EzyEric

Most of us use high vis braid (yellow or green) to leader on our spinning setups. White should work too but I can imagine scenarios it would not be as visible. I was concerned about braid floating as an issue on ultra light lures at first but in those scenarios I just use a very long leader.

Cool stuff. As I am getting older weight is much more important to me. Wish there was a site or public spread sheet that had weights of all rods since most manufacturers don't list them.

I actually think the message is automated. Just adds a year to sale date as soon as sale ends. These pages are not meant to be found. Not actually linked anywhere on their site once sale ends. I think you can still find it on google or last year's facebook post. I've done that before for other past sales and found similar messages.

No posts on this from them yet so I'm sceptical if it's happening. Usually they do something around the classic but that's delayed til summer this year so who knows.

I have the 795 with a Curado 200 E5. Worked decent for the few times I have tried larger swimbaits. Really put it to more use this year throwing umbrella rig. The problem I had there was the castability. I'm not sure if it's the nature of the umbrella rig in the air or what but I didn't get much distance. I actually don't thing the rod loads up enough to really fling the rig. I am going to work in technique see if that helps. If not I will switch to a softer tipped rod

Mine usually caught on the top of the T-Wing. It's edges are fairly sharp metal ad opposed to ceramic smooth rounded edges in most other reels. I've found filling the spool less than normal helps reduce hitting the top but still it's not perfect.

I'm with you on this. Live in Michigan and fish mostly ultra clear water. Had the issue the very first time I took my first Tatula out. I resorted to using T Wing on my straight floro setups and just a shorter leader on the ones I still needed braid to flouro. I really had that this has hinder the choices I have available with my current reels. I just got a Fuego Ct to try since that's basically the Tatula without the T Wing. I think I see more Shimanos in my future as well. At least for the general use rods.

Wouldn't the Tatula Elite be a closer comparison to the Zodias?

Thanks for that info. I've been divided in choosing between a Tatula 200 or Lews Super Duty Wide for umbrella rigs.

What exactly does it have then, the previous version which was just called Magforce? Is Z that much better?

Wow. That is shocking about the Exprides. You think the sensitivity is almost on par? That is crazy the blank doesn't go all the way down. Is that the case for the US version too?

Derek Hudnall just revealed on Bassmaster Live that its called "Victory". He said he hopes St. Croix does not get mad at him for just revealing that.

It would probably be the Zodias 72 MH. I have this rod and got it as an all purpose. Its definitely a bit stiffer than the average MH. Can't say exactly how it compares to the 734 as I've not felt one in a few years. I ended up prefering my Zodias for bottom contact baits. Other MHs I have which are much more parabolic I prefer for moving baits.

Woah do you have a video of this catch?

Correction, Brown to yellow to orange belly. My original all-star squarebill which I had my best day ever on was a Luhr Jensen Speed Trap in the Brown Mud Craw color. I lost that lure and cant find that exact color anymore. Closest Ive found is Strike Kings Orange Belly Craw. Here are both of those pictured:

But the question was about craw trailers. So doesn't rigging it vertical sort of negate the craw factor here? I ask this because I much prefer the vertical myself but I want to do some more traditional horizontal craw action. One of the biggest issues I find is the amount of rise this causes on the retrieve.

3in on darter head is one of my most effective techniques. Jigging it on drop offs.

Rage bugs rigged horizontal or vertical?

Brown back fading to orange and then yellow belly is my favorite craw color. I've killed with this color in stained water. I think it can look like a bluegill or craw at the same time.

7.1 on mine for square bills to medium divers. I'd actually prefer a 6.x but this works fine.

Heavier tubes.

Seagar. Red label is most economic. Going to be trying Berkeley Big Game mono this year due to much praise on this forum and it's cheap.

I was going to ask this very question. I have used my swimbait rod which has a Curado 200E5 and that worked well for slow rolling but when I tried to fish it shallow a few times it was too much work so I think I want a hear ratio in the 6's so I can do both. I've find I prefer straight 20lb+ floro or mono instead if braid so l know line capacity is going to be important. Weight is also very important to me so I think I'm leaning towards 200 size. It should still have enough line capacity I think? Probably will end up with a Curado 200 of some sort but I'm open to other options. Need to study the line capacity and weights of a bunch of reels.

I have the Inception and it's casts and reels extremely well. The finish is not very good though as it has a bunch of scratches already. I feel like they can't get a good line of res going. Almost all the reels say Concept and don't stay around for long.

Yes, they do. I had trouble believing this a few years ago but someone (probably on here) pointed this out: They are the best in the world at what they do. They can do it just as well with a $100 rod or reel as they can with a $300 one. We, on the other hand (the average angler), actually benefit (or think we do) from more expensive gear. It helps to make up for the lack of experience or expertise.