FourCorners

It really depends on how limber rod you want. I have both the Avid MHM and the Dobyns 705 glass. When I first got the rod, I was surprised how heavy the rod was; I really only use the Dobyns rod for crankbaits greater than 10 feet and spinnerbaits. With that said, I also prefer a much more limber rod for cranking and prefer the Avid MHM. If you're mostly using 1.5s, I'd probably go with the Avid. In terms of sensitivity, the Avid is more sensitive, which is something I like in reaction bait rods.

I've got both of them and I'd suggest the mhm. I like the mm, but most feel like it's very whippy, which is actually what I like about it because it's more forgiving. They're also light rods, which is nice if you have to throw a crank all day.

I agree and also have also wondered about this and the handling of soft plastics in general. I think phthalates are pretty hard to avoid in our everyday lives because we're so dependent on plastics and where you have plastics, you'll likely have these compounds. But it certainly doesn't hurt to wash your hands after a day of fishing and prior to eating anything. Kids should especially wash their hands, especially boys, as some studies point to reproductive harm as the compound mimics estrogen.

Haha, nice. That's a pretty big jump. If you don't already fish it, pick up some fluorocarbon as well and that rod'll really shine. I'm a fan of invisx because of the price and manageability of the line. Again, enjoy!

I was in the same boat as you earlier this winter but I got the 852. I've only fished it once, but it feels awesome and managed a 5#er first fish. Like the others have said, you won't regret it once you fish it. As much as I'd like to get another one, I just can't justify it. I think one's enough for me! Enjoy your rod. Just wondering what rods you're upgrading from?

If you're dropshotting, I'd probably go 10#. I have 10# on a core that I use for dropshotting and shakeyheads and it seems to do well. I feel like the lighter line helps pitch and cast lighter baits.

I think your motor would be fine. If you want your batteries to last, I'd try not to discharge them past 60%. Do you have the batteries in parallel?

These are great jigs with quite the skirt color selection. I'm a big fan of the Owner hooks as well. Much appreciated!

Very sad to hear. RIP big fella

I'm a big fan of the St. Croix avid crankbait rods, particularly the medium moderate. Some guys say it's too limp but I feel much more confident in keeping fish buttoned compared to some of the faster action graphite rods.

Great looking rod! Let us know how it performs. I've been considering a custom with an NFC blank myself

I'll change the hooks right out of the box if they feel dull. Normally, the more expensive baits tend to have better quality hooks but I've been disappointed with the last two lucky crafts I bought. Also, I think most guys will put on the largest treble they can get away with as bigger trebles = better hook ups. Just make sure they're not too big or they'll tangle up or catch the lip of the crank.

Congrats to the Heat. I was hoping for a Thunder victory; but for the fans' sake, let's hope this turns into a classic rivalry with many more finals appearances for both teams. The Thunder unfortunately looked like a different team the past few games. It's hard to tell if they imploded or if the Heat defense really got to them. Defensively, the Thunder had nobody to stop Lebron's penetration. He's just too big, too strong, too quick.

Definitely a scam. No telling how many times this guy has posted this junk... http://charlotte.craigslist.org/bod/3080590886.html

Wow that's awesome. It looks like he only had one treble hooked up too.

I have both, except they're Avids. I really haven't fished the MHM much yet, but I don't think you'll be able to throw 1/2 ounce traps on the MM. It turns into a noodle at that weight. I use the MM for more open water conditions and lighter cranks like the ones you listed. If you're fishing heavier cover, I'd probably just stick the MHM. I also think the MHM is a little more versatile if you decide to switch up your cranking style. I would definitely try and check the MM out in person before making the purchase though as a lot of guys have decided the rod wasn't for them.

They all look great. What brand paint are you using?

Another avid user here. Casting: Avid AVC70MF Curado E7 10# Invizx Spinning: Avid AVS68MXF Abu Soron STX 6# Invizx

Impressive, especially after two years of usage. May need to pick one up soon. Thanks for the report!

I don't have one but it sounds like a versatile rod. Tackle Warehouse's description says it's also good for light Carolina rigging as well. I'm planning on eventually getting a longer, all around MH powered spinning rod next year so let me know how then one performs on the water.

It should be ok as long as the coat is even throughout the bait and you don't cover the bill. It'll make the bait slightly heavier but that should help with casting distance. I like to use envirotex as a clear coat when repainting baits, but this type of coating requires a drying wheel for an even coat. If you don't want to build a dry wheel, I believe there's another type of coating which you can just dip the bait and hang it up to dry for an even coat(I can't think of the name). Maybe some of the more experienced guys can add in their input on that.

Really like the crappies and the craw

I actually got the 7'6" so it would fit in the bed of my truck. My bed is only 6' long, so the 7'6" barely fits diagonally. But enjoy your new rod and lets hope amazon does a better job packing than they did with mine!

Well I came home this afternoon and surprisingly found the rod a day early. Unfortunately, Amazon lived up to their poor rod packing ability. I cannot believe believe this thing wasn't broken; they literally cut up and taped three boxes together wrapped them around the rod. If you decide to get the rod, it may be better just to order from TW as they'll actually ship it in a tube. As for the rod, I don't think there's any way you could throw a 3/8 ounce lure on it. I'm pretty new to swimbaits but I think a lot of guys like the longer handle for easier two handed casting; you can also keep the longer handle under your arm for setting the hook and fighting the fish. But this rod serves one purpose, throwing big baits. It may be hard to find a rod than handle swimbaits and also throw stuff under an ounce comfortably.

If you're interested in the Okuma, Amazon has the swim bait rods on sale. Although I've heard Amazon isn't the best at shipping rods, I went ahead and ordered the 7'6" Heavy. If you want, I can let you know how well they packaged it once I receive it tomorrow.