JMac603

Bowtech....?‍♂️

I'm guilty of this. Also brand loyalty has a lot to do with it. I'm a Ford guy but I KNOW Ford has made some BAAAAD products. In my younger years, Ford could do no wrong and my review/opinions reflected that. Unfortunately we don't all gain wisdom and the ability to self correct. I think that's commonly reflected in reviews.

6'6"-6'8" medium spinning rod braid to leader. I prefer spinning equipment and like the smoother drag to help keep them pinned with the trebles.

I'm a broken record with my recommendation; Temple Fork Outfitters Professional Series. I love them and my old 6'6" Medium Spinning that got me infatuated with them has been put through some abuse and has held up excellent.

Upgraded my highest end combo for my favorite technique. 7'3" Medium St Croix Legend Tournament with Daiwa Certate 3k. Staring at hard water anxiously waiting.

It's not a broomstick but she stiff! Definitely moderate though. I'm used to TFO action..the pro series are perfect for me.

I don't have that model but have the 7' XH Professional and it fishes like a heavy moderate.

They are. I tried to be clear in saying I don't need sensitivity with all bottom contact but invest in better equipment so I can feel as much as possible with finesse presentations. Speaking only for me. What I mean is I want sensitivity when I throw finesse but don't look for sensitivity when throwing heavier bottom baits. Not all bottom contact baits are equal in need for sensitivity in my book. And again, it's all preference. Some guys like short rods for ned rigs...I prefer a longer rod for em. Just like I prefer to feel everything. I hate performing surgery on a fish to get a 1/32 jig out of their gut.

For me I want to have my nicest setup be my finesse setup. I'm biased here as I truly love finesse fishing, but there is an argument to be had here. Throwing a small tube or a ned, they can pick them up and spit em fast. Also they can suck em down and get gut hooked really easily if you're not feeling everything. It's rare that I throw heavy jigs or t-rigs but when I do, I don't need a super sensitive rod so generalizing and saying "all bottom contact presentations need a sensitive rod" doesn't apply for me.

That's awesome! There's just something about a tool that's been used and broken in that's very appealing to me. It's like an old leather belt or leather wallet that fits just right. I've acquired some nicer equipment this year but I always go back to one rod that has my hand print on the cork, some scuffs and dings, and a ton of catches on it.

A buddy an I booked one for Lake Oneida next year in May. I'm already rigged up! haha

No short rod jokes yet?!

I vote you stay right handed so the lefties are more in stock when I want to go buy em. ??

This or keep using the Avid. I love the Crosshair, but my 7' ML Avid is a standout for ned for me.

I use a 6'6" MH St. Croix Avid for heavier tube jigs. I like the 6'6" length for pop jerking the tube across the bottom.

6'6" ML TFO Professional with a Daiwa Tatula or Ballistic MQ is my vote. Under budget, can handle being bumped around through brush, and a more moderate/fast which helps *ME* keep em pinned. Too fast and I seem to lose fish - I'm sure it's me. FOR ME the TFO Professional rods are perfect - I like the handles, the reel seats (especially the new ones), the finish, and the hook keepers. I wish they were tad lighter but at +/- $100.00 I don't know if there's a better option.

I'm a big fan of Daiwa Tatulas. I have the 2k size on my 7' Light Trout-Panfish rod. Balances really well and is a lot of fun. I'd love to hear a review on that rod as I have a few Avids and the 7ML is a standout for me for ned, dropshot, and slip bobber. I'm a wacko that likes/needs to match things so adding a 7' light Avid has been in the back of my brain now for a while.

7' ML TFO Professional perfect rod for dropshop IMO. Hook keeper, handle, and moderate fast action works great for me. BUT..I'm partial as I'm a TFO fan boy. Pair this $100.00 rod with a Daiwa Tatula or Ballistic and you're in that range with some to spare!

I also have (and love) my TFO rods. I had one come broken during shipping and had to warranty it. They have lifetime warranty and they were stellar. Send the section of the rod with the rod description to them (kind of a pain) and they got a replacement back to me very quickly. I'm only trying St. Croix because everyone raves about them, but there is NOTHING wrong with a $99.00 TFO Professional series.

Great reel! Use it!

Wow..that's unfortunate and sucks to hear you're not getting a rod of equal value. While it took longer than they had said, I was given a lateral move for an equal rod from a discontinued rod so I had a positive experience.

Mono everything except for ned rig here. I WANT to go straight mono for ned but I worry I won't feel the bite soon enough and they'll swallow the tiny jig. I haven't tried it yet...just a paranoia I have.

Got my reply. Replacement on the way for $50.00 shipping. ?

2002 Chevy Duramax with 298k on it. This was my Dad's truck. I lost him just over 3 months ago - we were partners in business and he was my best friend. This truck will become one with the earth before I ever part with it. Pulls like there's nothing behind it.

My TFO 6'6" Medium Professional Series. I throw tubes on it with regular ol trilene xl 8lb. This combo is just perfect for tubes for me.