14 hours ago, Master Bait'r said:

 

 

You're in a safe place now, mate.  If anybody's got a problem with the nice gear getting shown off in the show off your nice gear thread, me and the Bait Monkey will take 'em out by the cyber dumpsters and give 'em a proper e-blanket party.  

Intimidating! Nice.

8 hours ago, nameiztaken said:

Intimidating! Nice.

 

 

Really wish I had a good tie in to a "sleeps with the fishes" joke.  Dang flu.  

My dobyns 806sb showed up 

Hi BR,

 

Felt like sharing my new setups this year. I won 3k on amazon through work, so I decided to sell all my old setups and revamp my arsenal.

 

I am waiting upon my last rod to arrive and I will post a new family pic.

 

Bass season is almost here in Ontario Canada. Tight lines boys!

 

 

Darn.

 

  I was going to say "You done good", but the handles are all on the wrong side!

 

10 hours ago, Scarborough817 said:

My dobyns 806sb showed up 

 

What is the thought behind the single fat knob handle?  

29 minutes ago, Bunnielab said:

 

What is the thought behind the single fat knob handle?  

Something easier to hold onto and reel when powering in a big swimbait fish. 

But why just one knob?  Weight reduction, or does it just look cool?

 

I mean, it absolutely looks cool.  

2 hours ago, Bunnielab said:

But why just one knob?  Weight reduction, or does it just look cool?

 

I mean, it absolutely looks cool.  

Daiwa referrs to it as a power handle. Why? No idea. 

I have herd sometimes on casting reels with big baits the power handle can cause the reel to engage causing I sudden snap of line and very expensive bait gone soaring 

24 minutes ago, rippin-lips said:

Daiwa referrs to it as a power handle. Why? No idea. 

 

I mean, I assume I want more power, sign me up!  

 

Does anyone make one that looks like a little 8-Ball?  

Power handles are overrated for bass fishing. .deepsea fishing under boat they are at there most efficient IMO

I am looking to upgrade soon, but these are my current setups. I own four medium setups for everything from Bass to crappie. Two are for only lures, and two are only for live bait like minnows or worms.

Left to right:

1. Pflueger President Limited Edition on an Ugly Stik Elite 

2. Pflueger President combo 

3. Penn Fierce II on an Ugly Stik GX2

4. Penn Pursuit II on an Ugly Stik Lite Pro 

 

I also own three setups for big catfishing mainly.

 

Left to right:

1. Zebco Electronic BiteAlert 

2. Berkley Glowstik 

3. Bass Pro Shops Catmaxx on an Ugly Stik Tiger 

 

My medium setups are spooled with 12lb test Trilene Big Game Mono in solar collector color. 

My heavy setups are spooled with 25-30lb test Trilene Big Game Mono also in solar collector color with 50lb test leaders.

Anyone here with a XX Tour Versatile willing to answer some questions about it for me?   I have convinced myself that I need a longer/heavier general purpose rod to complement my existing CR723.  I read a bunch of stuff here and at TT but still have some questions.

 

 

On 5/9/2017 at 7:39 AM, Master Bait'r said:

 

 

I love watching peoples' progression as they come here and start having "aha!" moments.  I did much of the same when I came back to fishing and really started building up my gear.  

 

That ugly stick may be a bit floppy in the tip but with all that backbone it will still serve you well as a  big treble hook bait thrower.  Perfect for swimbaits, glides, spinners etc.  I'd personally put a cheapish reel on it, some 12/15# CXX and call it a compliment to your braid setup.   

 

So since your post I've been looking at reels for that rod and was between Lews or Daiwa Tatula. Well I came across a guy selling a basically new Tatula HS-L with 7:3 ratio for 100 bucks. Had to jump on it. I guess they are normally 150 bucks. I was gonna get just a cheap reel to put on but figured why not since Ive had a hard time finding left hand retrieve reels haha. 

It won't be good for cranks since it's so fast but the only crank baits i really fish are lipless crank baits so there isn't a ton of drag there. Can't wait to get it! 

12 hours ago, croppz said:

 

So since your post I've been looking at reels for that rod and was between Lews or Daiwa Tatula. Well I came across a guy selling a basically new Tatula HS-L with 7:3 ratio for 100 bucks. Had to jump on it. I guess they are normally 150 bucks. I was gonna get just a cheap reel to put on but figured why not since Ive had a hard time finding left hand retrieve reels haha. 

It won't be good for cranks since it's so fast but the only crank baits i really fish are lipless crank baits so there isn't a ton of drag there. Can't wait to get it! 

 

 

Good find!  

 

Btw a fast reel is fine for crankbaita if you just reel slower ???

16 hours ago, Bunnielab said:

Anyone here with a XX Tour Versatile willing to answer some questions about it for me?   I have convinced myself that I need a longer/heavier general purpose rod to complement my existing CR723.  I read a bunch of stuff here and at TT but still have some questions.

 

 

 

 

I haven't fished the TV but own the FSS and the PP and find myself continuously impressed with the XX blanks.  Especially with moving or vibration baits they just come alive at the slightest wiggle.  Super comfortable and uber sexy too.  

On 5/27/2017 at 4:16 PM, Bunnielab said:

Anyone here with a XX Tour Versatile willing to answer some questions about it for me?   I have convinced myself that I need a longer/heavier general purpose rod to complement my existing CR723.  I read a bunch of stuff here and at TT but still have some questions.

 

 

Had one but sold it. What are your questions about it?

On 5/27/2017 at 4:16 PM, Bunnielab said:

Anyone here with a XX Tour Versatile willing to answer some questions about it for me?   I have convinced myself that I need a longer/heavier general purpose rod to complement my existing CR723.  I read a bunch of stuff here and at TT but still have some questions.

 

 

I've got 2, love them...The TV is very similar to the Perfect Pitch though and I actually think the PP is more versatile for general heavy applications.  I own most of the rods in the XX lineup and ironically I find the TV to actually not be that versatile when compared to other rods in the series, in spite of it's name.

 

My TV's are primarily casting/skipping jig rods.  I'll use them for some other stuff here and there...But 90% of the time they are on the deck with a 3/8 and a 5/8 jig tied on.  

 

Ask away, you've got a few of us here on the hook now .

33 minutes ago, Logan S said:

Ask away, you've got a few of us here on the hook now .

 

1 hour ago, rippin-lips said:

Had one but sold it. What are your questions about it?

 

Ok, so I have a a CR723 that I bought as a bank walking rod for some of the lovely thorn-choked ponds we have around here.  I have had a few reels on it but have settled on a SV105hs.  I am using it for 1/2oz total weight Jigs, light t-rigs, senkos, and occasionally light spinnerbaits and 1/2oz RESs.  

 

I want a rod to compliment this one, but longer and heavier. I am going to put a SV103xs on it, so I don't mind a heavier rod.  I will use this for bank walking larger and more "landscaped" spots. I would like to throw more or less the same lures as the CR723, but heavier. I would still like to be able to toss a senko, but it's not a main use. I also wanna throw some chatterbaits into the mix. I love the full grip on the Loomis and want to give Megabass rods a try, so the TV seems like what I am looking for.  My next heviest rod is a Freds Magic Stick, so I think the Tour Versatile would be a good fit between it and the Loomis. The Spinnerbait Special seems too close to the CR723 and the Perfect Pitch too close to the Irod. 

 

Is my thinking offbase here?

 

 

16 minutes ago, Bunnielab said:

I want a rod to compliment this one, but longer and heavier. I am going to put a SV103xs on it, so I don't mind a heavier rod.  I will use this for bank walking larger and more "landscaped" spots. I would like to throw more or less the same lures as the CR723, but heavier. I would still like to be able to toss a senko, but it's not a main use. I also wanna throw some chatterbaits into the mix. I love the full grip on the Loomis and want to give Megabass rods a try, so the TV seems like what I am looking for.  My next heviest rod is a Freds Magic Stick, so I think the Tour Versatile would be a good fit between it and the Loomis. The Spinnerbait Special seems too close to the CR723 and the Perfect Pitch too close to the Irod. 

 

Is my thinking offbase here?

If it were me, both the TV and PP would be too powerful for what you're wanting to do...General 'heavy' stuff to me would be frogs, jigs, pitching, flipping, big spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, etc...

 

You may be happier with the DSR, SS, or EMTF as those are more of a MH or 'light' MH.  Just my take on it, I own all of the rods mentioned here and if I had to pick one for what you just described it would be the DSR....But any of the 3 alternatives I mentioned would do well.  

13 hours ago, Master Bait'r said:

 

 

Good find!  

 

Btw a fast reel is fine for crankbaita if you just reel slower ???

X2 i fish hudds on a 7gear ratio reel and have never felt its too fast. I just reel slow

3 hours ago, Bunnielab said:

 

 

Ok, so I have a a CR723 that I bought as a bank walking rod for some of the lovely thorn-choked ponds we have around here.  I have had a few reels on it but have settled on a SV105hs.  I am using it for 1/2oz total weight Jigs, light t-rigs, senkos, and occasionally light spinnerbaits and 1/2oz RESs.  

 

I want a rod to compliment this one, but longer and heavier. I am going to put a SV103xs on it, so I don't mind a heavier rod.  I will use this for bank walking larger and more "landscaped" spots. I would like to throw more or less the same lures as the CR723, but heavier. I would still like to be able to toss a senko, but it's not a main use. I also wanna throw some chatterbaits into the mix. I love the full grip on the Loomis and want to give Megabass rods a try, so the TV seems like what I am looking for.  My next heviest rod is a Freds Magic Stick, so I think the Tour Versatile would be a good fit between it and the Loomis. The Spinnerbait Special seems too close to the CR723 and the Perfect Pitch too close to the Irod. 

 

Is my thinking offbase here?

 

 

Big single hook baits I throw on the xx diablo spec R. It also makes a good light t rig and tube rod. The EMTF is a better choice if you will be using it for more bottom contact since it's got a tip better suited to those things. I love my spinnerbait special too. It's a good do it all rod for me. Shorter at 6'10 but I like it a lot.  Tough call on which one to go with. The tour versatile is stout though. Wouldn't be my first pick. 

11 hours ago, Logan S said:

If it were me, both the TV and PP would be too powerful for what you're wanting to do...General 'heavy' stuff to me would be frogs, jigs, pitching, flipping, big spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, etc...

 

You may be happier with the DSR, SS, or EMTF as those are more of a MH or 'light' MH.  Just my take on it, I own all of the rods mentioned here and if I had to pick one for what you just described it would be the DSR....But any of the 3 alternatives I mentioned would do well.  

 

7 hours ago, rippin-lips said:

Big single hook baits I throw on the xx diablo spec R. It also makes a good light t rig and tube rod. The EMTF is a better choice if you will be using it for more bottom contact since it's got a tip better suited to those things. I love my spinnerbait special too. It's a good do it all rod for me. Shorter at 6'10 but I like it a lot.  Tough call on which one to go with. The tour versatile is stout though. Wouldn't be my first pick. 

Thanks guys, gives me a lot to think about.  I looked at the SS and the DSR, but had discounted the EMTF as being too long.  Even the extra 2" on the DSR worries me, the Irod is the longest rod I have by like 7-8" and it gives me a lot of trouble.  

 

My main worry is power, while I really like the CR723, it fishes a lot lighter then I expected.  It seems to really top out just a little over 1\2oz and I want the companion rod to let me fish jigs and t-rigs around the 3\4-1oz range. A Ragebug, hook, and 3\8 skirted punch weight ends up being over 3\4oz total weight.  I also want enough power to fish pads and other heavier cover.  Since this will be a bank rod I want to avoid having to wade in to a marsh (again) to free a fish I couldn't get up top fast enough. 

 

If you all think the DSR is a better choice for this stuff then I can make the extra 2" work, but I am worried about going to light again.  

Not to be blunt but, Bunnielab I think you should've made you're own topic instead of hijacking this thread.  I was hoping for more pr0n of gear.  I get all excited to see all the beauties, not here for the "articles".