JN94

Didn't realize my comment would get so many people up in arms! You're obviously welcome to do whatever you want. As far as something to share, my comment was implying that you don't need tons of sensitivity that the Expride provides to fish a frog and you could likely get equal performance from a cheaper rod, which would save you money to spend elsewhere. That was my reply to your question about frog fishing with an Expride. But as stated, you can obviously do whatever you'd like. Makes no difference to me

Fortunately not!

Sounds like a lot of sensitivity/money for a frog rod!

This^^^. American Legacy has a ton of "used" Zodias's for sale that are mint or excellent condition. I bought a mint one not long ago for $140. The Zodias's are great

If you're going to spend that kind of money just get a bantam

How'd you end up liking this rod? Can it cast as low as 3/16? How about the upper end?

I own a few of the current generation and love them. They are my favorite rod. Can't speak to how the previous generation compares but I'd imagine fairly similar

Who has experience with these? What can you tell me? Looking for any and all feedback. I've used a lot of Shimano rods (SLX, Zodias, Expride, Poison Adrena), so if you have any experience and can comment how these compare to any of those that would be super helpful

I bought a mint condition Zodias off American Legacy for $142. Would definitely check those out. Super sensitive for it's price point

That's a big weight range if you're talking about throwing 3/8oz spinnerbaits and 1/8oz tubes on the same rod. I really wouldn't choose the same rod to do both of those things. If it were a 1/4oz spinnerbait, I think you'd be fine with a "medium" (by most manufacturers rating) power. I'd look for something rated in the 1/4-3/4oz range. I think if you had a rod that topped out at 5/8oz you'd get overpowered when throwing larger plugs, jigs, etc. I do a lot of river fishing from my kayak and love my 6'10" Poison Adrena that's a M power rated up to 3/4oz. I throw 3/8oz mini maxes on it no issue. It can also throw down to about ~8/9g with the appropriate reel and line. Might have a hard time throwing your 1/8oz tubes on it but should be able to at least adequately throw Neds on 3/16 and 1/4oz heads. I also own a 6'10" MH Zodias that's rated 3/8-1oz and feel like it can 100% handle it's range. So maybe that's a better one to look at if you think you won't much go below 3/8oz total weight. The Zodias is probably my favorite all around rod I own at the moment. Would also go with a fast action, not extra fast. Especially if using braid

I don't own either so take my opinion with a grain of salt but I have researched both of these rods a good bit and it sounds like all the Phenixes run a little soft and the cashions are a little more true to their rating. I saw a video of a guy comparing the Dobyns Sierra ultra finesse, Phenix feather (light power, not the ML that you have) and the Cashion bfs rod and he said the Cashion is definitely the beefiest of the 3. In your case, I would bet the Cashion ML is stiffer than the Phenix ML

Are you saying this is all one solid piece like you get with a USDM one piece? Or like djhands said above where the blank connects to the grip at the locking nut

That's what I was thinking this may be

Looking at picking up this JDM Zodias rod - does anyone know if this is a one piece rod or not? It only describes it as "one and grip". If anyone could help me out I'd be very appreciative! https://jdmtackleheaven.com/collections/shimano-20-22-zodias/products/shimano-20-zodias-1610ml

I'm going to pick one up and install this winter

Just bought my first boat and am making a few upgrades. Wanted to pick y'all's brains about the following: - boat came with two 12V lead batteries (one for TM, one for cranking). It seems like lithiums are the way to go. I talked to a buddy who's a former pro and he says to do two 12V leads as opposed to a single 24V lithium for the TM. What is best in your experience? I'm upgrading to a 24V TM. And if lithium is the way to go, is there a specific brand that is best? It seems like there are lots of options - looking at these Garmin Force TMs. They look awesome and seem to get good reviews. Anyone have any experience? Any info here would be greatly appreciated!

2 brakes on

Thanks for the well wishes. Yeah, I'm just gonna give it my best go and see what happens. Like I said, it'll be a lesson learned either way. Tight lines to you as well!

I bought the boat cheaply with the intent to change all these things. I'll be in it for less if I do the work myself versus buying something with all of these upgrades already. The outboard is rated for saltwater as far as I can tell

This was actually my initial approach, the issue was there weren't many for sale near me since I live in middle TN No sir. Redfish are too much fun! Maybe down the line. I've already bought this boat. It was pretty cheap so it can be somewhat experimental. Just going to do my best to outfit it to withstand the elements and maintain it and see what happens. I will learn something either way Great reply, I appreciate the info! What exactly did you do to environmentally seal your connections?

Ok awesome. Thanks for the info! That is great to know

https://www.boatsafe.com/aluminum-boats-in-saltwater/ This article discusses using a protective paint coating and sacrificial anodes. I'm assuming the coating is pretty simple and I could find someone to do it easily. I'm not familiar with anodes. Does anyone have any experience with this?

Dang, well that makes me feel not too optimistic about my chances of making this thing last ??

Just put a deposit down on my first boat, it's a 2017 Tracker 175 TXW. I live in Tennessee but inshore fish the SC coast ~50 days per year. What are some upgrades I should look to make to allow this boat to pull double duty? I've read a few different past posts about this on this site and some others. Seems like the biggest ones are: - trolling motor built for saltwater use (if anyone has a specific recommendation here, please let me know) - swapping carpet for seadek or similar material (carpet won't hold up well in salt?) - galvanized trailer I understand I'll have to maintain the boat to a much higher degree than I would if I were fishing just freshwater which isn't an issue. Any other things I should look at adding or be aware of? Any input would be appreciated

Flipping hook