McBass19

Does anyone have real world experience fishing it in laydowns and rock? First thing I noticed was how slim it is so I assume it will come through branches pretty good? Also how is it in rock? Where I fish there is lots of laydowns with rock under it so a T-rig gets hung in the rock a fair bit. Switched to a jig and even though it doesn't come through the branches quite as good it doesn't get hung up on the rock nearly as much.

Well said. I've just always wondered how they could be in the area and not on some of the best looking structure. I guess the mstery and effort to locate bigger than average fish is what keeps us chasing those big girls!

To elaborate a bit more, the ones chasing bait out on deeper points and reefs are out on main lake structure where the shallow ones are in back bays. There is still tons of craws and perch in that mid depth but the smallies tend to prefer the shallow bank. Perhaps you're right and there is less bait and that may be the reason. I feel like it's more related to the cover but that's why I asked for others opinions. If only there was a way to know exactly how much bait there is in the different locations.

The lake I fish in the summer the smallies tend to be either dirt shallow eating craws or out on rock points and reefs chasing bait. You can get big fish doing both but for whatever reason the fish don't seem to relate to the mid depth boulders. We have found some great areas with boulders in the 4-8' range that look great and just out from where we catch them on the bank super shallow. Why do you think the fish prefer to be that shallow and not on those outside boulders? I can't seem to figure it out. If I find a few of those boulders I still stop and fish them but don't waste much time because they just don't seem to hold fish. On other parts of the lake those same boulders would be perfect. What are your thoughts and have you run into this before?

Do you find yourself reaching for the Legend Tournament because it's a slightly better rod? Or because you like the action more? I assume the 7'3mh is probably more versatile as well?

That was my first thought as well. Just worried it might be a bit too light. Sounds like it would work good for what I want though. Thanks for the reply. I’m torn between that, the 7’5 mhf and 7’3 hmf.

I have a legend tournament that I will be replacing on Warranty. I’m wondering what model would be good for pitching jigs? I already have a 7’2HF Shimano Zodias that I use with fluoro but looking for a second rod that’s a bit lighter for braid or braid to a leader. I really only use 3/8 or 1/2 jigs and typically pitch into laydowns or sparse grass/pads. The lakes I fish don’t have super heavy cover. What model would you choose?

I was throwing a Rapala Xrap with a 7’ St Croix Mojo Bass with a Shimano Curado 201i spooled with 20lb Power Pro. That was my only baitcaster at the time so it was an all around setup. It’s funny because I have mostly dedicated rods for everything now and feel like I’m much more dialed in but still haven’t beat my PB. It can be a humbling sport!

I think 7'6 would be a bit long as I'd be slapping the water for sure then. I have considered using a longer spinning rod for when i need to make a really long cast. but for the most part I don't need to make super long casts but would like to maxiize casting distance. I find if I don't need to a super long cast for skiddish fish, I land way more with a moderately long cast and I also find if I make a super long cast the line ends up drifting by the time I'm 2/3 of the way back to the boat.

They are very close. The Expride handle is a bit longer than the Legend.

Looking for someone who has used both the 6'10 Expride and 6'8 LTB jerkbait rods. Which do you prefer and why? I have used the older LTB and it seems to be pretty good but hear great things about the Expride as well. I like the idea of the longer Expride for casting distance and I'm 6'2 so it likely won't be slapping the water. Either rod would be paired with a Curado 70MGL.

I have the old ltb 7’1mf and like it but looking to get a new ltb in the 7’3mxf. It will primarily be used for ned rigs and damiki rigs. Curious what your thoughts on the rod is? Am I better to stick with the 7’1 mf?

I'm looking to buy a new pair of sunglasses but stuck between Oakley and Costa lenses. Which do you prefer and why?

Now I have one last question, has anyone used the Shimano Miravel? It looks like the specs are pretty close to the Ultegra but lighter and less expensive. What does the Ultegra of Exsence BB have that the Miravel doesn't?

I might give the BB a try, just something different than I already have and I have a rod that actually required a heavier reel so it might balance out nicely.