lmbfisherman

Modified Albright and uni to uni.

I'm no scientist or expert but braid can be ripped out easier in vegetation. Try it sometime, to see what I mean. Really though you are over thinking this, in the end this is your preference on how you want to fish. In my opinion you can use any line, people who argue mono sucks for Frogs are generalizing because of the stretch. At heavier test 17+ that isn't really an issue, copolymer is less stretch than mono in general so that in my opinion is a good compromise.

Why not? I would use 20lb copoly or mono as my leader. Main advantage of braid in heavy vegetation is that it can cut through easier. You can fish frogs on 20-30 lb mono with no issues.

I use braid, 10-15lb and tie on leaders. I would also say get a 2500 sized reel, so you have a good all around reel.

Yeah understand, but I was like you a few years ago. What I did was I used all the left over lines and just practiced. I first used uni to uni, it was the easiest in my opinion to tie but for sure in the beginning due to my skills tying it I lost a few fish. Eventually I got really good at it but now I use the modified albright. I found this even as a beginner knot tying to be very good and I haven't lost a single fish. I was scared to try doing them but once you practice, you will see it isn't that bad. My advice when tying the uni to uni or modified albright in the beginning, I'd add another wrap or two. I'm not trying to push you but I was like you at one point. I wasn't great at tying knots, but by practicing on old line...it helped my confidence and knot tying quickly. Either way, if you are comfortable the way you are doing it now and confident...I'd continue what you're doing. Just giving you advice that I was in your shoes before. The other option is, why not just use like 17-20 lb Yozuri or PLine? It would be an all around compromise for all of your techniques, no knot tying, abrasion resistance..etc.

For treble hooks you can get away with braid if you have a moderate tip on your rod. If not I'd be tying on a mono leader. If you were doing buzz baits and frogs you can get away with braid. I would just wait a tad longer before setting the hook, I find that a mono leader using frogs and buzzbaits help because you need that extra "stretch" sometimes to set the hook or sometimes I seem to tear the hook out of it's mouth. Helps me in my opinion when I get the surprised reaction "set the hook" instinct.

Thats good to know, I'm hoping they will fix the line! I don't even like the new Aetos line either, I did think about venturing into the World Class, but....what they did to the ET and Aetos made me "hesitant". I guess regarding the length and power, I guess I'm in the minority...I thought the power and actions were just perfect! I have the M-XF ET Smallmouth and that thing is awesome, I like the Aetos 7' M-F better though. Both super versatile and super sensitive! I credit you for getting me to bite on the 4 Fenwick rods in my arsenal.

I don't normally use straight braid for jigs, I usually use a leader. My preferred leader is 12 to 17 lb Flouro or Copoly (yozuri or Pline) for that range of jigs. General rule of thumb, don't use straight braid for areas with sharp edges in general, but I'd be confident if I went straight braid in timber and vegetation. Docks and rocks I'd use a leader definitely. I think 50 lb is just fine for frogging, in fact I'd be ok with 40lb. Everyone has different confidence in what they choose! In the end we all just want to catch that big ole bass!

Scorpion DC is cheaper than the MGL. I hear so far they are decent.

Yeah I love the older version. The new one just doesn't have the same. I wish they would go back. As for the walleye version, is it really the same as the old? How do you know?

Wow thanks for the heads up, I'm hoping I can get a price match on those IMXs. Driving from Guelph to Oshawa kind of a long trip. We will see!

I agree with Team9nine, if you like XL and don't have a problem. Continue to use it! You don't need to follow what everyone else does.

A travel rod = 3-4 pc and can fit as a carry on easily. A 2 pc = Trunk beater rod, not easily carried on in a plane..etc. That is my definition. I own a BPS Extreme travel rod and it has performed well, easily taken on as a carry on with no issues. I just attached it on my bag and they didn't "count" it as an extra because it was just as long as my carry on bag. If I had to buy one though I'd get the Fenwick Methods. A friend of mine has one and it was very versatile because it was two power rods, a medium and medium heavy. There are high end ones and the one I like to get one day would be the G Loomis Escape - GLX. Especially since my work entails me to travel.

I only have experience with the PQ. Although not an Aird, I tried a Lexa 100. I liked the PQ better, the Lexa were just blah. They were around the same price range of the PQ retail.

Hopefully you try this on a very big lake. Congrats on the acquisition!

I go by their performance, quality, longevity, reliability and comfort. Both Daiwa and Shimano are tried and true, many of us own reels that are 10-20 years old and still work as good as new from both companies. I would recommend and agree with kickerfish1, go with the Daiwa. I'm sure Lews are solid reels but they don't have the longevity (restart after Shimano) and comfort that I like. Shimano has all of those areas that I "prefer".

Man I gotta say you have one of the best collections on the board. An envy of all us striving enthusiasts.

I would contact Phenix again to confirm. That does seems odd. Unfortunately I don't own this rod or any Phenix rods, but from the few reviews I've seen they are usually lighter than their power ratings. However, the lure ratings were at least proper.

I own both GLX Heavy/XF 854C and 894C and own MH, M, ML and ML/XF Zodias rods. Yes the Zodias fish a bit more heavier than stated. Mind you the Zodias rods (Shimano)aren't technique tapered like their other lines, they are meant to be "all around" tapers. The Loomis line (GLX previous version) to me anyway fish the power they are rated at. Definitely lighter than the Zodias rods, but it doesn't mean they are slouch pulling bass out of cover. If that's what your fishing, both the GLX and Zodias Heavy can handle that, but more so the Zodias rod. The 3/4 oz might feel a tad heavy for a GLX. 1/2 oz though is perfect for the 4 powered GLX.

Get the SV103! The MGL is going to be around for awhile or get both!!!

This is a good review. I am interested in the new Tatula for the exact same thing you are going to use it for. Once you get more time with it, I would appreciate it if you can let me know your thoughts.

Although I agree with NYBasser in general, but I found that the Zodias was enough sensitivity for me to be confident that I'm not missing fish. Not saying it's a GLX rod or higher, but it's no slouch. Further he may not be looking for a used combo. However, RichF is right..that is going above your budget a bit. If you want to stick with new, definitely get a Zodias rod and a Chronarch MGL but you need to save a little more. If you are going used, you can follow NYBasser's advice.

Sorry, the brakes question was @mllrtm79. As for backing, yes that is accurate.

12 lb mono backing with 40lb braid. In the first paragraph. I also would like to know what your friend was looking for? Not sure how you can make an assessment just by looking at the brakes.?

I got the beers!