fishindad

Well, there is info in that thread if your budget is more than $300. To echo Ty's comment, the rod you personally recommended is a $349 rod. I know cuz I own one (pre-HP) and it is a sweet finesse rod. To the OP, I tend to go by the 1:2 ratio; meaning split your $300 as $100 reel and $200 rod. There's plenty of very good spinning rods in the $200 price range. But, since you didn't say what type of waters you fish, what part of the country you live in, or if you're trageting spots, greenies, or brown bass, etc, etc - if you provide more info, folks can narrow down your choices.

Depends what type of cover one fishes, what time of year, average size of the bass in lake/river/pond, etc. That said, the one rod IMO that could throw about 90% of most bass lures is the Loomis MBR 843 and 12 lb. copolymer or Sniper FC. For the fishing I personally do, it's got to be a 7 foot medium spinning rod with braid and FC leader since I prefer smallmouth fishing on the Great Lakes.

I echo the posts about McCoy Mean Greeen. It is the most manageable mono and the limpest you'll find for spinning reel use. The only other line that I've found as manageable is Damyl Tectan but I don't think you can easily purchase it any more. Trust me and others, try the McCoy's. Much better than Trilene XL. And I've been spin fishing over 50 years.

Most used line size? For smallies, 8 lb. For largies, 12 lb. If I fished where the bass grew to double digits (FL, TX, CA etc) , I'd probably be using mostly 17 and 20 lb. and more powerful rods.

You live in Madison, WI? There must be a ton of St Croix rod dealers there. Just visit one and feel 'em for yourself. Or take a drive up to Park Falls and speak with the good folks at SC in person. It's gonna be a while before there's open water anyway...

Agree 100%. I have had a set for about 20 years and never an issue. Not only keeps me dry but I wear the bibs more than not - because I live in Michigan and the weather changes every week/day/hour/minute

+1

I've never fished with a Mojo Bass but I know other SC rods and they make very nice actions and powers tailored for bass and jig fishing. Whatever you choose, I suggest you use braid with a fluoro/copoly leader to enhance feel and set hooks.

100% agree with this. I typically use a MH with tubes on St Clair to get hooks and control the fish, which is impossible to do with light (6 and 8lb) line and a ML spinning rod.

Thanks! I placed an order with hawgtech and can't wait to swap out the handles.

Awesome, will give them a call. Thank you sir!

I've tried emailing a couple reel places directly but no responses yet. Does anyone know if there are aftermarket reel handles available for a Curado 100B? I have two and they're a two of my favorite reels even though they are "outdated." I would like to upgrade to a newer, slightly longer reel handle (and star drag if need be) though but don't know where to start online. Would appreciate any first-hand knowledge.

I have lots of favorite lures but I suppose if I had to choose one, a single tail grub has to be my favorite since it catches just about everything in addition to bass, can be rigged many different ways, comes in lots of colors, and can be fished at all depths. A tube would be second but it's a bit too much of a 'slow'-style of fishing for my taste. Most fun has to be a topwater, a popper or prop bait.

Falcon: casting St Croix, Dobyns: spinning

If you do, or plan on doing, a lot of punching/flipping/frogging then I would suggest spending for the Tatula CT as mentioned. I would agree it's the best ~$100 reel as of now. If you aren't planning to do much with this combo then any of the other suggestions will do nicely.

Thanks, I totally agree with you guys. I'm somewhat wiring-challenged but did already pick up some 6 gauge wiring to hook up the two batteries (pos to neg). Did not realize how simple the rigging was in that I could just use my present wiring and not need to fish any extra wiring through. I did re-check my battery compartment and if I cut off one side of the hold-down tray for the group 27, I could probably squeeze in a second group 27 battery and secure the two batteries down using one long strap. I imagine I'll need to get used to the extra power - hope I don't accidentally knock myself or my fishing partner out of the boat on a 100% burst, lol!

Thanks for all the feedback. I figured that more is better but the only way to fit two group 27's is if they are in separate compartments - I've tried every configuration. It does get very windy in the Spring here so I will go the 24V group 24 route. Am guessing it should be fine unless I plan to fish more than 7-8 hours on 40% + power.

I've tried to search older threads on my question but no luck. I have a 16.5 ft aluminum boat (90HP main engine) that has been running a 12V (group 27) 55lb thrust TM and am planning to finally upgrade to an iPilot link TM. I do have a 3-bank charger but - my issue is there is not space on board for two group 27 (or 31) batteries. I have encountered a few situations where I wish I had more thrust, particularly early Spring walleye fishing in strong current of the Detroit River. The majority of the year I bass fish lakes and have no issues cutting through weeds, etc. My question is, would it be worth it to upgrade and run a 24V motor off two group 24's? My plan A is to invest in the TM, Bird w GPS and Lakemaster chip. Plan B is to swap out for two group 24's and get the 24V motor, but am not sure that is worth the extra cash. I don't know the net weight of the boat/motor/gear so not sure it's worth the upgrade to 24V. Does anyone else with a similar sized rig run a 12V and wish they had a 24V? Or are you happy with the 12V motor?

As I recall, Skyline rods were produced out of Texas? I have a different experience in that I kept two original Fenwick Techna AV spinning rods (around 30 years old), the ones with Fuji double foot SiC guides and Aramid Veil, which are still one of my strongest most sensitive rods. Bums me out because I had 4 but broke one in a rod locker and the ex-wife trashed another one : ( I bring them out from time to time for nostalgia's sake.

In the time I've been fishing (50 yrs), yes rod technology has come a long way. Fenwick glass Lunkerstiks were the deal back in the day for bass fishing. Then Loomis IM6, Fenwick's HMG graphite rods and Skyline graphite rods were the deal. To be honest, after Loomis GLX and Fuji Alconite guides were introduced (80's?), there has been no real "drastic" (to use your word, tcbass) improvement in rod tech, IMO. I'm sure rod blank makers will tell you there's a trade-off between stiffness, weight reduction, durability, action, sensitivity, etc. such that there is a finite limit to what a rod can weigh and still have the power, action and durability to catch bass (fish). The reduction in rod weight has made it possible for anglers to use much longer rods than before and this (using light, sensitive 7 foot + rods) has definitely improved everyone's bass angling experience. The main technological improvements that have been made over the years are from Gary Loomis and his development of IM6-IMX-GLX-NRX, which everyone can agree are relatively miniscule improvements. Same with the move from Alconite-SiC-Torzite guides. Yes, those are definite tech improvements but in the end, things like recoil guides, EVA/Winn grip handles, Microwave guides, split grips, JDM "bling" are not what I would consider technological improvements. Just ways for companies to get anglers (and golfers as mentioned) to upgrade their rods every year or two. I was on that train myself until a few years ago and if I could, I would turn back the clock to buy all the original Loomis Weibe handle IMX/GLX rods I could get my hands on because those rods were the best ever made, IMO. They need to put the MBR 842, 843, and 844 in some bass fishing hall of fame.

Back in my mid-to-late twenties (1980's and 90's) I was a highly competitive triathlete in California. I quickly learned that the guys that were the most "dangerous" were the ones who showed up in old grey sweats, with well-used bikes and running shoes. The ones who I was never worried about after the gun showed up in the latest Nike lycra and $3000 bikes that looked like they just came off the showroom floor. All show and no go. I'm all for people spending their money as they please (assuming they legally earned it of course); this is America. My reply was geared towards folks who believe success (at fishing, life, sports, whatever) is determined by the labels on your "stuff". My bass fishing role models are Charlie Brewer, Billy Westmoreland, Jerry McKinnis, Ned Kehde, and Larry Nixon. Who'da guessed this big city boy from Chicago would grow up to idolize some good 'old country boys. Those guys didn't need NRX rods or side imaging or spot lock to catch bass.

Respectfully disagree with you and long island. The one word I'd use to describe the people who are unhappy in this life is "insecurity." To use Catt's post as an example, of his friend who won't be caught dead using less than the best, is a cycle that marketers and advertisers aim for and suck these people in with. Similar strategy as those women's magazines at the checkout that prey upon their insecurities of not being beautiful enough. The unhappy ones are those who feel that what they own, wear, drive, fish with, etc. defines them. I would guess that Catt could outfish (for bass) his friend with the Basscat any day of the week. I also would bet there are more guys than not who are up to their eyeballs in loan payments driving boats and tow rigs they actually cannot afford. Why is that? Do they actually think they won't be taken seriously as a bass angler unless they fish out of a 521? Do you think these same guys look down on anyone fishing out of an old jonboat/kayak/deep V? I make plenty of money at a job I love and own some high end rods, including the aforementioned St Croix Legend Elite/Extreme. Is it better than a $120 rod? Sure. Does it catch more fish than a $120 rod? Only if the St Croix was in Aaron Martens' hands vs mine, lol. We are all free to spend our hard-earned cash they way we please. But...If it ever comes down to me not wanting to be seen fishing with less than a Conquest/Aldebaran combo or fishing out of a Basscat, I'll quit fishing. In my opinion, what sucks is to be the person who "needs" to be seen wearing a Rolex, using an NRX, driving a BMW, etc. and is always looking to buy their way to happiness with the latest and greatest. Note to Catt: I hope you know I mean no disrespect to you or your friend. I was just using that as an example : )

That's cool, we each have differing perspectives on rigging. I have never fished the Damiki Hydra and the OP didn't mention it so I responded based on Fat Ika use. I've used EWG hooks and the screw lock hooks and in my hands, I see no difference in bites and, the EWG hooks do not hold the Ika nearly as well as the screw lock hooks. I've tried pegging with mono ala Don Iovino, which does help a bit but I find I can fish an Ika until multiple fish tear up the bait and the screw lock still holds. The OP can try each and post again with results - hopefully one hook style will work better.

Two best hooks made for the Fat Ika for plastic 'life' and hooking fish, bar none. Loomis MBR 3 power (i.e. 843) is more than enough rod to drill those hooks. Unless you use 8 lb. mono and make 50 yard casts, lol. I'm almost always pitching the Ika to cover and use 12 lb. Sniper with a MH rod. No issues missing fish. http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Owner_Beast_Hook_w__Twistlock/descpage-OBWT.html http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Gamakatsu_Superline_Spring_Lock_Hook/descpage-GSSLH.html

I agree with DH that the 842 is not powerful enough for larger/heavier jerkbaits. I do differ with Dwight in that I prefer a graphite or composite rod for all my treble hook baits - something like the Dobyns CB705 glass (no longer use this rod) or the Megabass Flatside Special would be my choice. I have not used the Megabass Oneten rod but have read that it is perfect for larger baits. I would agree that GLX is a bit overkill but that's JMHO.