Thaddeus

I absolutely love my St. Croix Brown Legend Elite. If you know of anyone selling them (spinning rods) please send them my way

The MM in the premier series is too "whippy" as it is in Avid and Rage series IMO. Stick with St. Croix btw . I only like a moderate action (in MH) when I'm fishing deeper cranks (6-12 feet) or are trolling for other species. I prefer a fast action in medium power for shallow cranks/squarebills (up to 6 feet) and lipless cranks. So, to answer your question I'd go with either a 66mf or 70mf in the Premier or Avid Series (avid has lifetime warranty). The 66mf is a more versatile as you could use it as a topwater and jerkbait rod as well. Use FC or mono. My .02 Another rod to consider is the Dobyns 684CB. It is another very versatile rod. Check it out as well. It is hard to find in stores though...

My guess is that it was a bowfin (dogfish). Those suckers can live out of water for like 4 hours. I've seen them surface to gulp air at times. I've even seen one eat a mouse from shore.

Bluesteel- Bluesteel- Yes I purchased the Rarenium 2500 FA (not shallow spool) and I LOVE IT! It's amazing. I pair it with a Dobyns Champion 702sf w/ 8lb flourocarbon and it's one of my favorite combos. I use it dropshotting for bass and lindy rigging for walleye, and jig fishing on the river. I bought mine from Petrimart which is a German online tackle shop. I found a coupon online and got mine for $194 which included shipping. Got it in 4 days. http://www.petrimart.com/rarenium-ci4-2500-fa?filter_name=Rarenium

Excited for you! There customer service is the best-gotta love that the operation is family runned. I can stop looking for the perfect rods FINALLY and will only upgrade now to the champion extremes

I ABSOLUTLEY love it. Loved it so much I replaced all my rods with Dobyns Champions. BUY IT

I have a Dobyns 702sf which is a ML rod. I use it primarily for dropshots or fishing the mississippi river (smallmouth and walleye) with 1/8-3/16 ounce dartheads/jig heads from shore. This rod could get away with light shakyhead and wacky techniques too.

I use a Dobyns 703sf with a Shimano Stradic Ci4 2500 spooled with 10lb Seaguar Abrazx. I like the 3/16 ounce Owner Shakyhead

You should check out the Dobyns Champion 734 or 735 FH. I personally use a 704sf as I prefer spinning setups for any type of single hooked presentations. I own 6 setups and they are all Dobyns Champs-best rods I've ever used.

I just purchased a brand Shimano Rarenium 2500 FA for $198 including shipping. Can't wait to get it on the water!!!

I have a Lews Tournament MG 5:4:1 and it is AWESOME

Agree. I scored a brand new Sustain for $179 off eBay (took some convincing-hahaha). Best reel ever.

I think I will! But since I use the same rods I want the reels to be different somehow. I love my ci4 2500. There is a JDM reel called the Rarenium ci42500 that is basically the US ci4 but a different color (actually hear from many that it is a better quality reel-smoother,less handle play). I might pull the trigger and buy one this week.

Hands down the Dobyns 684CB. I prefer a slighter shorter rod and more of a parabolic bend (Mod/Fast) to keep 'em buttoned for jerkbaits (any treble hook lure for that matter) . This rod has it all, plus it can be used for topwater and shallow running cranks. Very versatile plus I've never held a more balanced rod in my life.