kickerfish1

Spro and Kopper is about all I use.

Custom Phenix K2 6'8 Light Majorcraft Speedstyle 6'4 UL Both of these rods I got at a steal but they are great rods that handle panfish, trout, and smaller bass just fine. These are both spinning rods and I assume that is what you are asking about.

Forgotten may not be the best word but I would be willing to bet if you asked anglers on this site to post pictures of their topwater collection I would bet the ratio of Torpedo baits to any other topwater like a popper or walk the dog style would be an overwhelming number not in favor of the torpedo. Me personally I have 10 poppers/walkers to ever 1 torpedo.

If you are set on Quantum that is fine but I don't believe there are a lot of guys on here that use them. More of a Daiwa, Shimano, Lews, BPS, Phfleuger, crowd it seems. Just make sure you get something that has an aluminum frame or a magnesium frame over graphite. The pros are using likely whatever they want so they may be selecting a mix of mid to higher end offerings from Quantum. Not sure I agree with this completely. Megabass makes rods and reels. Their reels are essentially tuned Daiwa reels. Tuned internally, and usually with cosmetic differences. Their rods are incredible at the Orichi XX line and above and compare favorably to any other rod manufacturer. Shimano is another example. However I will say that the rods aren't as good as some of their early offerings. The gen 1 and gen 2 Cumara rods plus the Cumulus rods were some of the best bass rods that I have ever used. And the Cumulus rods were some of the lightest as well. For what you pay for the Abu rods I think they are solid values especially their Veritas/Vendetta/Villain rods. I don't know how Lews rods are and I haven't used many of the One Three rods and reels so I cant comment on those but the other 3 I mentioned all make really nice rods IMO.

Close as in feel alone? IMO it is close and there may be some models in the GLX line up that outshine rods in the NRX line. My only "new" GLX experience is the MBR 844. It is a great rod for bottom contact and spinnerbaits/chatterbaits. Other selling points for the new GLX rods over the NRX rods would be no recoil guides for the guys that don't like them plus a few options for full handles vs split grip. The balance seems to be quite good and reel seats are quite comfortable as well. I have no complaints about my new GLX nor do I wish I would have selected another NRX rod Are you looking at any particular models in each respective line of rods?

I had a buddy use one while I was tossing a popper style bait. We both had a great morning bite going. It is a bait that the fish probably don't see as much as walk the dog style baits or popping style baits. I have 4 or 5 and this is a nice reminder to for me to incorporate them some more this year

So you are referring to more of deep water ledge jig made of hair correct and not something that is small and compact in profile and typically of more of a lighter weight or smaller profile? If that is the case I haven't used many of those type but I have used the Northstar Hair jigs in the 1/4 to 1/2 oz sizes with great success. They be a bit more compact and perhaps a bit more on the lighter side then you are looking for but they really excel at fishing clear water and pressured fish.

Both seem to get a fair amount of use when I am looking to cover water. Like Blue mentioned I think I can get the spinnerbait to track faster while the chatterbait it seems like I have to slow it down some ensure the blades are thumping. I don't feel like one is better than the other rather both are solid fish producers year round.

I have used both but primarily as swim jig trailers. My preference is actually the Little Dipper or baby brother of the Big Dipper. It isn't much of a pronounced side to side wag but rather fast little "kicks". When I want more of pronounced side to motion I use the Keitech products. Their softer bodies lend themselves to more wider side to swimming action though the durability is the only knock.

While I agree with this, it is pretty much true of any prop bait for that matter.

I have no idea why you would want to fish the bait up side down the belly slot on top. You might as well wacky rig it while your at it.

I gaff all my bass!

I bought an UL spinning rod last year that still remains reel-less. I put a few reels on it including a 1000 sized Shimano and a smaller President and Supreme. Sadly I think the rod needs something even smaller! I am holding out patiently for a new 500 sized reel. Something for trout, bluegill, crappie and juvenile bass and 4# line.

Cool builds Goose! Those sort of reel seats and old school rods that use a pistol grip handle are starting to have a rebirth with some groups of anglers. Looks like you accomplished exactly what you wanted

Darren - It is my understanding that at some point in time this year, Shimano will be putting out a 500 sized reel or two. This was per a Shimano rep on TackleTour.

Good stuff! Always nice to see a new angler exposed to fishing. Send your thumb to school so you can get it educated!

For a new reel, I would opt for the Alphas SV 105.

That place is a joke.

I have 2 of the same exact reel. Once you get past the weight they are the bees knees. It can distance cast and control cast with the best of them.

Well you just bought the rod and reel so I would spool it up and go fishing. Spinners dont really need any extra maintenance when new but you may find you need a small break in period to really smooth out. After a year you can take it apart, clean it, and re-oil and grease the moving parts. Depending upon how often you fish and how often you use the reel you may be able to get by with cleaning it every few years. For the rod any kind of rod glove or sleeve will be fine.

I would stuff it full of jigs and plastic trailers.

Good to see ya back in action Hooly!

Just the occasional Pig Boss and Craw Fatty.

I can typically get a good 5 feet tossing a senko into 100 mph winds.

Rod covers or jackets and reel covers will help a lot. Is the back of your truck covered or open? If covered you could use blankets or towels to help pad them in addition to the covers and jackets. If you don't have a bed cover I am not sure what to tell ya.