stkbassn

If you are looking for a great swimbait stick and don't want to spend a ton, you can go with the Okuma Guide Series. I owned the 7'11 MH and found it to be good for baits with treble hooks, it had a moderate action I found. Very nice rod for the money, check Amazon. I now own the Fenwick Elite Tech Swimbait rod that's a 7'9H Extreme Speed Control...it's better suited for Hudds or baits with a single hook, soft swimbaits. You can find one that does it all...TW has a Lamiglas 8' that I was looking and it's under 100 which is a steal IMHO. I think this rod might be a great compromise as well as having some length to chuck those baits out there... You'll need a solid rod for these 6" Hudds and bigger baits. I have tried to throw them on lighter bass gear and it can be done but it's not ideal in my experience.. One bait you really should consider is the Skeet or Velvick Rago's in 5.5 inch....this bait is simply wonderful...they are around the 20 dollar mark but man, worth it and the profile isn't beastly but gets attention. Hudds and Rago's....can't go wrong! Good luck!

i'm going to buy one today though paying retail is a bit of a sore spot when I can order off Ebay for $118.... i hope I love it. I think I will. I handled it yesterday and it seems pretty sweet. I really love the handle. I'm going to chuck swimbaits with it on Sunday...eventually it will be an all purpose reel so I'm hoping it can handle lighter baits well....

Lew's BB1; I see at least one person above that's praising that reel. Anyone else have experience with it? This is one I would consider simply because of the braking system....I've read good things! At $159 it's competing with Chronarchs (well only a bit less money...) I may buy a Chronarch and a BB1.....

Thanks for all of your input and suggestions guys! I really appreciate your time.

Yes, thanks. I've already copped to that in the post above. I tried it one day and didn't go back...probably could have mastered it with patience and experimenting but found it easier to sell it and stick with what I know. I'm good with Shimano and Abu but I will give credit where it's due, Lews are nice reels.

I used a Powell Diesel MH XF for throwing my thundersticks last year and did well. I wasn't sure that this was the proper rod for the application but lost few fish. I bought an *** Black 7'1 MH/F for T-Rigs and love the rod though haven;t fished it. I was thinking of getting a 7'1 MF for throwing the thunderstick this year. Would this be recommended over the MH or should I just get another one or two of those? I was thinking the 7'3 MH for my jig fishing.... Thoughts guys? Thanks

Thanks for your input everyone. I'll probably stick with a Chronarch or Curado. Played around with the 50E at Sportsmans Warehouse and I am definitely impressed.

That makes sense to me about the braking systems being different and this factor obviously plays a big part in style and what you get used to. In response to this post and the one by rippin lips, I am not new to fishing or baitcasting. I suppose it's just the fact that I'm used to the system in the Revos and the Curados more so than the Lews. I appreciate your suggestions and advice on how to go about learning how to handle that reel though. I don't know that I would ever go and buy another one but if I come across a great deal I might buy one just to learn it. Thanks for the input! All this being said, I think the Lew's look and feel great. Definitely nice reels!

The Gander near me was selling them last year for $79....well they have them again and guess what? $120...I asked the guy why and he couldn't answer. He said they just keep getting them in....I think the reel is worth the money but after paying $80 it's hard to swallow $40 more....$105 isn't great either but better than $120....

I was considering the new chronarch 50E or even another Citica 200E....maybe another REVO S.... Suggestions and opinions welcomed....thanks in advance!

All my first Lews did was backlash every time I threw it....my Curados and Citicas won't backlash unless I do something dumb, which I do! ha. How do you set the thing up not to do so? I really liked the Lews as far as weight and feel....I don't know that I like it more than my Shimanos but they are nice for sure.....My Curados and Citica E's are pretty darn sweet and I like them. My Revo S is great too.

I don't own the flipping stick either but I do have the Elite Tech Swimbait rod and the Elite Tech Target Spinnerbait rod and both are great. No complaints!

I really don't like the Cardiff to be honest but that's me. A lot of guys do like it. I had the 300 and it was an okay reel. I'd go with the Daiwa Lexa 300 if you want a reel with line capacity and serious drag....you can find one on Ebay for around $160. Very nice reel. Also, you can probably get away with a regular sized baitcaster. I use a REVO S for my Hudds, Ospreys and Mattlures...nothing over 7" or 2oz but that reel handles my swimbaits well. I saw some of the pre-white Revo S reels for under $100 on ebay, new and free shipping. A steal really.

Good point here, much appreciated. I might buy a M for 6-8 inch worms and and 7'3 MH for big worms and jigs....

Sam, I certainly agree that spinning gear would take care of most any casting issue I have had but I just can't make myself go back to it. It just feels strange after being away from spinning gear for so long. Maybe I should stop being so stubborn about it....it's a thought. I have enjoyed my Shimano 2500's for sure and wouldn't want anything heavier than those....

Thanks for the input, it's appreciated. I must admit that I'm a little nervous about it based on what I've read. However, I did read that the Wild Black has been improved since it's release. Does this sound right or have there been recent incidents with rods recently released. When I say recent, I'm assuming 2012 or later but don't know what their production schedule would be....and apparently they are impossible to talk to....does the Wizard of Oz run this company?

It sounds like 7' MH is the way to go then. I appreciate all of your replies. Thanks to everyone!

I need your help folks and I appreciate it in advance. In the past I have used spinning gear for worming but I don't use it anymore. I am going to have a worm set up for mostly Texas rigs and even though I know it's not ideal, I'm only going to have one.....so here are the specs of the rods I'm considering... This is a Carrot stix wild black....My main concern is casting ease and accuracy with some of the lighter weights....which is best for lighter weights all the way up to 10-12" worms...all of this mostly in open water and brush piles... My thought was the 6'9 MH but I'm leaning toward the 7 M...I felt like the 7 MH would be too stiff..... 6'9 MH -F 1/4 - 1 oz 7 M-F 1/4 - 1 oz 7 MH -F 3/8 - 1 oz Thanks everyone! Thoughts?

Wow, I've never been able to ship a rod for less than $20 bucks....

These can be tough to come by. I've gotten some from carpet shops and from Lowe's in the flooring section...Also, I've had luck with Dicks and a local tackle shop here...however, it's luck of the draw with these things. I've been keeping all of mine from TW and Bass Pro so I have a nice collection for now. Good luck!

I agree, I think Mustad should step up here. If not with the 100K, they should do something VERY nice for this guy. He bought and used their hooks in hopes of being one of the lucky few to catch a state record fish and guess what, he did.....

I would use a Ballpark hot dog or Boar's Head Brand, use the bun length dog at night for the larger profile...the regular one is more of a finesse dog...which you can rig wacky style or on a drop shot...

Curado, Citica E series....

I always know what's coming when someone asks about a deep cranking rod ! LOL I still recommend the Powell Composite Deep Cranking rod, 7'11....best cranker I've ever had. I swear you are going to get me curious enough to try this Lamiglas one day. Still won't be replacing my Powell though, I love that rod!

Wakebait fish caught last Thursday night...CL8 Water Vole..awesome bait!