lmbfisherman

If you can't wait..then either one should be fine. Never used either though, HOWEVER..if you can wait, wait for the BPS Pro Qualifier to go on sale for 79.99 which it frequently does.

Well this is preference imo, I like a softer tip (Well more true to the Power ratings), I don't like too stiff for the ratings. However, you guys are in FL so I can understand you need a powerful rod. He may have needed to buy a Heavy Powered rod, but I don't believe he's going to be hindered too much.

Wow that is insane! Still trying to make up my mind on getting a NRX 893 or the GLX 893. I own GLX 894, 854 and 853...I was going to get a longer 3 power for deeper water, but I find the 853 not too bad at 20'. Which is the normal depth I usually fish regularly. Not sure yet..oh heck hate it when I can only buy 1 more.

Glad it has good value! Refreshing to see you don't have to spend 200..lol

Maybe me, but I don't think the build quality isn't that much difference between the two. I will give the Avid is more powerful, that is because their Medium is more of a MH. Why I don't like the MH Avid, Mojo or Triumph. Just wayyy to stiff for my liking for a MH power. Pound for Pound I think the Fenwick is a better overall buy over the Avid considering is 70+ more retail. Of course again not saying the Avid sucks, all rods are different in everyone's hands, some like the MH power of St Croix and some like a Fenwick or Shimano like I do.

Welcome to the site. When you had backlashes, I'm assuming that you mean you put 10lb braid on your baitcaster. If that is correct, there is your problem. 10lb is way too small of a line diameter on a baitcaster. If you are just starting out on baitcasters, I'd recommend you starting off with Trilene Big Game Mono - 14lb test. I would at the minimum put 30lb braid, even then I'd recommend you go up to 40lb. It's the line diameter you want to match. The 10 lb braid would be a much better idea on your spinning combo. As for learning the ropes, read all the articles and watch the videos.

Man sorry to hear that, sucks! I can't imagine.

A local guy is selling them, they look good, they say they use VMC hooks. The brand name is Strike Pro, I think you find them on eBay. I'll probably pass, I usually buy River 2 Sea spinnerbaits, Strike King and custom ones by a local guy.

So it is safe to assume you like those Vendetta rod you bought on clearance. Replacing your Avid though? I'm a little surprised.

I have a ML/XF for most of my dropshot purposes. Hands down, my favorite DS rod I have used is the previous version Crucial. It is sensitive and has an awesome handle that is comfortable in my hands. Not to mention I like the blank exposure where your index finger can be placed. But yeah, in general though I like a 6'8-7' DS rod.

That would've been a rude awakening.

The issue would be the Crucial won't be 100, but you can find a Fenwick at around 100. I do agree though imo Shimano has the best Drop Shot rods you can get. I love my Shimano Crucial ML/XF. Frankly it kicks ass. I also own a Fenwick M/XF - that I'll use if the ML/XF is too soft. For the most part if I have to go heavier, I'll drop shot with a BC.

For 100 range, I'd get a Fenwick Elite Tech Smallmouth M/XF.

I believe how it works, if I'm not mistaken. You ask for the combo at the register and they will honor the combo price. Meaning go to the fishing area and show them in the "catalog" if you have too. Hopefully you won't have to go that far, as they should be knowledgeable enough. If you want to ensure it is ok, I'd call again and speak to the manager of the fishing department and explain.

Just in case everyone didn't know, I was being sarcastic.

Anyone have experience with this brand? I can buy 4 for 5 bucks, but never heard of them. Can't find any solid reviews on them, I just don't want to waste my time if they get destroyed after 1 fish.

Yes, it was on sale earlier this year..it was 59.99. Honestly don't like to buy combos, but when I held one in hand at BPS. It felt pretty decent, especially for the price..and that reel gets a decent review.

This could be a big mistake, before making a decision on a rod, I WILL ALWAYS CHECK ONE IN STORE. Just because it feels awesome in someone else's hands, you might not like the feel. Why I don't "buy" online blindlly. I have to hold them and check them before I will pull the trigger. Try and find a place that carries them first before moving forward.

IMHO, the *** maybe a good rod, but I feel much more comfortable with a rod that has a superb warranty and especially lifetime warranty. That is just my preference, they are a nice rod and well built though, but when I checked the warranty with the only dealer I could find. He informed me it was only 5 years, was a deal breaker for me. Not sure what the Carbonlite's warranty is, but I hear BPS is very good at honoring or fixing any issues with their own rod lines. Shimano and Fenwick is what I primarilly use in that price range. (Compre and Smallmouth Elite Tech) I did buy a Veritas and like it too..however I haven't bought more as this was on clearance for 49.99..also doesn't have a lifetime warranty. Just something to think about.

Sucks, I'm jumping the Shimano train. I can't believe they are going this way.

So today I went shore fishing since I didn't have time to take the boat, it was a slow day for bass. After about 3 hours into fishing and catching 4 pikes ranging 14-16"...I decided to put on a Black and Red Jig with a A Yum 3"Green Pumpkin colored craw. Threw it as close to the submerged hump and was almost dead sticking it only moving it a few inches every 30 seconds or so...and then shaking it subtly (Water is still chocolate milky). After about 3-4 minutes of fishing the 1st jig cast, a guy walks by and says Hi, how you doing? ...Any luck? As I turned to answer said just small pike..I turned back and brought it a couple inches more..and shake. While staring at my line, I noticed a twitch...it didn't "CLICK" still going through the motions I lifted it and felt heaviness, I was like great weeds. Then I saw my line move to the left, it was like slow motion..I was like hey what, WHAT! it twitched and it's now moving, now that I realize a fish was sniffing my bait I went for the hook set,..yep you guessed it. I took way too long and it spit it. (From the time of the twitch to the line moving it was around 30 seconds) lol...After thinking about the whole thing, I was like wow what was up with me? With all the no biting today I was in some kind of "trance" or something and was like thinking back, hey WTH? Why wasn't I ready?...Anyway, bummed out and disappointed I packed up and left. Have this happened to you guys? I guess the guy talking to me didn't help either. In hindsight I probably should've stayed and fished more, who knows it might've been "the bite" time.

You going spinning? or Baitcast? - I think you can get a Abu Garcia Black Max combo for around that price or possibly the Silver Max if you are going for baitcaster. If spinning I believe someone posted something like Pfleuger Trion and a Berkley Lightning Rod. If you have a BPS nearby, I think they have a Trion combo that is 80.

I think you may have answered your own question within your post. How heavy are the cranks are you going to be throwing a lot? Shallow or deep? I think the Medium will suit you fine if you aren't using deep divers. If you do more deep diving than shallow then go for the MH. If you did both equally, I'd definitely will say go for the MH as it would be more versatile. However, personally I find that a Medium/Fast rod that is a "true" Medium/Fast can be used for shallow running squarebills and lipless crankbaits works fine and it has enough give especially if you use mono or copoly line. I think it is more important to get a MH/Moderate for the deeper stuff as a "true" MH/F is a little stiffer. So if it were me I'd get the MH cranking stick. Plus it would be at least 7' or higher.

American Fishing Legacy has a 15% off sale.

I'd also recommend the BPS Pro Qualifier over the JM Reel. You can use the money you saved on new line/lures.