Amarley

Ok, since we can't get past the golf analogy, how about this question: if say, Shimano came out and offered a set of 6 or 7 different rods at a discounted price and you were in the market, would you be tempted to buy?

Yea, I have different brand woods and wedges than irons, and of course a different putter. But walk in any golf shop and they sell iron sets. You wouldn't see anyone with a Taylormade 3&4 iron, a Callaway 5&6 iron and a Titleist 7-PW. I just wonder how successful a fishing company would be if they sold a 6-rod set, for example (6'9 MH, 7' M, 7' MH, 7' H, 7'6 H, 7' Cranking), for a bundled price. If individual rods are $100/apiece, maybe offer a 6 rod set for $450. I'd be tempted in doing something like that.

I grew up playing and competing in golf. Fishing started clicking with me when my uncle explained how the different techniques were like different golf shots to be used at certain times. When I started looking at rods, I wondered why they didn't sell rods in sets like they do golf clubs. It would make sense to me to go buy a set of rods that covers the majority of techniques. I've noticed for instance that a G. Loomis Medium fishes a lot different than say an Abu Garcia Medium rod. My rods are no different, I have several different brands that I fish that I have bought over time. Does anyone own a "full set" of rods? Do you think this is better than having different brand rods to cover the full range? Just a curiosity I've had.

I eased into bass fishing with 2 or 3 combos, figured out the styles I like to fish best and then invested in those "technique specific" style setups. That being said, I could still use a 7' H or 6'9 MH setup most of the time. It's a whole new level of feel to get "dialed-in" to a technique with the right line, reel, and rod. Makes it hard to go back to the basic setups. I guess the fishing companies know this, too, and that's how they keep us addicts coming back for more.

I personally like rods under 7'4. If you're going to be flipping a longer rod may be good. I like shorter rods for pitching.

I'd go with the veritas, you should also check out the Fishing Flea Market on this forum. Great deals all of the time. You may be able to get a Duckett, Powell, or something else on there for around $100.

I used them with a dale hollow guide and was a big fan. Very light and sensitive. I haven't bought one yet, but am thinking about it. If you get one, let us know how it goes. The guide says he has a set of GLX's and a set of All Pro's and he leaves the GLX's in the garage to fish the All Pro's. I'm sure that's a biased opinion, but I was impressed with them.

Go to Alibaba.Com and type in any product. You will be shocked how many copies are being made. A major problem right now

Thanks for the input. Sturgeon and Mille Lacs look like two great places to start.

Yin and Yang. I'd rather have a good quality rod and reel than one poor quality and one great quality.

That's good advice. I'll hold off until the fall. I watched MLF and was very impressed with the quality of bass.

I'm familiar with most of the bucket list lakes in the south and am checking them off this year. What lakes should I schedule a trip around in Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin? I love catching smallies! Would like to head north during the dog days this summer for a few days.

What is the best setup for night fishing?

Junebug is my go to in most situations.

I don't play golf anymore and I was a scratch player when I started fishing. I enjoy fishing a lot more, it's more relaxing and it's a new puzzle to solve every time on the water.

I don't know anything about the Ethos, but I'm a big fan of the BPS crankin sticks. You can't beat the price. I've had a 7' M and used it on everything from square bills to deep divers. Very sensitive and has plenty of power to horse in big bass.

I think the line conditioner works best for the larger diameter lines, but I use it on all of my mono and flouro. It saves me on 20 lb test flouro and 17 lb test mono.

Check out the 7'4 mh irod genesis 2, 744C. It is extremely versatile and fits the bill for what you described above.

Positives about the ***- light and sensitive Negatives for me- I HATED the handle. My hand only rested on about half of the grip on the reel seat, which made it uncomfortable to fish on long, hot days.

iRod Genesis 2 series will cover your needs.

I would sell you mine, but it's probably cheaper for me to just keep it. They're dirt cheap now when you can find them. I think they are very sensitive but also very heavy.

What boat are you leaning towards now? If I had to pick any boat, regardless of my previous posts in this thread, I would go with a Triton 21 TRX. But I'm more into comfort than top end speed.

Basically like a nice Ford Expedition compared to a Cadillac Escalade. Both are very nice, just a few more bells and whistles on the Ranger. I'll let someone who owns a ranger expand on the differences.

I hear A-rig as well.

If I had to guess, the highest in sales volume would most likely belong to Nitro. They give the most value. But, if every fisherman in America was polled and asked what they would like to have, Ranger would probably win. That's an educated/opinionated guess.