JWall14

Smallies destroy that on a Ned. Hard to go wrong with anything small on a Ned though.

Nice fish! I post all of my pictures to the latest catch pics thread that’s why they aren’t on here.

I would start with a spinning rod for sure. They are what you are used to and easier for beginners. Matt and Tim from the videos also recommend this.

Yeah I would really say it’s a combination of your rod/reel combo and probably the pond. Mix up what ponds you are hitting and try to find ones that are known to have fish. I would agree that you need a new combo. Here are two videos on rods that I think would help you out tremendously. I agree with Matt and Tim here that $100 is probably the minimum for a decent rod and reel for bass fishing. The second video explains the different rods and what they can be used for and why you would want any of them. Now- you don’t need 5 rods, I just think it would help to hear the applications of different power rods so you can decide which is right for you. Let me know if you have any questions, I was in your shoes a few years ago.

Nice fish! I know this is probably on here somewhere but what kayak do you run? It’s a very nice rig.

You may have the most impressive posts on this thread largemouth wise! What did you catch em on?

I’d guess they have already moved up and are making or on beds by now.

Wow! Nice fish!

You at smashing them! Great stuff!

Hard to tell but 19 in is definitely bigger than 1.5lbs. I’d say around 3 but I honestly don’t guess weights.

Ok this just confirmed a 902s. Thanks guys!

Yeah that’s what I thought. The 901 seems a bit on the lighter side so I’ll probably grab a 902 as well. Thanks!

I know people use the 902s for ned rigs but was wondering if anyone has either of these rods? If so what do you use them for? Or should I just grab the new NRX+ ned rig rod (821)? I feel like I would like the longer rod length of the 90s but I am not sure? I have a sponsorship with loomis so I could get the new NRX+ for a good(better than $600) price. Thanks!

Most normal sized spinnerbaits will work fine. If it’s really a small river or creek I’d downsize but smallmouth are pretty aggressive so I wouldn’t worry.

Yeah my school is sponsored by loomis (and megabass) so I could get the new nrx on a discount. Very tempted to grab one when they come in but I feel the 852 would be similar to my Windbuster. If I got one it would probably be the 822 drop shot or 821 Ned rod. Thank you!

That sounds good. I may have to grab one. Which model do you have?? Also how does it compare in sensitivity with an nrx? Thanks!

Tournament on Saturday. We did well but I failed to land a 4lber that would have qualified us for state. I didn't realize the hook was dulled until after he pulled off. I fished a fluke all day and landed about 10. My partner had different ideas about what to hit and all of my spots (or really @slonezp's spots) produced keepers and we didn't get one bite from his spots. We finished with 7-10 and in 12th out of 41 boats. Not terrible but we missed state by one spot and that 4 would have put us top 5. Hit the river for a few hours on Sunday. My brother and I had a competition with my dad and other brother. We expected to win but they aren't that bad and it was a lot closer than we thought. We finished with a 12-6 bag and they had a 11-0 bag. Not too bad and it was a fun day of bed fishing. WE also doubled which made for a cool picture. Have yet to break 4 but I did learn from someone that there are 4s and 5s they are just in a section split by dams that I have yet to fish.

That sounds fun! Let me know how it does.

I have read about it being the unicorn spinning rod which sounds great but I am unsure how it compares in sensitivity to other rods like a NRX or destroyer? Have you used it for drop shots at all?? Also does the 1/16 Ned seem light for the rod when casting? Thank you!

Yeah I have heard really good stuff about that rod.

Sorry I should have clarified I am looking for a rod to throw drop shots/neds/other light presentations that the Windbuster struggles with.

I already have a P5 Destroyer Windbuster. It’s a M rod with a moderate fast tip (think senko/shakyhead/tube rod). What rod should I pair with that will, between the two, be able to throw whatever I want and why that rod?? I would prefer it to be either P5 or NRX but am open to others. Say it’s unlimited budget too. I am interested to hear your opinions.

Curado MGL is maybe the most palm friendly reel I have ever held. It is super smooth too.

Agree totally. The fish are very predictable. Find riffles and fish below until the current slows. Skip the slow stuff completely. The biggest fish will be in deeper (4-5ft) eddies right next to the fast current in my experience. I have miles of river in my head and I know exactly where the biggest fish will be every time I go out. If you fish your creek/river enough the same will happen to you. If you are going for numbers, any fast water/current will do but if you want the bigs I have found them in the deep eddies more often. Deep water right next to fast current is key. **I was walking through a waist deep slow pool next to current in a large river and didn't expect anything to be in there. Next thing I knew I was standing on top of a 5lb smallmouth who lazily swam off. So don't ignore the slow stuff if its right by current.

Yeah I have found them in summer like curing eating swimbaits when water temps were in the mid 40s. They really get aggressive in the summer in rivers and creeks.