Hogsticker

Yes, however the flick shake technique was intended to be a finesse oriented tactic. The jig heads Jackall designed to go with the worm come in the heaviest weight of 1/8 Oz. Nothing wrong with strapping a half ounce on it if you're fishing deep water, but again it was designed as a finesse technique and I believe that was the intent of the Ops question. I certainly wouldn't fish that half ounce rig on a light action rod, nor would I fish 1/8 Oz on a heavy rod.

Depends on the particular rod. With the Zodias, the medium light would serve you best. I fish mine on a Medium light Phenix K2. Loading characteristics are most important when fishing light baits.

There is a seller on the Bay who has some customs he states are built on Shikari blanks. They sure have been on there awhile.

My point was a surplus of something. Maybe somebody should call him and ask.

Shaft. That's a funny word! Sorry. One track mind here.

I always find rod vs reel threads entertaining. Which would you spend more money on type of deal. People using 600 dollar set ups but refuse to spend more than 8 bucks on line, the only thing connecting you and the fish. Not to mention, in all likliness it's the one element that may give you issues on the water. Personally I don't mind opening my wallet for a premium line, especially considering with backing you can usually spool up a few reels. Just my 2 cents

The Zolo B is built on Hydra ng blanks. It's a scrimless design and they fish beyond there price point imo. Just know going in most models built on mag bass blanks are a touch on the slow side if fast. I think most of the blanks measure out with a tip angle in the low 60s. Similar to the Kistler klx line of rods. The Ikos blank is built with a glass scrim so I'd imagine they're a little heavier and not as crisp and responsive. I believe both lines utilize the same Kigan guide train which are probably my 2nd favorite guides behind Fuji. The power ratings are pretty accurate as well so a medium fishes as such and the Zolo Bs make great multi purpose sticks. Definitely not one trick ponies.

Yep. Any Alphas platform

You get what you pay for with fluoro line. Plain and simple. I just purchased my 1st spool of Tatsu from TW while it's on sale. Can't wait to try it. A more managable fluoro, which it sounds like your after won't be as stiff / sensitive. Two categories. If a stiff / sensitive fluoro is what you're after you have to learn how to use it. The best happy medium I've found is Sunline Sniper and a lot of people will agree. Good luck

I don't think you will get a lot of responses regarding the IKOS. In all honesty, for 50 bucks more you get twice the blank on the ZOLO B. Well worth it imo.

I use 15 lb. Smackdown on one of my Alphas SV with no issues. The reels are not backlash proof. They still can do it, but it's rather hard. The spool itself isn't going to make any difference regarding digging. Hard casts, freeing snags, not paying attention are the factors with digging issues. I've never had light braid digging issues with a smooth, coated braid. I know people do, but it's my opinion the majority of that is user error. The shallow SV spools are wonderful for casting light baits in just about any platform that will accomodate one.

Rainshadow Revelation blanks run 50 60 bucks and are still better than the majority of what you will find on a 150 dollar production rod. A set of Fuji SS/Alconite guides runs less than 30 bucks and are still better than most of the stuff on a 150 dollar production rod. 6 bucks for an ECS reel seat, 6 bucks for some split grip EVA handles, three winding checks another 6 bucks. A little less than 120 bucks. As I already stated, if this guy is doing some builds for next to nothing in an attempt to spread word, showcase work, whatever, it seems it may be worth looking into for the OP. Ya never know. He could have a surplus of old Shikari or RX7 blanks he got at a steep discount he's just trying to unload. You won't know till you ask -

Shallow current - Jackall flick shake, ima flit 100, weightless 3 inch Senko, curly tail grub, 4 inch Keitech easy shiner, Lucky craft skt mini, split shot.

Depends on the water temp and how aggressive the fish are. Different baits have subtle unique characteristics. Long days on the water with nothing but a jerkbait box will teach you a lot, and it changes often. Put in the time. If your bait doesn't have an orange belly you're doing it wrong. I've narrowed my box down to Spro McRips 90s, yo Zuri 3db minnows, lucky craft 78 pointers, ima flit 100s, and R2S Humbug minnows. They all have there time and place.

Never ordered from these folks. Web site states 1 piece rods for ship for 3,000 yen (25 bucks). Is this accurate? I don't want to order a rod and get charged or asked to pay additional shipping after the transaction has been completed. Thx

Phenix Recon 683ml!

Yep. 5 bucks. Under 10 bucks look at the Yo Zuri 3DB minnow. Out produced everything else in my jerkbait box this past year.

Check out Sunline Defier Armillo. A little pricey, but well worth it. Not to stretchy and handles very well. The line is a little slick so check your knot before you cast. All mono is going to have a fair amount of stretch. At any rate this one has the least of any mono I've used.

That 150 of 10 lb has to be wrong. That's what the 200s hold. Then it reads 70 of 14 lb. Think it's supposed to read 105 of 10 lb. Looks like a nice little reel that should make a lot of folks happy.

Whatever Lews reel you're considering, it won't give you the same casting capabilities as the Alphas SV. The spools are to heavy and hold too much line. I'm sure they will cast a quarter ounce fine, but if you're looking to go lower, especially with billed baits, the SV technology will get you there.

While I agree 120 bucks isn't going to get you a lot of rod, on the other side if the coin you're not getting a whole lot with the rods you're purchasing from Academy. If this guy is local he doesn't have to ship the rod I'm assuming. Believe it or not there are some folks who will do a build and charge only for the cost of parts which might be his case if he's trying to get something going. I'd ask what he's planning on brewing up for you. It never hurts to ask.

I'm not certain, but I thought somebody made a portable rod rack with a handle on it. I think it held 4 or 5 rods, and was black and plastic. Ring a bell for anybody?

I don't trust leaving any additional set ups in my vehicle cause people suck. Been down that road. If I can't pack it, I don't bring it.

How long is the handle? I know these rods have super thin grips that weigh next to nothing, and about 400 coats of clear coat on the blank. I wonder how much weight the x wrap tape adds to the blank. Sounds like the SV103 may be a better match when it becomes available.

I don't know what the best is, but what I've had the most success with have been Spro Aruku Shads followed by Yo Zuri rattlin vibes. Honestly it isn't even close and I throw lipless cranks on every outting.