J-rod

I prefer the Choppo over The Whopper Plopper. I have more hits on the Choppo, but I tend to lose more fish on it. There isn't much of a barb on the fusion hooks, which probably explains my problem. I will be replacing the Choppo trebles and will still be saving money over the Plopper. Not that I don't like the Plopper. I just think the Choppo is a better bang for my buck.

I don't think I have ever paid full retail price for any rod or reel in my arsenal. I upgraded most of my rods last year when the local Gander Outdoors closed its doors. I was getting Jason Mitchell Elite rods, spinning and casting, ($140 retail) for less than $40 each. These are leaps and bounds better than what I'd been using. Right place, right time. If the deal is there, and it's an actual upgrade, jump on it.

I'm glad I ran across this comment. I just picked up a Daiwa Tatula Elite 6'9" H skipping rod in the hopes that it will double as a good close-quarters frog rod. I'm usually in a kayak or shore fishing around cover, so I had to gamble on something shorter. I'm only 5'6, so walking a frog on a longer rod is a pain for me. If I need to fling for distance, I have a Clam Jason Mitchell Elite 7'1" MH that will get the job done if I need it to.