walleyecrazy

Yeah, that is about what I would call it. It's fast enough to walk a spook without issue, but bends deep enough to not unload and lose treble hooked fish.

I'm using the Daiwa Tatula Elite Randy Howell "Universal Rod" 7'2" MH Regular action. This is my second season with it, and so far I have no complaints with it for my top water lures.

I have the 7' MH Daiwa BLX, and it is a great rod. Given the price that you can currently get it for from Sierra I think you'd be very hard pressed to find a better rod for the money. https://www.sierra.com/daiwa-blx-sg-series-freshwater-casting-rod-10-20wt-7~p~39hav/?filterString=s~blx%2F

The Dobyns Sierra 735c is my choice for my smaller swimbait stuff. It is rated for up to 1.5oz, but can throw a little heavier so long as you aren't trying to bomb cast it. It is rated as a x-fast action, but honestly is closer to fast to mod-fast. It kind of hits the sweet spot as far as action goes to allow you to fish almost anything within it's given weight range with it. As far as reels, I have mine paired with the Daiwa Coastal SV. It's a 100 size reel with a 150 size spool. It also has a 100mm handle which is longer than you will find on most 100 size reels. This combo so far has worked out perfectly for me with all my small swimbaits.

Yes absolutely. I fish my small swimbaits on this rod quite frequently. It’s really a great all around finesse rod.

My main Ned rig rod is my Daiwa Tatula Elite AGS 7’6” ML. It has about the perfect action and power for me for a Ned rig, and the extra length helps me get some more distance on my casts.

I generally just pull about two arm lengths off of the spool of whatever leader material I am using and go with that.

Hard to beat the Daiwa SV spool reels if you are looking for the control needed for skipping.

Since my daughter has gotten old and stopped fishing with me I fish alone probably 99% of the time. That is my time to get away from everything and clear my head.

I haven’t used the others, but you really can’t go wrong with the Tatulas in my opinion. I own the 7’ MF and the 7’6” MLF and they are both great rods for the money.

I don’t know the brand, but it was a chartreuse ribbon tail worm I was given to use during a fishing outing when I was in cub scouts.

You are simply using those particular weights outside of their intended usage. This is likely leading the wire weakening with each cast to the point where it finally falls off. You are essentially fishing a flick shake rig, and as posted earlier would be better off using the jig heads that are designed for that style.

My newest addition. Daiwa BLX 6’8” ML SG paired up with a Tatula LT. I’ve had this for about a week, and have caught around 50 fish on it using a combination of drop shot and Ned rig lures. So far I love this rod. It’s very sensitive, and has about the perfect taper for a drop shot in my opinion. This is my second BLX(and I’m sure not last), and after using both of them I really don’t understand how this line of rods does not get more attention. They are d**n good rods.

I’m partial to the Bizz Baits Dizzy Diamond.

I use mainly the Gamakatsu skip gap heads.

I own a few of both, and though they fish about the same I find myself preferring the older version a little more. It mostly comes down to the frame size for me. I prefer the slightly larger frame for my hand size. I have no issue using the newer one and enjoy them, but the older model is just a little more comfortable for me.

It’s a little above you’re price point unless you catch it on sale, but I have to say the Dobyns Sierra 735c would be about perfect for what you are describing. It has a ton of back bone, but has a light enough tip to make casting and walking a frog very easy.

Absolutely. I throw both 3/8oz and 1/2oz chatterbaits on mine, and have never felt like it was over stressing the rod.

Like was already said the Sierra 734c is a very versatile rod with closer to a mod fast tip than a true fast tip. They aren't the lightest rods in the world, but are very well balanced so you don't notice any extra weight while fishing with them. I use mine mainly for chatter baits and spinner bait, and its is about perfect for them in my opinion.

Daiwa reel on a Shimano rod, Shimano reel on a Daiwa rod?! Thats like wearing a Yankees hat while also wearing a Red Sox shirt.... Oh the horror! In all seriousness though I really don't pay too much attention to aesthetics or manufacturer when pairing things up, though I do enjoy pretty much every Daiwa product I have ever owned, and do have a preference towards them if they make something that fits my intended use.

My first was a Quantum energy something or other in the early 90's. No matter what I did I could not get that thing dialed in, and had nothing but problems with it. It was actually so bad that it kept me from buying another baitcaster for quite a while.

2 things that I can think of 1- yes I would probably change out that line. 2- watch to make sure the line is not crossing itself through the eye of the hook. This tends to lead to the knot breaking in my experience.

Top one is made by Yohan lures, and bottom one is made by Golden Belt Customs.

Two newest additions to my ever growing swimbait lineup.

I agree with the cork on these rods. It is definitely the best I have seen. I have the 7' MH SG casting, and the 6'8" ML SG spinning on the way. I think that 7'4" MH LG casting is going to be my next rod purchase. The 7' MH SG casting impressed me enough for me to start swapping out some of my other rods with more BLX rods.