Cgrinder

Hagane is shorter and snappier than Paladin Gear Technology or Cold Forged Gears. Yeah marketing, but it's not new.

You can do 1/2 oz with an 853. Not ideal but it will work outside of heavy cover. NRX green rods seem to be discontinued. If you end up wanting more Loomis, the 894 is exceptional for 1/2 oz jigs. Might be possible to pick one up at not too much over your original budget.

IMO you already have the 3/8 oz jig rod from the XX lineup. Perfect Pitch would crush it with 1/2 oz jigs but IDK if you should go lighter on it. Maybe XX Jig and Worm? I don't hear too much about that model. Probably will be "tax return" sales at vendors in early April and you could probably get 10-15% off a DX 744 or 745. Someone better with Dobyns than I am will have to break down the 4 vs 5 power difference. If you can wait til Memorial Day, there will be solid sales.

I've also had good luck with JPAngler.

Should be since Shimano is trying to do global products now. However it will likely be less expensive from Japan.

Correct. Rossford, OH used to carry them though if you feel like a trip down 75. OP, totally ring the Tackle Trap if you need XX rod information. The selling point of the Dobyns (tip aside) would be that you can probably get one for 20% off somewhere before your lakes unfreeze. The XX Shakeyhead rod could be another one to consider.

Probably fine. I might go 12, but I could also see 16 if you need a little more oomph. Sniper's not thick for its pound tests and it handles pretty well.

You'll probably be happier with the Dobyns unless you're into the idea of the solid tip on the Stinger Shot.

Slayer.

So SCIV is a "better" blank than SCIII, but I'm of the belief that St. Croix puts so much paint/resin/whatever on the LTB rods that you can't feel much difference. Also you may prefer the ECS seat on the Avid over the split seat on the LTB. Polarizing seat, that one.

Asking the new guy with the one rod/reel option.

So, curiosity, why are you throwing a frog in a place with little to no vegetation?

Shooter and Sniper are what I prefer to use. Red Label 10 lb or under is fairly good for the price as well. Invizx is crazy stretchy under 15 lb test but it has its place.

OG Zillion is my pick. 200/1 Conquest HG would be sweet if you like setting money on fire. I think heavy cover is a good place for a round reel if you're into them.

Thanks for the heads up. Scoring a few square 3's.

Gold Duo lipless or a black and blue Siebert jig, 'cause that's what I'll be throwing in cool, dirty water.

Excuse me while I find a Meijer.

Hopefully you're getting these on sale. No need to pay retail in February, though I am hearing of some open water in places. Solid rods for St. Clair though, depending on what you throw.

Walking fifteen miles in the snow both ways aside, if you're a novice frog angler, certainly use braid. It's the right tool for the job.

It's not fun. Setting hooks on mono at distance is just terrible.

This is a good start. Starts at 0:11 and happens a lot throughout the song. I'll try not to "ruin" this thread with a bunch of death metal. But yeah, these guys are pretty good. Canadian thrash with some fantasy thrown in. Two horns up.

Megabass Flat Side Special is one of the better 1.5 rods imo. 7' 4.5 power and whatever flex regular is.

Should be the same drag as the Tatula.

Maybe aluminum star drag or something. Pretty sure the '13 Met's is composite.

Add the Zodias to your search. Lot of rod for $200.