i cant remember what it was called, but it was a chrome walmart flw rod that had sic guides on it, cant remember what i did with it, but it was a great rod for the money!

On 5/5/2023 at 8:40 AM, BrianMDTX said:

I still have two Aird-X’s in my rotation as well. A MH/F and a M/F baitcasters. Both paired with Black Max reels. I enjoy fishing with both of them. 

You don’t find the micro guides a pain? 

5 hours ago, MontclairDave said:

You don’t find the micro guides a pain? 

 No, but I have mono spooled on the reels so no issues with leader knots. 

All Star & Castawys make some really good rods. Academy  H2O Xpress Ethos Nano are very sensitive.

I’ve caught more bass on Ugly sticks than any other rod by far. Specifically,I’ve caught the most on my 25+ year old 6.6 medium action  U.Stik. Indestructible. stout and heavy at the butt end , and the medium action is just right for soft plastic fishing. I now use it mostly for somewhat heavier plastics, like super flukes, large worms, and larger stick worms…

Not the most sensitive rod of course, but it’s sensitive enough for me. I have the highest landing rate with that rod too. I won’t often lose a fish once it’s hooked with it…

My 6'4" Abu Ike Delay rod works really good for light top water baits especially on the hookset and then keeping them pinned 

When I'm wading for Smallmouth, there is nothing better than grabbing my humble 6'6" M/F Fenwick Eagle rod mounted with a Pflueger Trion and spooled with 8lb Trilene XL. It stands up to SMB from 6 inches at best to my PB SMB at right around 5lbs. I can dunk it, snag in the trees and recklessly yank it out, carelessly lay it on the rocks, fling lures outside of its range, use it as a walking stick to propel myself in crappy situations, and is stands up to all of it. That's what I wanted in a SMB wading rod. Something that takes abuse but is cheap enough to not be a bother if it breaks or gets scratched and beat up. Sometimes these cheap rods give you a sense of freedom and leads to some wonderful days.