new2BC4bass

The new 6'6" ML should give you more distance. Maybe quite a bit. However, if distance is what you are looking for, then you should look for a 7'3" thru 7'6" ML. The longer rod will give you the best distance with everything else being equal. Having said that, I've always preferred shorter spinning rods just because that is what I used growing up. Now if I could just afford the 7'6" Daiwa that runs over $500 I might change my mind.

First knot I learned was the Clinch Knot. Then the Improved Clinch Knot. Then the Uni Knot. Use the Uni all the time now regardless of line type. Well.....occasionally the Fish N Fool Knot which is nothing more than the Uni, but with the line run twice thru the eye.

No experience with any of these rods, but I'd be tempted. Daiwa Rebellion MF Zolo Maestro Ikos Shake 7 Plus a couple of Lew's: Pro LFS-X5, Lite HM-85 And maybe even a St. Croix or two. I've ignored my spinning rods for quite a few years. Want to get back to using them more often. Hopefully that won't awaken the Bait Monkey. Don't need more, but the above all look good.

Thanks to a class act gentleman on here I have one Dobyns. A 704CB Glass currently with a Gen 2 Premier.

Going to a slower gear ratio (like 8.1:1 to 7.1:1) in the same reel decreases the IPT (inches per turn). IPT tells you more than gear ratio. Not all 8.1:1 ( or any other ratio) reels retrieve at the same IPT. And as Tom said, a 40 yard cast will not have the same IPT as a 15 yard cast from the same reel because of the differences in circumference where the top layer of line is sitting.

OG refers to the original model. My 6'10" MHF OG Tatula weighs 3.74 oz. No idea what the new model weighs. No experience with any Zodias so I can't help there.

First knot I learned was the Clinch Knot, then the Improved Clinch Knot. Never fished over 8# mono. Don't recall any problems with either. Then I learned the Uni Knot. Been using it every since regardless of line type. Never a problem. If worried, I'll do as the above poster....use the Fish N Fool Knot.

Just wanted to say and say that is some nice gear. And that you are going at it like I should have. A few top of the line rods and reels, then being satisfied instead of starting near the bottom and working my way up. And winding up with more gear than I can use. Not a tournament fisherman, and although I have upgraded my gear, you are still way above my budget. There are many on here that can help you, tho.

In that case I like both your spinning options. I've never used a Tatula spinning rod, but own several of the OG Tatula casting rods. AFAIC it is hard to find a better rod for the money. Never had a BuCoo, but own Original, Cara and OG Experts (all casting models) and feel they are also excellent rods for the money. I prefer my BG to my President XT, but that is my personal preference. Good luck deciding.

As much as I like to pick up good used deals I've only checked Craigslist a couple times. Never knew of Facebook Marketplace. I hate going on Facebook. Will have to check it out. Thanks. However, I doubt it will have much more fishing gear than Craigslist. Slim pickins in my area.

I'd have to agree. I've got rods/reels for finesse. I know I need to start using my spinning (and casting) gear for lighter lures, but keep picking of outfits for heavier lures. My finesse gear just sits. So unless you know you are willing to actually start using a finesse outfit, then I would get a new casting rod for the chatterbaits that you love to throw. Here is a nice video on picking the right chatterbait rod. Some rods mentioned are more than you want to spend, but you can get the idea of what makes a great chatterbait rod. I don't think your Vengeance qualified. If you use your current reel, you can get a couple of the rods mentioned in the video as they run $200. I have a few models that I will be trying with chatterbaits this season. Chatterbaits are a new lure to me. A B-Hittay, Gabe's Rip Rap Special, an OG Tatula 7'2" MHR, and an older Fenwick HMG 7’2” M-Med-Fast are all rod selections I want to try with chatterbaits. If you want to stick with graphite rods, then I would look at Falcon or Hammer rods. Their Fast rods have nice parabolic bends that (hopefully) should keep bass pinned. The Expert 7'6" Heavy MF looks to fit the bill based on what I gathered from the above video. Quite a few Falcons are listed as having a Moderate-Fast action. I would opt for a Heavy power Falcon as they do seem to fish a bit light.

OP, welcome to the forum. Left hand or right hand? Here is a beautiful looking LH reel for $45. Recently received one, but it will be awhile before I can use it. Only 2 left in stock. Very nice looking reel. Much nicer looking than my Icon. https://www.amazon.com/Quantum-KVD101H-Team-Baitcast-Reel/dp/B01397TPQK $40 Icon. Well built reels per PhishLi (and a couple others). https://www.amazon.com/Quantum-KVD101H-Team-Baitcast-Reel/dp/B01397TPQK The Falcon Lowrider is a lot of rod at full price. If I was only going to spend $100 on a rod this would be my first choice. According to several on here (and elsewhere) the Daiwa Aird X is a great value at $55. A few have said that the Lew's Carbon Fire sold exclusively at Dick's Sporting goods fishes above its price point. Currently on sale for $60.

Very nice! Bet the rod covers cost more than I could afford.

The Dobyns 736CB Glass was designed for chatterbaits and is listed for large crankbaits and spinnerbaits. I wanted one immediately after reading reviews on the rod. Above my pay scale, tho. Almost bought one during TW's last Christmas sale, but it wouldn't have been a good use of my funds given how much I fish anymore. It is possible that I already have a rod or two that will work sufficiently for my needs. Don't always need the best no matter what the Bait Monkey says.

I thru small Beetlespins on a 6' ML for years and a K-Mart special before that (over 60 years ago).

I only weighed one of each. ½ oz. Strike King Thunder Cricket = .62 oz. ½ oz. War Eagle Spinnerbait = .82 oz. Dragging a 1/2 oz. Colorado blade spinnerbait over tops of weeds tires this old man's rod arm out in fairly short order. A good reason to carry both LH and RH reels.

I really can't add to what has already been. said. I fish from shore, and like Russ E I sometimes (often?) power cast my Daiwas with no problem. I will add that it is possible to get a bad reel. Recently got a 'Blem' Elite. I think the normal person would consider a blem as cosmetic. Spool won't spin. Turning handle is hard. My first SV reel was the SV105HSL. Everyone was extolling its virtues and how easy it was to cast. Mine backlashed easily. Sent it to a professional and now it is one fine reel. BTW, I learned on a TD Fuego so it isn't like I didn't know how to use a Daiwa. My Daiwas outnumber every other brand I own.

Can't really help with either. Never had an Elite. Got out with my B-Hittay just once last year. I don't know about thick, but the diameter is huge compared to my other rods. Closest thing to it I have is an OG 7'6" MHF Villain. Just something I thought I would point out in case it made a difference to you. Mine weighs 6.31 oz. One reviewer of the B-Hittay said it was his favorite of the series even tho he was admittedly a jig man. Said it was a fun rod to use. I will say the site I read the review on has never had a bad word to say about any product they've tested....of the articles I've read. My new-2-me X10 hasn't had a reel on it yet.

I agree with Bankc......it is easier for me to make a left hand roll cast than a right backhand cast. And, yes, I know I need more practice with the backhand. I've read that it is best to study in sort intervals...like 15 minutes. The mind will retain the first and the last few things....for the average person. Just like a speaker can rattle off a set of numbers and most will remember the first and last 2-3 numbers while having problems with the numbers in the middle. It is also amazing what the mind can perform while you are asleep. Many times (years ago, not so much now) I would wake up during the middle of the night knowing how to solve a problem at work. I'd go in, try it and bingo...worked.

40# Performance was the first braid I bought. It loses its color fairly fast, but did not leave the color on my reel. It was on a Gen1 STX that went to Florida every year with me for fishing in the slop. A few hours of casting a 3/4 oz. spoon tied direct twisted the line so bad I had to throw it away. Otherwise there is a good chance it would have still been on that reel. I feel it is an excellent low cost alternative. Quieter than Original Power Pro.

Wow! Very nice.

I use 12# mono or co-polymer all the time.

I like hi-viz lines. Do have some green. No black.

None by friends. I did break one when I fell face first into a pile of rocks. I keep several rods in Florida. My nephew and a friend (or two) took 3 of them to use. One never came back. Naturally it wasn't the chitty one. I only had low cost rods there. Another sister-in-law offered to store my rods for me. Now no one else uses them, and I have a couple 'better' (not expensive) rods there now. I have no problem with my nephew using my rods as long as he takes care of them. Unfortunately since he has no money invested in them he wasn't all that careful.

I have a Gen 1 Premier. Magnetic only brake. Gen 2 is dual brake. Said to handle a wide range of lures. EDIT: Meaning it will handle fairly light lures. Don't remember how light.