SproDD79

Does anyone know if it's the same blank?

It seems that some retailers have started hefty discounts on the current line up, does anyone have any intel on the rods that are replacing them?

LCG' assessment is spot on. I feel the same way about these two reels, my main thing is ergonomics/comfort in griping the reel, the Curado 71mgl just feels so comfortable, something about the SLX frame is different either wider and more bulky ,even thou it's still a small reel, again the SLX is definitley a winner in terms of comfort and performance but the Curado 71MGL is a clear step up.

I have the latest version(71 MGL), the one that's a deep green.

I've used my curado 71xg on a Dobyns Extreme 746 throwing up to 3/4 oz title shots in the junk with no problem, absolutely fantastic combo, once you get to the 1 oz mark and higher ,I think my Bantam XG is better suited for it ,but the 71 definitely can handle heavy weights.

The email was from Shimano North America

Yes, the handle got in the way for me. I didn't measure it but the 7ft Jerkbait rod handle is shorter and more comfortable for me. I also had the 7"5 MS 1 cranking rod, very light , very sensitive, great parabolic bend to keep trebles in, but not a noodle, however that handle was super long, so I sold it. I think you can find handle specs on the major craft website.

I have the 7ft M jerkbait rod, very sensitive, good back bone. I had the 7'3 mh, it was very sensitive, but the handle was too long for my liking.

Anyone have any info on what Shimano has up its sleeve this year?

Notify zoom, see what they say.

I find the hook keeper on these are great,no need for glue, and they are often on sale at a good price, also for more money a tungsten option is available. https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Eagle_Claw_Lazer_Sharp_Pro-V_Finesse_Jig_5pk/descpage-ECLSPVJ.html

Finding open water was challenging, many lakes nearby had ice. We focused on points and drop offs with big jigs, most fish were one or two lbs, but for January it was awesome. As I have gotten older, I really don't care for winter fishing because of the uncomfortable temps and wind, but the weather was amazing that day, mid to upper 50s, no wind, sunny, at certain points it felt like a spring day. It was one of those special days on the water where everything was going right.

I have a 7ft Zodias spinning ML, for what you're describing, ML is the way to go in the Zodias line.

We had a few nice weather days in NY for the start of 2023. I was able to coordinate a day off with a friend to see what we could manage. Water temps were mid to high 30s and the there was little to no wind. Fish were deep, most were taken from 25-40 ft of water on footballs. The smallie was the first fish of the day,on the very first cast,I thought that was going to be the kiss of death, but we did ok, boating about 40 fish in 7 hours, which is great for January in NY. Here are some of the better fish of the day. Hope everyone has a great 2023.

I use them as chatterbait trailers to pump up the skirt, sometimes I use them to beef up football jigs. If I'm not using them to beef up skirts,I like them on a 1/2oz or 3/4oz title shot.

I have a been using a Tournament MB 5:6:1 lefty for cranking and have been very satisfied with it, if you are exposing the reel to salt , I would go with a Tranx.

I ordered the Epride B Light and the Edge Black Widow 711 spinning models. Thanks for the input.

I absolutely love all mt Daiwa Rebellions casting and spinning, they totally punch way above their price point.

I have the Steez Finesse Game Special spinning rod, I have put a good amount of hours and a few 4lb+ bass on it. I banged it into my co anglers rod once during a cast, it was a decent impact in my opinion, including that minor collision, I have not had any issues with the guides during my time with it. I have a ML Rebellion spinning rod that I actually favor over it when it comes to neko rigs and shakey heads.

Look at the Dobyns Champion XP 704c or 705c, you can find them 25% off right now. The new Daiwa Tatula rods are awsome as well and those are like $100.

You know what ,if edge still has that deal going on , I may pick one up.

I've had 4lb + smallmouth and 5lb + largemouth destroy it. Those size 8 hooks it comes with didn't hold up well against 4lb + bass, so I purchased the Duo nano trebles in size 6 and 7 , to replace those tiny size 8 hooks it comes with. I think the Rozante 77sp should come standard with the size 7, if I'm going to lake with only largemouth I put on size 6, I thought the size 6 would ruin the action being bigger and weighing a little more but the largemouth still crush it , so I guess I was wrong.

I ordered the 7ft Expride B Light, I have been very happy with my 7 Ft ML Zodias, so even if this is the same in sensitivity, I prefer the longer foregrip so that will be a win. Thanks for all the input everyone.

I think I will take a look at the NRX 821 NRR.

So I actually bought the the Landsat with high hopes for it, and I was severely disappointed with it, the handle was very uncomfortable and I found the sensitivity average at best. I sold the rod for a loss,that experience with megabass has turned me off. You know what, I keep hearing more and more about that 7ft expride light, I may go down that route. Thanks for the detailed analysis of your experience, it is appreciated.