Espo66

Thanks to all for the great input. I have it in a spreadsheet, tried to post it, but it is too big. I reorganized it in a list, by technique and price. I let rods be in up to 3 categories (techniques) if they were mentioned as being versatile. This list is a combination of opinions of Bass Resource Forum members and TW reviews. IMO, more trustworthy than lots of reviews on the internet and social media. Hopefully, others find this useful. LMK if there are any omissions or any others you feel s/b included. BTW, one interesting thing, there are not a lot of Rods in the $300 range, or less than $100, but I expected that. Highlighted rods are the ones I own and are in the category where I use them. Some to be upgraded, but I will vow for a few: Shimano Expride 6'6" MHF 3/8-1 - Its reputation is well deserved St Croix Legend Glass 6'10 MM 3/8-1 - I can feel every wag of the baits a$$ with this! St Croix Avid X 6'4" MXF 1/4-5/8 - Really happy with the length when working topwater and jerk baits 13 Fishing Fate Black 7' MLF 1/8-1/2 - every time I cast, I go, "Wow, why can I cast so far with this cheap rod?" Daiwa BLX JDM Bass 7'2" HF 3/8-2 - Found this on closeout for $200, it's becoming my favorite rod. The List: Dropshot: $130 Ark Tharp Meterman Special 6'10" MLXF 1/8-5/8 $155 Major Craft Benkei Spinning Rod 6'8" MLF 1/8-3/8 $550 Megabass Aaron Martens 6'10 MLF 1/16-1/2 NedRig: $60 Daiwa Aird-X 6'6" MM 1/4-3/4 $130 Ark Tharp Meterman Special 6'10" MLXF 1/8-5/8 $155 Major Craft Benkei Spinning Rod 6'8" MLF 1/8-3/8 $260 Zolo Dream 7' M 1/4-3/4 Shakey Heads: $65 13 Fishing Fate Black 7' MLF 1/8-1/2 $220 Cashion ICON Shaky Head 7'2" MHF 1/8-5/8 $260 ALX Zolo Dream 7' M 1/4-3/4 Jig Skipping: $155 Major Craft Benkei Spinning Rod 6'8" MLF 1/8-3/8 $260 ALX Zolo Medium + SpinSkip 6'9" MF 3/16-1/2 $400 Shimano Posion Andrea 6'7 MLM 1/8-7/16 $475 P5 Z Crank Elseil 7' MM 1/4-3/4 Weightless Worms: $150 Daiwa Tatula Elite Ehrler 7' MXF 1/8-1 $260 ALX Zolo Medium + SpinSkip 6'9" MF 3/16-1/2 $300 Kistler Helium 7' LMHF 1/16-5/16 $550 Megabass Aaron Martens 6'10 MLF 1/16-1/2 Weightless Flukes & Jerkbaits: $60 Aird-X 6'6" MM 1/4-3/4 $65 13 Fishing Fate Black 7' MLF 1/8-1/2 $260 ALX Zolo Medium + SpinSkip 6'9" MF 3/16-1/2 Wacky | Neko Rigs: $160 St Croix Premier 6'6" MF 1/4-5/8 $130 Ark Tharp Meterman Special 6'10" MLXF 1/8-5/8 $300 Kistler Helium 7' MF 1/8-3/8 $550 Megabass Aaron Martens 6'10 MLF 1/16-1/2 Weighted Swimbaits & CoinRig: $60 Aird-X 6'6" MM 1/4-3/4 $150 Falcon Lowrider 7'3" MHM 3/8-3/4 $160 St Croix Premier 6'6" MF 1/4-5/8 $300 Kistler Helium 7' LMHF 1/16-5/16 UnderSpins: $65 13 Fishing Fate Black 7' MLF 1/8-1/2 $160 St Croix Premier 6'6" MF 1/4-5/8 $200 Falcon Expert 6'10 MLF 3/8-1/2 oz Topwater: $100 Ark Brandon Cobb 7'4" MHF 1/4-1 $150 Daiwa Tatula 7'1" MHXF 1/4-1 $180 Evergreen Combat Stick Moving Special 6'10 MXF 1/32-3/8 $200 Falcon Expert 6'10 MLF 3/8-1/2 oz $220 St Croix Avid X 6'4" MXF 1/4-5/8 $350 Megabass Orochi XX FSS 7' MM 3/8-3/4 Jerkbaits: $150 Daiwa Tatula 7'1" MHXF 1/4-1 $220 St Croix Avid X 6'4" MXF 1/4-5/8 $260 ALX Zolo Med + Jerkbait 6'9" MF 3/8-3/4 Lipless Crankbaits: $100 Ark Brandon Cobb 7'4" MHF 1/4-1 $130 13 Fishing Muse Black 7'1" MF 1/4-5/8 $150 Daiwa Tatula Elite Howell 7' MLF 1/4-5/8 $220 St Croix Avid X 6'4" MXF 1/4-5/8 $250 Falcon Cara Swim Jig 7'2" MHF 1/8-3/8 $260 ALX Zolo Med Hvy+ Toadface 7'2" MHF 3/8-1 1/8 $300 Kistler Helium 7’ MHF 1/4-1 $300 Savage Gear Black Ops casting 7'1 MHXF 3/8-1 $350 Megabass Orochi XX FSS 7' MM 3/8-3/4 $400 G Loomis IMX Pro MBR 903C 7'1 MM 1/4-3/4 Crankbaits: $130 13 Fishing Muse Black 7'1" MF 1/4-5/8 $150 Bass Pro Johnny Morris Sig 6'6" MM 1/4-5/8 $180 Evergreen Combat Stick Moving Special 6'10 MXF 1/32-3/8 $200 Falcon Expert 7' MM 1/4-3/4 $475 Megabass P5 Z Crank Elseil 7' MM 1/4-3/4 Squarebills: $150 Bass Pro Johnny Morris Sig 6'6" MM 1/4-5/8 $200 Daiwa Rebellion 6'10" MH/R 1/4-1 $240 Dobyns Champion XP 734c 7'3 HF 1/4-1 $275 St Croix Legend Glass 6'10 MM 3/8-1 $475 Megabass P5 Z Crank Elseil 7' MM 1/4-3/4 Spinnerbaits: $150 Bass Pro Johnny Morris Sig 6'6" MM 1/4-5/8 $150 Falcon Lowrider Head Turner 6'10 HF 1/4-3/4 $200 Daiwa Rebellion 6'10" MH/R 1/4-1 $275 St Croix Legend Glass 6'10 MM 3/8-1 $350 Megabass Orochi XX FSS 7' MM 3/8-3/4 Chatterbaits: $100 Falcon Bucoo SR Dragger 7' HF 3/8-1 $100 Ark Brandon Cobb 7'4" MHF 1/4-1 $180 Evergreen Combat Stick Moving Special 6'10 MXF 1/32-3/8 $200 Daiwa Rebellion 6'10" MH/R 1/4-1 $260 ALX Zolo Heavy Dragger 7'4" HF 3/8-1 1/2 $275 St Croix Legend Glass 6'10 MM 3/8-1 $300 Kistler Helium 7'3" HMHXF 1/4-1 Light Jig | T-Rig/C-Rig : $130 Ark Tharp Grinder 7' MHM 1/8-1 1/2 $160 Daiwa Tatula 7'3 MHF 1/4-1 $210 ALX Oxim Agent 7'1" MHF 1/4-7/8 $210 St Croix Victory Full Contact 7'3 HXF 3/8-7/8 $210 Powell Naked 7'3 HF 1/4-1 $250 Shimano Expride 6'6" MHF 3/8-1 $250 Falcon Cara Swim Jig 7'2" MHF 1/8-3/8 $380 G Loomis IMX Pro 853C JWR 7'1" MHXF 3/16-5/8 Medium Jig | T-Rig/C-Rig : $210 St Croix Victory Full Contact 7'3 HXF 3/8-7/8 $225 Legit Design Stand Out casting 6'10 MHM 3/16-3/4 $250 Shimano Expride 6'6" MHF 3/8-1 $250 Falcon Cara Swim Jig 7'2" MHF 1/8-3/8 $260 ALX Zolo Heavy Dragger 7'4" HF 3/8-1 1/2 $380 G Loomis IMX Pro 853C JWR 7'1" MHXF 3/16-5/8 $400 Daiwa BLX JDM Bass 7'2" HF 3/8-2 Heavy Jig (Pitch/Flip) | 1-2oz Swimbaits: $100 Falcon Bucoo SR Amistad 7'3" HF 1/2-1-1/2 $280 St Croix Avid Inshore HF 7' 3/4-2 $475 Megabass Orochi Perfect Pitch 7'2" MHXF 3/8-1 1/4oz Soft Bodied Swimbaits: $170 Okuma TCS 7’3” HF 1/4-2 $260 ALX Zolo Med Hvy+ Toadface 7'2" MHF 3/8-1 1/8 $300 Kistler Helium 7'3" HMHXF 1/4-1 $380 G Loomis IMX Pro 854C JWR 7'1" HF 5/16-3/4 $400 Daiwa BLX JDM Bass 7'2" HF 3/8-2 $475 Megabass Orochi Perfect Pitch 7'2" MHXF 3/8-1 1/4oz Frogs: $150 iRod Genesis III Magic Stick 7'5" HF 1/2-2 $170 Okuma TCS 7’3” HF 1/4-2 $260 ALX Zolo Med Hvy+ Toadface 7'2" MHF 3/8-1 1/8 $400 Daiwa BLX JDM Bass 7'2" HF 3/8-2 $475 Megabass Orochi Perfect Pitch 7'2" MHXF 3/8-1 1/4oz Deep Cranks: $80 Star Rods Aerial Live Bait MHF 7' 1/2-3 $250 Falcon Cara Deep Runner 7'3" MHM 3/8-3/4 $280 St Croix Avid Inshore HF 7' 3/4-2 Med Swimbaits 2-3oz: Heavy Swimbaits 3-10oz: $100 Daiwa DX Swimbait XHF 8' 3-10oz

Hi All, Might be a weird way to go about it, but lately I've been thinking about trying as many rods by manufacturer as possible (within reason). I know many anglers find what they like and stick to that company, but hey, I'm not a pro and would like to check out some of these companies I see on TW. Also would like to experience some of the proven companies talk about often on this forum. TBT, anything over $350 starts to be diminishing returns, for me. My one Megabass rod was purchased used, but I'm open to suggestions above and below that number. Looking for thoughts like, "If you are Bass angler or gear aficionado, you really should try this rod from this series, b/c all things came together and they really got it right with this one, its special.." Here are my current rods: 13 Fishing Fate Black MLF 7' 1/8-1/2 MegaBass AARON MARTENS MF 6'10 1/16-1/2 Daiwa Aird-X MM 6'6" 1/4-3/4 St. Croix Premier MF 6'6" 1/4-5/8 St. Croix Legend Glass MM 6'10 3/8-1 Star Rods Aerial Live Bait MHF 7' 1/2-3 St. Croix Avid X MXF 6'4" 1/4-5/8 BPS JM Sig MM 6'6" 1/4-5/8 Shimano Expride MHF 6'10 3/8-1 Ark Brandon Cobb Series MHF 7'4" 1/4-1 Daiwa BLX JDM Bass HF 7'2" 3/8-2 St. Croix Avid Inshore HF 7' 3/4-2 Here are some I've seen talked about on this forum in the past and/or seem interesting: Disclaimer: I'm not looking to buy all these, or asking for how they fit my current setups, just looking affirmations or additions based on the spirit of the thread. Megabass: P5 Z Crank Elseil MM 7' 1/4-3/4; Orochi XX FSS MM 7' 3/8-3/4; Orochi Perfect Pitch MHXF 7'2" 3/8-1 1/4oz G Loomis: NRX+ 821S DSR 6'10 1/16-5/16; Loomis IMX Pro 7'1" Med 852C JWR St Croix Victory 7'3" MXF Daiwa Tatula Elite Ehrler MXF 7' 1/8-1 Tatula Elite Howell MLF 7' 1/4-5/8 Shimano Shimano Posion Andrea 267ML Ark Tharp Series Spin Rod 6'10" Med Lt Meterman Special Falcon Cara 7'2" Med Hvy Swim Jig Lowrider Head HF 6'10 1/4-3/4 Bucoo SR Amistad HF 7'3" 1/2-1-1/2 ALX ZOLO Series 6'9" Medium + SpinSkip 7' Med Lt+ Maestro ZOLO 7'2" Med Hvy+ Toadface Kistler Helium MF 7' 1/8-3/8 Quantum Smoke Series Okuma ? Phenix Feather Series Cashion CON Spinning Rod 7' Medium Ned Rig Halo Fishing ? Bass Pro Shop ? 13 Fishing ? Others... Thanks for any input! Larry

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09MVZBVXR?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details Cheap, comfortable, all I wear since I moved to Florida. Boat or out and about, they come in lots of colors..

Thinking seriously about getting one Overall, are you happy or disappointment you went this route? Does it add to the effort to paddle(or peddle) when not actively using Purpose: I bought a Jackson Mayfly last year, fished some local lakes. I'm very happy with it, but... I have the itch to go out in the salt this year. Trouble is, I'm a hesitant to dip my toes in the ocean. Well, it my case it is Long Island sound, so not really the ocean. It does get fairly rough out there. I would mostly be hugging the shores and such, but my hesitation with the kayak(motor-less) is that I will paddle somewhere and then have trouble if the tides is against me getting back ashore. Plus, it think I would use it a bunch on larger fresh water lakes too.. I know I need a Salt/Freshwater model, would like to keep it under $1000. Not really interested in the side mount thing, would prefer control from the cockpit. Any experience, recommendations, words of advice? Thanks, Larry

Nice...I will need to quite smoking! I've seen a few houses with a similar slope to the lake. I would be the type to buy an ATV to traverse.

Captain Phil, Thank you for your well thought out and VERY informative post. I wanted a big enough lake so that I wouldn't get bored, but these southern lakes are gargantuan compared to what we have in CT. The largest lake in CT is Candlewood at about 5500 acres. Trouble is, it is crowded with recreational boaters, like you said...I guess we can't have our cake and eat it too. I think I would choose the solitude over the size. You have got me thinking about "close to" the lake. Something I am toying with up here. I live 10 minutes from Long Island Sound, even though I am not a saltwater guy, I could be. I thought about renting a slip at the marina, I think it is like 12/foot per month. Maybe that would be the way to go down south, $200-300 a month would take a long time to equal the +150K premium paid to live right on the waterfront.

Florida is an option, I have in-laws there and my oldest wants to move there next year. My son wants to stay in CT, so being in the middle of CT and Florida is ideal for my situation. Florida is always the first choice for retirees. I'm trying to see other options first. Hope winter stays off your tail! Yeah, said they were squirrelly! I don't mind paying a little state tax if between pension/ss/401k puts me in a payable bracket. TBT, the local property tax is what is killing me up here. The states I mentioned all have sales tax too, I know New Hampshire up here does not. At least you can control the sales tax (somewhat)

Yupper! And they (the states) can be pretty squirrelly about it. CT taxes everything, except SS depending on your income bracket. Also, my property taxes are approx 11K/year! I'm not a financial planner, but from what I can gather, below are the types of Income and what the state levies tax on. One of the reasons I took North Carolina off my list. Social Security/Pension/401K/Inheritance Tennesse: No/No/No/No and no state tax, pretty low property tax North Carolina: No/Yes/Yes/No plus they have a state and a sales tax South Carolina: No/No/No/No and no state tax. Property tax average seems to the the lowest of the 4 Florida: No/No/No/No and no state tax. Property taxes are the highest of these 4 states.

Hey Everyone, I know plenty on this site must have dreamed the same dream, then researched it and hopefully made it happen. I’ve been researching lakes and lake homes down in the southeast. As I get closer to “that age” I keep dreaming of having waterfront property, boat in the back, tied to my own boathouse/dock/mooring. It is just not going to happen up here in my area(Connecticut), as the $$ for that lifestyle is too high. I may, however, be able to make it happen in some southern states. Of course, I have the same requirements as those hoping to soon retire; tax friendly state, nice weather…also trying to stay close to home (reasonable driving distance to CT) Any feedback or advice (Pros/Cons) with regards to the below areas and lakes Cherokee Lake: Tennessee : Like the fact that it is in Eastern Tenn, has great bass fishing, and seems to be near some nice trout fishing in the smokey mountain state forest and local tributaries. Chickamauga Lake: Tennessee: Same, except more central Tenn and pushing 13 hrs of a drive back to CT. This lake seems to get lots of allocates in the Bassmaster circuit, but maybe a bad thing (lots of boat traffic?) Also, waterfront houses may be a bit to much $ for my budget. Santee Cooper Lakes South Carolina: Just started getting familiar with these. Two lakes connected by a canal, huge lakes too! More affordable and a bit closer to home. Also an hour away from the saltwater and Atlantic coast. I have a bunch more in my spreadsheet, but these were the leading candidates based on what I’ve seen. I plan to get down and fish/see them in person this summer. Please throw out any and all ideas, advice, experiences that you can. Thanks! Larry

I understand where you are coming from, but I'm going to put my 2 cents in the other way. I grew up in Bridgeport CT. BPS opened up in this city recently. I go there to support them, I want them to succeed. It is nice to see a brick and mortar try to "make it" these days, especially in the area they opened up, which has been run down and depressed for many years....decades even! I think they have decent sales on name brand fishing line and sometimes on St Croix Rods. I purchased a Shimano Ci4 that was cheaper there than most other retailers since it is being phased out for the Vanford. Not arguing that they probably do mark up some things. Their house brand stuff is decent for the price, I still have a Johnny Morris Sig. Spinnerbait combo that I like a lot, purchased it like 15 years ago. These days I'm not really into their house branded stuff, but I'm sure it does suffice for lots of folk. And if they are encouraging the joy of fishing to the locals, who may not otherwise partake, then that is a good thing no? How I see it anyway...

In the forgotten category, but scared the crap out of me as a kid; Black Sunday from 1960, not the one from the 70s with the Superbowl. I've re watched some clips on YouTube. It has aged into the somewhat campy category, but is very atmospheric and well worth a watch.

sorry for the not so good pic. does this help: http://fishing-app.gpsnauticalcharts.com/i-boating-fishing-web-app/fishing-marine-charts-navigation.html?title=Saugatuck+Reservoir+boating+app#13/41.2670/-73.3662

Hey all, Thanks for all the advice so far. I haven't had much luck this year. Mostly my fault b/c I was all over the place. Really got back into fishing this year after a long layoff (like 15 years). My dad passed last year, he was mostly into Fly Fishing and trout fishing with spinning tackle I took a stab at Fly Fishing in April/May. I added his stuff to my old bass fishing arsenal, filled in the gaps with new gear (you know the deal ).Really tried Fly Fishing a nearby stream, quite a few times, but was mostly skunked. Then switched to bass fishing, which was more my thing in the past. I hit the reservoir below a lot, mostly the month of May and early June, w/o much luck. By summer I had purchased a kayak and went to other lakes...and finally had some luck. This year, for me, was mostly about exploring and finding places to fish. I put the kayak away a figured the season is winding down, but.... I was thinking, since the weather is unseasonably warm and I have 3 days off next week, that I might try to hit the reservoir again. This spot is notoriously hard to fish, due to water levels and such (no boats or kayaks allowed). However, there is lots of species of fish there and even I had luck hooking a few nice bass out of there years ago. I know this a hard question to answer, but based on the topographical maps below, weather(upper 60s), time of year and what you know about bass behavior; I'm asking the seasoned anglers on this site: what combos or type of fishing(techniques) would you try if you were me? I've carried 3 or 4 combos in there a few times, but obviously would like to keep the number down Thanks, Larry Here is the map, + a picture of it that someone on a Connecticut fishing site graciously marked up with spot where he had luck, and the legend key to what the dots mean.

That's good to know, thanks! I went through a pinball phase years ago and turned our garage into a game-room. It now has the pool table. House is also on a slab, so no basement. I toyed with either leaving it outside where I stored it over fishing season, or hanging it in my shed. Was worried about outside thinking possible ice build-up, and shed, b/c of the squirrels that make it their home in the winter. For now, it is in the corner of the game-room and the wife is good with it. Will leave any wax or chemicals off and just clean it as suggested above. Already can't wait until spring. Thanks to all for the feedback. Larry

I purchased a Jackson Mayfly this year, putting it away now for the winter as here in the NE it will start getting too cold (for me) to fish. My wife was gracious enough to let me store it in inside, in the room where we have a pool table setup. I fell good about that, but was wondering: Is it OK to wax the kayak with regular car wax? Or is there anything especially made for whatever plastic material it is made out of ?(not sure) Anyone recommend any preventative maintenance along those lines? Thanks, Larry