MidwestBassAttack

The first one always catches you off guard. It’s the second one that starts the cuss fest.

Same scenario here. 4 kids with the oldest heading off to college in the fall. I’ve got a great six-figure corporate gig but it’s amazing how quick that goes supporting everyone.

Don’t do it!! I’ve been down that rabbit hole before. Cut back and sold a lot…then “re-stocked” the fleet. My wife already comments “Please don’t sell any more gear….you always end up selling then buying more a few months later” …………my plan worked ??

I love Lees…..was born and raised in Schaumburg and now reside down in Naperville. Was just there on Monday to browse. He has some really unique items in there. Anglers International off Dundee is another great one. Anyone know official Braidwood opening? I’ve heard March 1st but also heard sometimes it’s the weekend before or right after. Nice to see these temps on the uptick and the longer days right around the corner!

Another NRX+ 873CRR just showed up yesterday…to my house….straight into the arms of my wife. I couldn’t help it……Valentines Day is coming up and I wanted to express my love for myself.

Thank you for your selfless service! And thanks for sharing your story. Hopefully it puts some context and perspective on life when people start thinking times are tough.

Can’t believe the prices I’m seeing. Was in my local BassPro one day then came back the next day and found price bumps on just about every reel. I already have the perfect “out”…….”But dear, I had to……prices were going to go up 20% tomorrow…..you should thank me for saving us some money”…….(as the FedEx driver walks away from my front porch completing delivery of another NRX+)

He’s got the rod, he’s got the hat, he’s got the shirt….the bass and the smile! Nice pics and thanks for sharing!!! Enjoy!

I’d suggest a good rinse and wipe down after use. Nothing more. I tried sealing cork handles a few times; hated the feel every time and ended up sanding it off.

I would suggest the heavy out of my own bias. I would rather be slightly overpowered than under for heavy, single hook applications.

I would advise against it. Tried it once on a test reel and it left a weird haze. I just did two tear downs, cleaned and soaked all parts in 91% isopropyl, rinsed, and dried. Re-lubed with Lucas Oil reel lube and marine grease.

Halo HFX 7’3” heavy. 46 ton Toray blank, Fuji SS guides with SiC inserts. $150 directly from Halo. Can also apply a 15% off promo code for about $127 out the door. Or a Dobyns Champion XP 735 on sale. If you want to splurge, for $250 an Amistad XH.

Follow-up to my original post above. I ordered a 7’3” heavy last Friday and rod was delivered that Sunday. Talk about freaky fast! Very impressed with the responsiveness and efficiency of their customer service and shipping. The rod looks absolutely stunning. Cross carbon weave up to the first guide then straight satin black. Perfect guide wraps. I wasn’t too sure what to expect as this is my first Halo. I’ve had Falcons, Dobyns, and Loomis in my arsenal over the years. For the price of the rod, I wasn’t expecting a whole lot other than sheer curiosity of trying something new. Fit and finish are impeccable. Right up there with the clean builds of the best. I put a Metanium on the rod and it balances just about 1/2 an inch forward of the reel. Pretty light and feels solid. Not tip heavy at all. Action on the rod is stated to be a mod-fast but in all actuality it’s a fast…maybe even extra fast. Would make a killer frog/jig/Texas rig rod. For the price, it’s a 46-ton Toray blank and Fuji stainless SiC guides that are the straightest I’ve ever seen. Reel seat has a fair amount of exposed blank as well. When in-hand, it just “fits” perfectly. From holding the reel the lower handle marries up with the length of my forearm perfectly. Tied up an old 1/2 oz jig and dragged it across many surfaces since we have hard water here outside of Chicago and the sensitivity I kid you not, feels right up there with an Expride and NRX. Yes…you read that right. I have hardwood floors and dragging the jig across with my eyes closed I was able to feel each seem in the floor planks. Open water cannot get here fast enough. For the price, you actually get a lot of high quality components from the blanks to the guides. I just might have to order more ?

I’ll add pro’s posting YouTube videos on techniques that’s about 10 minutes long as the first 5-8 minutes are spent promoting products not even related to our sport. Seems like an act of desperation to make money from anyone throwing it at them regardless of product. But I get it…we all have mouths to feed!

You might want to check out a video posted by Todd Castledine. He has a deep cranking video in which the 5XD rod is used. If I recall, he does provide some insights.

If your going to be co-angling, simplicity and versatility is key. Here are my suggestions at a very general level. Base the rod action on type of hook (single vs treble) Spinning - Medium power - use for finesse; weightless, wacky, etc Casting - Medium heavy power - chatter-baits and spinnerbaits Casting - Heavy power - Jigs, Texas rigs, frogs Casting - Medium power - cranking and topwater Casting - Heavy/Extra heavy - punching

Been there done that! I started using one of the wife’s cupcake baking sheets. All parts from each sub-assembly gets placed in each of the “cups”. I then lined each with felt so if something does fall, it won’t bounce around or in and out

The BassX rod’s color scheme looks straight out of the late 80’s/early 90’s!!

Is that the new BB1 Pro? Initial thoughts you might be able to provide? I picked up a Curado 150 MGL and still have another reel to buy…really love the look of the new BB1 Pro

Today’s haul…. Halo HFX 7’3” Heavy casting rod Shimano Curado 150 MGL War Eagle Tandem Colorado spinnerbaits 1/2 oz Uncle Josh trailers Skeeter hat To quote our beloved Betty White…”I’m such a *****…I just can’t say no.” Going to be a costly February and March!

Same ritual here…..up at 0430, make the coffee, visit the porcelain chair, then into the den to sit and watch Bassmaster Elites and MLF past tournaments with my chocolate lab named Hank. Thanks to Lee Livesay, I’ve got a Halo HFX on the way to try out. Ordered this morning and delivering Monday. Then I ordered a Curado MGL from ALF, then checked Amazon for some War Eagle spinnerbaits and some Uncle Josh pork trailers. Last stop was the Skeeter store for a new hat. Today was costly, but as I tell my wife…..would you rather I spend my money on hookers and cocaine? ?

Link to Shimano NA site with pics and specs https://fish.shimano.com/content/fish/northamerica/us/en/homepage/Shimano_Product_Page.P-BANTAM_A.html#product_image_2

Check Shimano’s website. They have additional pictures and specs for the full line! https://fish.shimano.com/content/fish/northamerica/us/en/homepage/Shimano_Product_Page.P-EXPRIDE_CASTING_B.html#product_image_2

Perfect timing…..I’ve been sitting on a $400 credit for some trade-in rods at ALF. Just ordered a Halo HFX to try. Will definitely be ordering one of these new exprides…7’2 MH or Heavy will be the decision for the day! I throw 1/2oz jigs plus trailer and T-Rigs with 3/8oz weight plus plastic. Any Expride owners have suggestions?

Get your pre-orders in!! Fuji SiC guides Specs almost look like a modernized NRX+ ?