Crappiebasser

X2 I use the full size tri wing too.

I didn't know they made outboard oil until the BPS ad came out so I was wondering the same thing. I used Mystik oils in my shifter carts for years and they were always great.

It takes very little effort to set a hook with braid. A quick jerk is all it takes. I know those full tilt hook sets look cool but its not needed. Snapping rods or ripping the fishes mouth is operator error not a rod or braid problem.

When it's too deep for crank baits try a c rigged crank bait. It takes some practice to throw without tangling up but I have caught some big fish in 40FOW with a SK 1.0.

I fish it year round. I use a 3/8 or 1/2 oz tungsten weight. I usually use bullet weights but will go to an egg or barrel weight in the rocks. I use braid with a mono leader. I always use a Carolina keeper instead of a swivel. My favorite bait is a 4" lizard on a 1/0 EWG. In the spring and summer I use a small swim bait like a Little Dipper.

X2 on the Trokars but if you are straightening hooks you'll straighten them too. Unless you are flipping thick mats or some other really nasty cover you need to rethink that hook set. It doesnt take an atomic gorilla yank when you use braid. If you are fishing thick cover you need Gammy super line hooks.

Going to braided line with or without a leader helps a lot with contact baits too.

I really can't speak to the Powells abilities but the Cumara MHXF still wouldn't be my first choice for heavier jigs. It would throw 1 oz but not well. If you're really looking for a rod for 1/2 to 1 oz jigs I suggest you try the 711 HXF. I got to fish one briefly and it's surprisingly light for its size.

I have 3 of the new Cumaras and they fish lighter than rated to me. I mainly fish St Croixs which run a little heavier than rated so it may just be my perception. I have the 72MHXFA and it is good for jigs up to 1/2 but not much more. It is a nice rod though. If you get one I suggest a 50 series reel. My Core 100 felt awkward on them.

My 2 26 gallon tanks take 10 gallons each to move the gauge.

X2 I have always been a die hard St Croix fan but I have have 4 new Cumaras and will not buy another LTB.

I have a Core 50 on a Cumara A 72 MXF and it throws the light stuff very well. I have a Core 100 and I think the 50 is a better choice for light baits.

AL is $12.50.

That's one way to avoid having a roommate on the road trip. Outside of catching snakes nothing really strange.

What type of bait were you using? I use EWGs with lizard or creature baits. I use a 7'3" rod and fast reel. I prefer using Carolina Keepers instead of swivels because I get better feel of the bait. I use braid to a heavy mono leader to help the bait float better. I try to use the lightest weight that will get me to the depth I need but I mostly use 3/8 barrel weights.

If productive means numbers caught it a c rigged 4" Zoom watermelon lizard. If productive means quality fish it's a 1/2oz mop jig.

I have done it for years and never had a problem. On my flipping rods I only run about 30 yards of good line and the rest is filler. The line takes such a beating flipping heavy cover I replace it too often to use a half spool.

Try googling HDPE sheets. There are several online retailers that will cut your exact dimensions fairly cheap and in any color or thickness. I used a piece to make the bezel for a water pressure gauge and tilt meter when I tooth out an old round flasher.

I have a 7'10" H for deep cranks. When I for started buying technique specific rods for crank baits I bought a MH thinking it was a good balance but found it too whippy for DD22s and such.

I have always been a loyal St Croix fan but the 2012 LTB's are not as good as the previous ones to me. The 3 I have seem too tip heavy and a little less sensitive than the older ones. I have the Cumara A 72MXF and 72 MHF. I think they are better rods at the same price point.

I use the one knockers and they are better than red eye shad when slow rolling IMO.

I have a Humminbird 898 SI and highly recommend it. I have never used the Lowrance HDS for enough time to have an opinion about them.

x2 I gave mine to my nephew and he only used it once. It's bad when a broke 14 year old thinks its junk.

My first choice would a used Avid 68MXF if you can find one in your price range. For new rods I would go Carbonlite.68MXF.

I learned with top water like LC Sammy and 1/2 oz Rico's. I couldn't get anything else to skip in the beginng but the top water baits were more forgiving. Once you learn to roll cast that way and stop the spool you can skip just about anything. The tape suggestion is a great idea. I wish I had thought of that.