Jrob78

How do you like the Tour Star grips? I've got a set but I haven't used them yet.

I just picked up 5 NIB Megabass Vision 110 High Floaters for less than half price, I'm thinking they will be great for warm water fishing. I think the Spro McStick 115 will be very good too. I usually want a jerkbait I can fish fast that will stay up shallow for summer fishing.

Actually, a 6'6" ml spinning rod would benefit more from micro guides than most rods. The lighter the blank, the more added weight will effect it.

If everything was in good shape and I wanted or needed those specific rods, I would think somewhere around $175-200 per combo would be a fair price.

The vast majority of rod builders, that I know about at least, are building spiral wrapped rods as much as possible for customers and 100% for their personal rods. I just think it's a hard sell to the average fisherman. Big companies aren't going to build them if they don't think they'll sell. It took years for micro guides to show up on commercial rods.

I build the majority of my rods with spiral wrapped micros. I see no reason not to.

I prefer cork but I'm ok with eva too. Good cork costs around $5 an inch, that's why eva and split grips are so popular now.

Those handles look awesome! I'm going to have to get one or five.

It (BB1) does have an anti-reverse but it doesn't have an anti-reverse bearing like most modern reels. It has an anti-reverse pawl which allows for a tiny amount of back play.

I'm a Daiwa guy so I would get the Tatula. There's a Type R with my name on it as soon as they're released.

Mine too.

I fish from a 135 with the high seat. I find myself sitting way more than standing. I will stand to stretch out but usually end up sitting back down to fish. The kayak is plenty stable to stand in but I'm not completely comfortable fishing that way. Plus, it's hard to paddle while standing up and fishing. I highly recommend the elevated seat for the Rides.

I like a MH mod fast graphite rod for sq bills. In general, I go to a more moderate rod as the baits get deeper. I never use a regular fast action rod for 1.5 or larger sized sq bills but I do use a med ex-fast rod for small sq bills like the RC 0.5, KVD 1.0, Lucky Craft Clutch.....etc.

I'm not sure where to get the #5's. You do have to be pretty careful with jerkbait hooks, any minute change in weight will effect the suspending properties of the bait.

Get the Boga's, I don't think you'll be sorry. Just make sure to put a float on them, scales don't do you any good at the bottom of the lake.

There's no such thing as "the best" of anything. What I think is the best is different than what someone else thinks is the best. Any rod action or power will work well with braid.

The line will work fine on your regular baitcaster. The main issue with heavier line is line capacity. As long as your reel doesn't have a shallow spool, you should be ok. If you're throwing smaller swimbaits, less than 2 ounces or so, your reel should be fine, assuming it's a decent reel.

By all means get the heavy then. A good 7'-7'6" HF rod is very versatile for heavy weights and heavy cover.

Yeah that's weird. TN definitely shouldn't be considered north, especially when one of the Southern Open events is in North Carolina. The Elite schedule looks great, should be a good season. I can't wait for the Classic at Guntersville, I bet it sets records for weights at a Classic.

99% of my topwater fishing is done with a shad pattern of some sort, a bluegill pattern or clear. Water clarity is the main factor, everything else being equal.

Frog hooks are big, you need a stout hook set and rod to drive those hooks home, braid or not. I use a heavy powered rod with 50lb braid for frogging and wouldn't think of going lighter. Rods don't just break on hook sets, if you avoid banging your rods into hard objects and stepping on them, they will last a very long time.

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Yep, you're absolutely right. I was basing my statement on the OP saying there were 5-7 per pack. I checked everything else but didn't check that.

Check out the Big Bite Baits Yo Mama. I believe they come 8-10 to a pack and are cheaper. Also, the Zoom Z-Hog and Yum Wooly Bug are a little cheaper than the RI.

I've been using the Bio-Silk for a few months now. I mix it with regular silicone for more color options. The Bio-Silk looks great in the water and it's much easier to work with than living rubber.