coak

For used G. Loomis rods you can check out American legacy fishing's used rod section as well if you don't want to deal with auction sites or forum hopping

x2.........I also recall some of the members saying something about Yo-Zuri Ultrasoft being a good line for spinning outfits, due to its ability to reduce memory. Either way you can get spools of both for about the same price as the usual Trilene lines.

I appreciate all of the information given. I do have a ML Convergence but like I said it just needs a reel. I'm going to keep a lookout for one of the ProLites that Goose has talked of, and will also probably give either the Lexa 100 or a Curado 50e a good hard look as well. Thanks, Coak

I'm really wanting to find a good finesse casting reel, as I usually fish creeks and rivers, averaging throwing 1/8 oz. roadrunners, spinnerbaits, cranks, etc. I just cant seem to find the BPS ProLite anymore on the website. Perhaps I should try the Bay? I will also say that I'm wanting to hear suggestions, but I Do Not have the coin for something like a Pixy. Thanks in advance. Coak

Check out the Pro Qualifier. Goose52 was doing a challenge to see if this reel could last five years. Search for this reel and you will find quite a few posts/threads. A lot of these guys on this site swear by this reel. I've never fished it myself, but am thinking of picking one up at the spring classic later this month.

x2

Thanks Chris for the info, however I should've clarified in the OP that I'm talking about a casting rod instead of a spinning rod.

Thinking about getting a Med Lt power rod and saw that the e21 company offers them in their Wild models of both orange and black. Is there any real differences other than color that would constitute a $30 increase from one to another? I know that they've been known to have some QC issues but I'm just curious what seperates the two? Thanks, Coak

Check out a military surplus store for possible medic bags. I use them and love'em, and I'm sure they'll be cheaper as well. Then again I don't really bank fish, I wade in local rivers.

Perhaps one of my most dependable lures for smallies in rivers is an in-line spinner. Completely underrated by the largemouth guys IMHO, but indespensible for a smallmouth angler. If you fish stretches with rocky bottoms like I do......any craw will produce most times, though I never have had the patience to fish with soft plastics. I'm also fond of the jointed rapala's......especially in either the baby bass or fire craw paint finish.

Is there a personal limit of rods to trade in that they'll cap you off at?

Are these online, or store specific?

Thanks Junkie and .RM for the info. Your prognosis seems correct. I've had the rod for 5+ yrs and its my go to rod for everything. I will def be trying the nail polish in the meantime while looking for a rod builder. I really appreciate the input.

Okay so I own a Shimano Convergeance that I'm very fond of. I've noticed while wiping it down, that the epoxy finish around one or two eyelets is starting to show signs of what I perceive are wear. The epoxy finish is starting to look translucent as in it looks like plastic rising away from one eyelet and bubbling in another. My question is can I get it re-epoxied/wrapped, or has this rod had it and I just need to replace it? Just wanting to hear from you all as to how you would either address resolving the issue, or when you know it's time to start looking for a replacement rod. Thanks, Coak

I too haven't had mine on the water as I live in central Ohio and we're well underway with winter now. I do know that this rod just out of the box feels super sensitive and light, by far the nicest rod that I own now. My wife even held it and remarked......"I could even use this without getting tired"!!! LOL!!!! The river I fish is primarily rocky with patches of silt here and there. I'm also wondering if I could use it for squarebills or not? I think maybe the downside to the squarebill use would be that the tip would be bouncing all over the place? I'm planning on paring it up with the Tour reel she got me since it's a 6.3:1.

I may be in the very small minority here, but I would seriously look @ the Berkley Amp rods. I know the way the reel seat adjusts can be wierd, but for around $30 you may be able to get a decent rod and save $$$$ especially if just getting acquainted with bass fishing.

Wifey got me a Quantum Energy PT 7:1, Quantum Tour Edition PT 6.3:1 and a Shimano Cumara 7'6" ML as well for rippin lips with lipless cranks in the local river for smallies!!!! I truly owe her and will be returning the favors on V-day and our anniversary for sure.

Well thanks for the info junkie and farmer. I'm going to perhaps take a closer look at these and see how they feel. I appreciate the info for sure.

I was looking at some of the house brand Gander Mountain rods. In particular the GSX Elite II and the GSX Titanium split grip casting rods. I'm just curious if anyone has either experience with these or may know who the house brand blanks are made by???? Thanks, Coak

TW has the winch for like $130 until the 31st I believe

I know they're not as popular, but I grew up with and still use the Spirex model. I've just always liked the dual handle feature and the rear drag setup to keep from getting my hand in the way of the line while fighting a fish. Usually they can be had at a store for >$65, although I'm sure you might be able to find one cheaper on the bay or any other site.

Is this a good way to spool up braided line on a reel?

Hey guys, I'm wondering why, when I throw my Buzzbaits parallel with the shore/bank they don't come straight back, but rather come in at an angle? I'm left handed and it's more so when I'm casting over my right shoulder and out to the left side of my position. I've tried to hold my rod out as far as possible since I'm on the bank, and instead of running parallel with the bank it's retrieving in at like a 45 degree angle? Can you play with the blades to make one run "true" like you can when adjusting a lip on a crank? I'm just getting frustrated with it time after time and though I'd ask. Thanks in advance, Coak

Thanks all for replies. I'm going with a trailer next time out and will def try speeding up my retrieve as well