phase5supply

Agree and I would add the avid for one step up. Yes, I think the Avid is the best rod under $200

Pflueger Presidant A+ A Real Value

St. Croix premier I think is the best value

I like to keep mine in the package the come in. I never could find a tackle bag I like, they are all to deep and the bags of worms or tubes seem to get messy. I was always having to dig through it find something. I bought a large camera bag, I can put the bags in it vertically and they stay in place, also the pockets on the ends are great for hooks and weights. Daniel

Great Fishing way to go! I use to only fish with plastic worms, also learned alot for all the people here. I want to give my thanks as well. Daniel

Hello, I have several Pflueger products and I am very pleased with all of them. The Ugly-Stick is a good starting rod but you may soon out grow it. After you decide what type of baits you like to fish the most you may want to invest in a rod that tailors to that type of bait or baits. Dicks's carries a good line of St. Croix rods ( IMO the best rods for the money). What you have now is still a nice combo. Good Luck and hope you can catch some big ones. Daniel

After thinking about this question a little more it could be approached from another way. It may be at what level of fishing you are at. Level 1 - you just want to catch a fish Level 2- you want to catch your limit Level 3- you want to catch a lunker Level 4- you just want to enjoy it I feel like I am in the 3rd level and want any advantage I can get although I still enjoy fishing I want to be successful.

I have recently started fishing with crankbaits also. I purchased a few Lucky Craft CB200, I have had the best luck with the Ghost Minnow, although I have not used a lot of the other brands I plan on trying some cheaper baits to see how they compare. I will let you know how it turns out.

I fish a lake that has apx. 50 docks, I tend to fish a tube jig more around them than a worm and fish the worm more when casting to the bank.

I only like mine to look new when I purchase it. After that I want it to look used not abused ( because I have been using it , not looking at it ).

No I don't think braided line should be restricted. To me the sport is to tricking the fish into biting a man-made bait. We want the best graphite rods and smoothest casting reels why not have the best line.

I have had good luck with worms and spinnerbaits.

Thanks for all of the good input. Looks like I will start buying some crankbaits. I have always just fished plastic worms, this year I have tried new things and it has gave even more enjoyment to fishing, Thanks Daniel

I would buy the SX and put the extra money left over toward a nice rod. I got a SX this year and I'm very pleased with it. Hope my input helps. BTW nice fish!! Good Luck DT

I have the same set up as muddy man, it is my first nice spinning rod! I give it an A+ for quality and value. DT

After reading some post and articles on crank baits I decided to give it a try. I went a local bait shop and they had Lucky Crafts on sale for $10.00. I bought a CB200 ghost minnow. It works great! I caught 2 fish over 6 lbs. each. Any other brand or styles I should try? Thanks Daniel

Hello nice reel, I got one last week. I have used it twice and it is a Keeper! DT

Thanks for all the good advice, I will put it to use!!! :

Hello everyone, I just bought my first good spinning rod, it is a plueger president and a St. Croix rod. I have used it a few time with no problems, but today it kept tangling up. I have 10 lbs. Berkley Trilene line on it and fishing with 3" tube jigs with 1/16 oz. weighted jig hooks. Please Help. Thanks