Scud_Muffin

I have a few slx and curado models, and the slx is amazing for the money and there is no “need” to step up... but I still think it’s worth it to step up if you can. Those curados are great and the drag is much better (except the slx mgl which is the only one to have a carbon disk drag).

I actually noticed on another unnamed website's rod deflection chart that they found (if I am reading this correctly) that the MEDIUM is actually more powerful than the 71MHXF. Should that rod be considered a softer medium rod for multipurpose work rather than a good jig/t-rig rod? EDIT: ok I think I misunderstood how the chart works, the MHXF is in fact heavier and it seems the MHXF is right between what is considered two multipurpose rods

Question for those familiar with the St Croix Legend lineup enough to know the difference between those two surprisingly different rods: Looking for a multipurpose rod that is focused around jigs and t-rigs, with the ability to throw a wider variety as well. What I am looking for is a well rounded "1 rod" for when I only want to take 1 casting rod or paired with something spinning. I basically handled a version of each in the store. The 7'MHF seemed to have a really stiff butt section with a soft-ish tip. Its clearly a great rod for t-rigs and jigs. Its rated for 3/8-1 oz so its the heavier of the two ratings. I'm thinking that this one will expand into frogs, carolina territory but may not be as suitable for the moving baits. The 7'1 MHXF was actually surprisingly a bit softer in the tip and it bent further down into the blank. Its rated for a slightly lower range as well, 1/4-3/4. I'm guessing this will pair better with moving baits like spinnerbaits, swimjigs, maybe flukes or even some topwater, but may have trouble going into heavier stuff. It makes me wonder how well it will do with 1/2 oz jigs comparatively to the other though. I've heard people say that one particular rod is more versatile than the other, but I've heard it both ways. So am I accurate in my assumptions about which areas one will outperform the other? Which one is actually the more versatile? I tend to fish for a mix of river bass (wading) and lake bass (shoreline, kayak, inflatable pontoon) down in Georgia. Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk. I appreciate the help!

Great thanks!!

I do a lot of fly fishing, and I was fly fish only for a long time. Now I like to dabble in everything. I do not however find myself gravitating to fly fishing in Stillwater for bass. I tend to find it feels like I’m fishing a fly rod just to say that I caught bass on the fly and usually think “I wish I had conventional gear”. However I think it’s great in rivers for river bass because of a lot of the advantages fly rods give you. I don’t like to limit myself anymore to fly only in rivers because spin/bc rods bring their own advantages. Fly fishing has some advantages in current, such as being able to track and swing baitfish patterns in some ways that a jerkbait or swimjig dont do as easily. Because you don’t have to reel in to recast, it can even be faster to recast to an area; giving you more time in your target area. Because of your control over sink rate by changing line types, you get some real advantages to staying in the strike zone. Because the material is made of feathers, it also has a cool tendency to create lots of enticing flowing movement beyond what a jig skirt can do, for instance. Customization in tying flies is also nice. But there are some real disadvantages too and things that can be done better with a jerkbait or a crankbait than a streamer. Jigs aren’t even close, there is a reason nobody has upsized euro nymph tackle for bass jigging to my knowledge. When it comes to other species, fly fishing has some advantages too. Carp for instance don’t have a lot of lures, most traditional tackle uses bait. Not saying you couldn’t make lures work for carp, I’m just saying that fly fishing for carp is becoming popular and is proven very effective. The ability to gently place a fly right next to a carp, in still or moving water, and have it gently flutter down below to its mouth is very nice. Since you aren’t relying on the weight of the lure to cast, it’s a much lighter bait with less splash to spook the very spooky carp. Just my 2 cents, I am more interested in what works best and how to get my skills where they need to be do it. Fly fishing is just another tool.

Hey, my question is just as it is in the title: where are Megabass lures made? Is it China like the rods or are the lures produced in Japan, or somewhere totally different like Vietnam? Thanks!!

I think you should take a hard look at the Shimano Expride in 7’ Med Fast Spinning. I’ve done all of that on that rod. I have more expensive rods but that particular model is an all time favorite and it’s easily the most versatile rod in my lineup. You don’t want to go too heavy on the jigs (remember the trailer adds weight too) but it handles finesse jigs super well with AWESOME sensitivity. It also does very well with moving baits, making it super versatile. Doesn’t hurt that it balances very nicely with that stradic, I use the same thing with it. The combo feels like a perfect fit. There is a review on YouTube that similarly raves about it. It’s my favorite rod right now. For a few bucks less, the zodias in the same model is worth consideration.

Does mono as a shock absorber work well enough that a MH Extra Fast (like the JWR Loomis rods) could be made to work well for jerkbaits if you used either a long enough leader or straight fluoro/mono?

Has anyone tried both the Shimano Expride 6’10” medium and the imx pro 812c JBR jerkbait rod? I was looking into jerkbait rods that can competently handle a few other tasks like small poppers/top water, light shakyheads, and squarebills. I know the Expride can do it but would prefer to get the Loomis if the difference is splitting hairs.

I’ve been using mine with similar lures and very much enjoyed it so far. I’ve got some high quality spinning reels but this is my first nicer baitcast. So far I’m very impressed and not having much trouble dialing in the adjustments. It’s very comfortable and the smaller frame is so nice. It really feels like it has more than enough line on it too. Good reel.

Thanks for your response, that’s a big help and expands how I was thinking about my approach.

I’m looking at all casting gear options, my spinning rod is great but I want a hair more oomph behind it. I will look up those rods and see if it gives me a more clear idea. Thanks!

It sounds like you know exactly the strategy and general location I’m talking about! I had it explained a bit in one of our local shops to me, and it’s my new favorite thing to do. I’m still new to it but I’ve experienced some success and I am looking forward to learning more with this strategy. So from the sound of it, you aren’t so concerned with getting to the bottom since the fish are often suspended. I was thinking I would only be doing well to keep the lures on the bottom, especially as I am jigging with crawfish impressions. Do you find it’s better to try and stay off the bottom or is it more about playing with depth? So if I’m really not trying to be using jigs to get below the current and stay on the bottom, I can get away with just using lighter jigs and this a medium rod? Something like the Loomis 782 or even the 6’10” medium Expride?

Shoal, it’s one of our native species, but the section I work has a lot of hybridization with smallies, spots, etc. Its a cool fish and lives in water faster than other bass species. Follow up question for folks who river fish a lot while wading: do you find a longer rod is easier or harder? When I’m on the bank and it’s a bit overgrown it seems like length is a detriment but in the water it’s harder to tell.

Thanks, that helps to confirm what I’m looking for and why.

Hello All, I have been enjoying targeting a local bass species that are often found in and around rapids. I've been having good luck on a spinning rod casting jigs between 1/4-1/2 with a crawfish trailer. The unusual aspect of this species is the aforementioned tendency to be around rapids. I spend a lot of time wading in and casting into every nook and cranny. If you were considering buying a jig specific rod (ex Loomis JWR) or an all purpose rod that excels at jigs (ex Loomis MBR), what if any factors would steer your decision making? For instance, would the faster water make you want to use a stouter rod than you would otherwise? Would a stiffer rod with more feel be more or less important in those conditions? Thanks so much for your consideration in this matter.

Just got mine and I love it. Caveat: I’ve got some phenomenal spinning reels but this is my first baitcast reel above $100. I got it for a medium multipurpose rod that will primarily see use in rivers. It seems very smooth and well built. I had an issue where the line blew up when I took off the side plate to adjust the brakes but that was almost certainly user error. The line got behind the spool and was a pain. I don’t love that the brake panel just comes off without something to keep it attached (could be dropped into the water). Unfortunately my baitcast reek experience is limited to old ambassadeurs and an slx, so I’m not much of a reviewer. The reel seemed perfect for what I want to use it for, so I snatched it up when I happened upon a lefty reel in HG. So far I like it a lot and it seems well built. I like the black coloration too, it’s murdered out and I love it.

Thanks!

Sounds perfect. How light of a weight can it competently cast?

I have that 7’ MF Expride too, and have not played much with dropshot. I comment only to say it’s my favorite spinning rod for lots of techniques. I look forward to hearing what the quoted angler reports on its applicability to dropshot technique. I think my biggest thing would be whether or not it could cast the light rigs well enough. I’ve heard it has trouble below 1/4 oz DS weights.

Hello, New to the forum. Learned a bit of bass fishing from my grandfather, but I've been mostly a trout and panfish enthusiast as an adult. Finally joining back into the fun targeting bass. Living in GA, it just seems like a shame not to. Bit of a gear junkie, I've got a history in fly fishing and ultralight spin tackle. Just snagged an Expride 7' Medium after seeing a youtube video raving about it and now I'm learning what all I can do with it. Jerkbait fishing HIGHLY appeals to me as its something I've found fun with trout in rivers and the stillwater tactics of jerking it to a suspended pause just seems like a lot of fun. Looking to try shakyhead, senko, and ned rigs next too. Texas rigs worms are old hat for me from fishing with my grandfather. Anyways, that's my intro. Looking forward to learning and reading more.