Master Bait'r

*GASP!!!* I would NEVER!

Only if you're trading me!

NICE. More power is better, given it can still load a 1/2oz frog so that is great news! Thanks for the input guys, definitely going to be making some combo moves eventually and it sounds like the PP is where it's at.

It's for dark-bottom jigging and such and it makes a huge difference in visibility in darker spots. Black line absorbs more light thereby reflecting less back to the looker- which in turn stands out less in water for the most part. The only time that wouldn't be true would be a light sandy bottom and bright light or something like that. Nobody's pitting a gun to your head though. If it doesn't make sense to you don't do it.

It's hard to tell what to start looking for, as I'm kind of stuck between attributes. The Perfect Pitch sounds like a great heavy cover rod but I'm not sure it'll load a 1/2oz frog for bomb cast as The EMTF has the length I'd like but might be a touch light on the power end of frog fishing. The Tour Versatile claims frog status but the J&W has a little faster taper which I generally really like. If if someone with experience in these rods could help me make heads or tails out of the details and differences I'd appreciate it! Mostly I'd be using it for frogs, but sometimes with a leader for swimbaits or big spinnerbaits. After using my Flat Side Special, I'm sold on selling my current frog rod and going XX. They're just so light and comfortable, I really like them!

*sigh* Yuki Ito- whyyy must you torment me so????

I have to say it... You're well on your way to a jersey, man. With your age and ability/knowledge level, the sky is the limit! Keep up the great work!

That's definitely a largemouth, I'd guess around 2.5 lbs, but it's always tough to tell in pics, you could be 6'11" haha- the only thing that *really* matters is you caught it and had fun being out there! She's a beaut!! Keep up the great work!

Dug out a shot of my favorite Jon project so far. She is a 12' Starcraft semi-v. Flat floors and pedestal seating really helps with the tippiness of the semi-v boats. Also really nice for how much open space they give you, even in tiny tin. The two floor sections up front are both hinged. Under the seat is the battery tray and foremost is a where I keep nets anchors and pfds etc.. The floor joists are all welded in aluminum and there is 2# 2-part CCF under the floor as well.

LC is a no-brainier yes. Phenomenal build quality, awesome finishes, on-point function and significantly cheaper than Megabass. Aurora shad is one of my all time favorite color patterns.

That is exactly what I was wondering, thanks! Sounds ideal for my heavy cover setup, I love Seaguar braid!!

I have done it too! Makes me think though, someone with a long telescopic retriever could probably pretty consistently put a couple gallons of gas back in the boat if they stay observant out there.

It's just not the same!

No, not at all! I just seem to always find them. If I see something stuck someplace, 9/10 times it's a slender-bodied Rapala of some kind. They're everywhere, and used by everyone!

We don't have any BPS or Academy locations. One Cabelas in Hartford, a Gander Mtn in Kingston, and few DSGs scattered around WMass. Its sad. Finding a good Mom & Pop with more than a few bobbers is even harder.

Can I break the mold and say I just want 5 combos with no limits? That would be most accurate. I have limited slots but those slots are constantly being dialed and upgraded. They can never be too nasty!

I owned an EVA/all black MHXF a few years back. Nice rod if a bit of a broomstick. Wasn't a fan of the EVA though. The he newer green blank crucials are awesome though. Kind of like a poor man's NRX. Very impressed with them although I haven't tried a power above MXF. Can't comment on the Cumara but they have an excellent reputation.

I've literally plucked more rapalas out of trees and off lily pads than I've bought

Spun up a couple freshies for the weekend. Finally figured out the right way to make a lake fork trailer hook work as a single frog hook too. I've used it a few times and it definitely helps snagging. May have to add some suspendots to put some weight back in it but it works well.

Just got back from DSG and I picked up 3 pocket frogs, 3 organ donor jawbroni frogs and two Strike King spinnerbaits

Nevermind...

I faced a similar conundrum. I ended up buying an older, used Stella 2500S. I got it for around the same price as a newer Stradic, but it's still a 15 bearing reel that I love every time I use it. I've never regretted it, and feel that I got a solid value out of the money I spent. While I won't disparage anybody who's got the coin to plunk down, a new Stella etc. just didn't seem like a sound strategy for me- I did want the function, quality and details though. I think finding that individual point of diminishing returns is key to finding the right deal, and no matter how much anybody else recommends something, they aren't you.

Can you compare the weave type to perhaps some of their other offerings like say Smackdown in terms of smoothness? Diameter is identical on the website which is fantastic, but Ti recoil guide users like myself will really want to know how smooth that weave is.

My kid's rods are my loaner setups. Three inexpensive spinning combos. Two of which are mediums- one with braid and one with 8lb CXX. The third is a MH with 30# braid. All basic bases = covered. They can choose whatever they want or all of them, whatever floats their boat! I would keep it under $80 or so for a starter combo. I spend $20 on a Shimano Sienna and was really surprised how nice it is. Pair one with your ideal action in an Ugly Stick Elite or similar and you're out the door for under a hundred with a spool of line.