ChiCityBasser

Landed my first frog bass while fishing in Hammond, IN. I didn't have the right equipment with me but figured I would try the frog in the slop along the shore since provided plenty of cover and shade as the temps are close to 85 degrees out. I was using a Cabelas XML 6'6" Rig&Jig spinning rod with a Quantum Kinetic reel with Cajun Advantage 8# test and a Dean Rojas Bronzeye frog in Rainforest Black. After several cast and finally getting one right where I wanted and bringing it back along the shore she hit and remembered to wait a few seconds before setting the hook. I did and she took plenty of drag before I got her in as she put up a good fight. Next time I'll have the baitcaster and braid but glad I remembered what I read on the board about the hookset and making sure the fish has it before you set the hook.

All my fishing so far has been from the bank and I've had the most success with the Strike King 1XS shallow crank in Gizzard Shad color.

I would think the same rod might work but sure others will chime in as I'm using the same glass rod I have for both types of lures.

I've had lots of success with the baby craw as a trailer on the strike king swim jigs.

Yes I have fished with Shimano but only the spinning reels. I have used both the Sahara which I currently have and a Saros at one time. They are great reels don't get me wrong but I just prefer Quantum. Of my baitcasting setups I've had a Daiwa Megaforce which I sold thru the board. I have a Cabelas Prodigy(Daiwa), a Accurist PT,a Quantum Energy PT and just added a Daiwa Exceler. They work well for me and no knock on any other product or brand.

The older Quantum Energy PT that I have weighs in at 9.5oz and the new Energy PT is 7.8oz and no the weight isn't a problem for me at all either on the older model. The new Catalyst is also in the 7.8 oz range.

2-3 and I'm fishing from the shore/bank. One for Cranks and treble hook lures. One for anything else and both spinning. One Baitcaster also for anything heavier.

The next step up would be the new Accurist PT, then the Kinetic PT and then the Catalyst PT. I have the Accurist PT from a couple years ago, which did pretty good in reviews on TackleTour. I also have last years Energy PT which works very well for me but I know others on the board have complained about the weight of the reel. Both reels came off ebay at great prices (less than $75).

Good to hear it worked out great as I'm a Quantum fan myself and continued success.

PM sent and looking forward to that Cranking stick ;)

Nice Collection of gear

I fish from the shore mostly myself and I use a number of Cabelas rods. The Cabelas Prodigy is on sale now for either $59 or $89 depending on the model. I have a couple of the XML rods in different lengths and actions that are my go to fishing rods day in and out. http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat20166-cat20168-cat20374&id=0064414123858a&navCount=5&podId=0064414&parentId=cat20374&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=9IS&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat20374&hasJS=true

Since you like the Daiwa, I would say try either the Exceler or Tierra in a combo. Cabelas has the Exceler and Cabelas Fish Eagle II rod for around $130. Just ordered a Exceler off ebay myself to try and just have to figure out a rod to put in on myself. Good Luck

It's just a matter of practice and also a good line pick when u do backlash. I have 3 baitcast setups and I've been spending an hour or so just casting it at the lake to get used to using my thumb. Last time out using a swim jig I caught a couple and no backlashes. Good luck

I'm a Quantum fan myself and think the reel would work great for the application you suggested if the rod you are using is also part of the equation. Since the reel is new there will probably be feedback on both Bass Pro and Cabelas from previous purchasers either good or bad. Sure there are other sites where u can get feedback as well. Good Luck with it if u make the purchase and sure others will chime in as well.

I would go with either of the rods that Rick named and yes the Berkley Amp comes in both 1pc and 2pc with the majority of the casting rods being 1pc. Cabelas also has the Prodigy down to $59.99 on some models online as well

Sounds like a good move and I have an Accurist PT which is what this reel sounds like as you mentioned. The Accurist are great reels and love the flipping switch and good luck and let us know how it goes

I'd say any 2000-2500 series real in the $100 and up range from Shimano, Quantum, Abu-Garcia,Pflueger would be a good choice of spinning reel.

I'm a Quantum guy and haven't had any experience with the Shaw Grigsby model reel but did purchase one of the BPS KVD Quantum reels in place of the latest Catalyst last year. I took the reel back as I wasn't happy with the performance and purchased the Kinetic PTI-B and it's a much better reel. From my experience I would say either purchase the Accurist/Accurist PT which can be found on ebay for about $50 and stay away from the Shaw Grigsby model.

Looking at getting the Dick's Field and Stream Tec-Spec crankbait rod myself to try out. It's $59 and using the $10 off coupon

I think I will be picking up the crankbait rod to go along with a Daiwa Exceler and see how the combo feels. I have the $10 off coupon as well

I'm using Vicious 6# test on a spinning set up for basically shallow cranks and treble hook lures. So far it has been pretty good with KVD sprayed on it. This time of the year the lakes and reservoir are ranging from gin clear to murky and stained and the line has been great. It's has a little line memory but the KVD takes care of that and it's nice and strong. This is my first time using Fluoro and I'm impressed with Vicious

This one is my favorite as well. May not be cheap, but they're worth every penny. I have a couple of these as well but not much success in the past and time to give them a second chance

I'm a Quantum guy so I would suggest the New Energy PT but I also like the Diawa Aggrest

Casting: Cabelas Prodigy or Quantum Accurist PT