. The Dobyns tip is very soft, a much slower action and feels much more parabolic. While the Expride tip is fast, cutting off quickly into the blank much sooner. While I use them interchangeably, depending on what's on deck and easiest to reach, I much prefer the Expride's faster tip for neds. I even used an Expride 7'2 ML casting rod a few times and it works perfectly. You don't necessarily need to jack them, but it's nice to have that fast tip and backbone when fishing deep. To answer your question, yes. The power and action should be fine. But some may prefer different. For reels, a 3000 is fine. All my spinning setups are 2500 and 3000.

Yes to your question. I use yellow Power Pro in 15-20lb tied to 8lb FC Sniper most of the time. I would not hesitate to cut one of those lures off and tie on the other with the same rod/line combo. I do actually.

I just recently picked up a Destroyer Flyssa. I've never fished hair jigs out here in California but from reviews, seems like it would be great for that. Could also work great for lighter ned rigs. I plan to throw either small 2.8 size Keitechs or crappie jigs on mine. I threw on a Stradic ci4 3000 with 5lb line. My current rod I use for neds is an Expride 7' medium. It's light, fairly sensitive, and has a great back bone and fast tip. I just ordered an Orochi Enforcer that'll probably be my main ned rig rod. We'll see how that goes. Just going to throw my Ultegra 2500 on to it.

Any differences between 16 DC and 18 DC MD?

I throw 1.5's and 2.5's on a Dobyn's 705cb.

I have one on each of my non-keeper rods. They work great and no damage.

I have not. Unfortunately my guy didn't have any of the 7'3 in stock. I should be receiving it sometime this week. But I have a few Exprides that I have owned or still own. Currently I have the 7'2 H and the 7 M spinning. The 7'2 is tied with Keitechs most of the time and the spinning is either drop shot or ned rigs. I've owned the 7'2 ML and the 7'6 MH but have sold those rods.

*** are my go to for most cases.

The Levante is a rod series. LOL!

Following.

Tough question. I usually throw square bills and medium divers on the same or similar rods but extra deep divers on a totally different beast of a rod. For example, I have a Dobyn's 705cb and Kistler Feel N Reel 7'3 for square billing and medium diving cranks. But when I'm throwing 8xd's, 10xd's or similar I have a Dobyn's 805cb and an Irod Crank Launcher. There's such a weight difference in lures that it's almost necessary. A squarebill can be thrown on a stout cb rod but a 10xd cannot be thrown on a smaller rod cb rod.

Storage is a pain when dealing with tons of combos, but what's nice is not having to re-rig every time you want a different lure on. Not every rod gets used on every outing but when you want/need it, it's ready to go under the deck. Also, things like equipment failure or when terrible backlashes happen, simply reel in the excess line, put it away, and grab the other rod. You don't have to be a tournament angler to enjoy the convenience of this. I used to hate spending minutes picking out backlashes or re-tieing.

I hardly squarebill but definitely enjoy my Dobyns 705cb glass when I do.

I'm kind of glad I only have 1 Chronarch MGL. The reel just doesn't feel as well built. Mine needs much more maintenance to keep it running smooth. My Metaniums are great! Lower maintenance and they stay working. Of course they're more expensive, but if you're ordering from Japan and can shell out the extra coin, they're worth it. If not, my K's are a much better value than the Chronarch. They're heavier and bulkier, but they stay smooth.

Nothing wrong with long leaders here. We fish deep waters here in California and there's nothing like a bright yellow line flying by suspended fish in 30-50ft of water. I've used 10, 15, and 20ft leaders before without any hindrance. If nothing at all, it helps you manage your expensive flouro better rather than spooling on an entire 125 yards only to throw everything away once u get down to the last 60 yards.

Great setup, I have the same. I'm currently using 20lb Power Pro tied to 8 - 12lb flouro. Once this line gets a little worn, which wont be anytime soon, I'll be putting on 15lb Power Pro. I feel that 20lb braid doesn't come off the spool as smooth. 10lb is too light and you'll get all kinds of knots with a little wind. Other than my moving baits, I fish all my setups braid to flouro.

From my experience, the Metanium has been a much more durable reel. I have several Metanium MGL's and they fish wonderfully time after time with little maintenance. Tension knob never feels sloppy and braking system is always on point. On the other hand, my Chronarch MGL seems to have gone down the drain. It fishes well, but needs much more maintenance and cleaning to keep it running smooth. Could it be just mine? Sure. But I'm glad I spent the money into Metaniums than the Chronarchs. Heck, I'd even say my K's have held up better than the Chronarch.

I cannot speak for the Orochi. I have several, but not that model. But I do own the Expride spinning M and it's become my go to spinning on deck. Plenty of power with a nice fast tip. Great for any application with a j hook. I don't mind it for drop shotting too so long I'm throwing a 1/4 ounce weight.

Great topic. I was just recently searching for opinions on this as well. I usually frog with a 7'3 or 7'4. I started looking at the Expride 7'3 XH and the Megabass Valdivia (7'6). First time I've ever seen someone use a long rod frogging was last year when my nephew flew in from MN and picked up my punching rod (Dobyn's 805) and started frogging with it. Seemed to do him really well. I tried after and it was way too long for my liking. Also too heavy for the wrist. I've just decided to go with the 7'3 Expride. Fingers crossed that I didn't make the wrong decision.

I've been using Power Pro 15-20lb tied to 8lb FC Sniper. Has worked great for me the last few years.

The older model. Still waiting on the new ones to come into stock.

I started using an Orochi XX Jerkbait Special recently and really like it. It has a nice snap to it. Plenty of power to cast and fish most jerkbaits. Probably would be a good spook and popper rod too. Haven't tried it yet, but when it warms up a bit, I'll give it a spin.

I first started out with a Curado K 6 gear ratio. I liked it and it does the job. Hard to beat the K as a middle weight reel. But recently I tried my 6 gear ratio Metanium MGL on it and am in love with it. Similar size, but lighter. Cannot go wrong with either.

Yup. You can get what Smelter mentioned or if you piece it together, so long the pinion gear and main gear are matching, you should be good to swap. I plan to do this to one of my MGL that I intend to frog with.

I can't wait for the return of the Levantes since they were pulled from the market. But I currently am using a Diablo in the Orochi XX and it's a great rod. Use mine for bladed jigs, jighead swim baits like Keitechs, and spinners. If the action and power is some what replicated in the Levantes, it'll be a great rod.