a1712

I like them and the Lucky E Strike. I really like the big Xcaliber Wake Squarebill, like it so much I had a rod built just to throw them. Brian.

No trying to start an argument just a discussion. When I decide to add a new outfit to my kit, it takes me a good while to decide on all the attributes I need for that setup. Rod action, length, power, handle, guide train, which reel, IPT, line cap, type line, braid, braid+leader, floro, copoly, tons of decisions. I've seen tons of threads on here asking what to use something for after a purchase. How do you guys & girls go about the process of picking and choosing a new setup? I'm very interested in others thought process. Brian.

Punch and Flip away. Just act like the bank is the worlds most stable boat. Better have a Broomstick Rod and Monster Braid, cuz in Fl, I wouldn't want to have to go in after them. Brian.

I adore mine. I heard guys complain about it, but palming my reel, I only need enough for the edge of my palm pad to rest on. Also heard they're not as sensitive as the old IM10 model, but heard nothing but the greatest reviews on the Cumulus which the new Cumaras use that HM1 blank. The new Cumara is also $100 cheaper than the Cumulus was. Brian.

Mine were the old Black models. I have no clue about the new White model, but I'd rate the Blacks as above average. Not NRX sensitive, but they don't cost $500 either. I actually purchased all my Blacks at one time for $75 each and you'd be hard pressed to find a rod as good for twice that. Brian.

I used 10 Carbonlite Micro guide rods for 2.5 years roughly 250 days a year, all over the East coast. In and out of rod lockers, my truck, various boats, hotel rooms, rattling around in a rod tube all up and down the coast. When I sold them they were all like new, never had a single problem with any of the guides and that is something I too have read about. I must have got lucky or just bought from a good batch. I use all customs now and seriously don't think I've gained anything over the Carbonlites. They served me well. Brian.

I haven't seen them listed anywhere in quite a while. It's funny you ask that though, I just seen a few of them at the local GM on sale. Brian.

Call Lew's. Brian.

McCoy Mean Green is a copoly, a pretty well thought of line too. Brian.

I really like my Daiwa DX's, lot a rod for the money. I do think the factory lure ratings are a bit overrated. Brian.

Let's see, MD, PA, NY, WV, VA, FL, SC, NC, GA ect., that comes out to a lot. Brian.

SK Rage Blade Bluegill w/Havoc 3.5" Grass Pig Watermellonseed. Port St. Lucie in Nov.. Didn't have my scale, but it would have ate anything else I had caught all year. Brian.

Wasn't trying to be an arse, was trying to help you get your jigs. Brian.

Did a quick net search and on the first page found them in stock at Tackle Center, Jax Cat Tackle, Kittery, Hawg Hunter etc., etc. Brian.

Basstrix Flash Trix, skunk saver. Brian.

X2. Brian.

Check TW for the Navionic system. Brian.

Odd they didn't put bearing on the levelwind. It couldn't add much cost or weight. If Joe Citizen can add bearings for $10, why wouldn't they put them in to start? Brian.

Not trying to be an arse, but if you don't trust your Smithy to help you with the decisions on your build, I'd look else where. Brian.

Most places I know on it would be rough in a Tunnel Hull Jet. I've only fished the area off 15 though, I've never scored to many bigger Bass through that section, but there's def quantity there. Brian.

I've hooked Bass in the lower jaw with Texas Rigged Worms, Jigs and Spinnerbaits. Always find it odd, but it happens. Brian.

With cheaper shipping. One piece rod from Japan, $34, cardboard box w/3 3700 Plano's in it 3 states away, $31. I don't buy rod or reels stateside anymore. I'd like to, but $285 from Japan or $695 stateside, what would you do? Brian.

X2. Brian.

Reels being Shipped EMS it would be extremely rare to be charged anything. On a Rod it's a different story, that would be UPS, DHL, or Fedex and then a Duty is prob. around a 50-50 chance. Almost guaranteed with UPS, but on a $300 Rod it's about $25-$30. That's not bad considering you're prob saving $200-$300 by ordering over seas. Remember though, NO WARRANTY. Brian.

I've been throwing the Baker cranks and jerks since there release. I've caught a bunch of fish on them and they're still like new. You are correct, they do look fantastic. Brian.