Chris at Tech

I have quite a few of those 100-400 series, but generally I stick to the threadfin shad, chart/black back, pearl and firetiger colors. I like them... But yeah, like others said, I change the hooks.

Since I use my setup for jigs, T-rigs, C-rigs, frogs and small swimbaits, I use the 6:1 Zillion. If I wasn't throwing the swimbaits, I'd have gone with the 7.1. However, keep in mind the 28 IPT from the Zillion is just as fast as some other companies' 7:1 'burner' reels.

Which smaller lakes are still fishable in the ATL area? I fish the electric-only lakes with my boat, and here's what I know Varner -- ramp just closed Sweetwater Creek -- ramp's been closed since June. Darn near empty JW Smith/Blalock -- close for the season (it always closes Nov - March) Stn Mountain -- open and fishable Lake Acworth -- I've heard it's open and fishable Kedron -- heard it's closed Black Shoals -- ??? Charlie Elliot -- ??? Anyone have any bright ideas? I may fill my tub up just to wet a line

I like Pline CX Premium and Floroclear.

Just got into frog fishing this year and I freakin' LOVED it Earlier this year, I picked up a Dobyns 704C and paired it with a Zillion w/ 50 lb Sufix braid. Great combo for frogs as well as jigs, t-rigs, c-rigs, etc. The Revo would be a good choice as well. I have 2 STX's on other rods, and I only got the Zillion since I wanted to try something new.

I like the Gammy round bends, and I always have size 2, 4 and 6 handy. Don't just do your cranks. I check the hooks on all my plugs and most times (not all ) I swap them out. I don't catch a ton of fish, so when I get a hit I want the best chance to land the fish. I believe good hooks give me that better chance.

Daiwa Tierra 2000. I have that reel on the AS69MLXF as well. Sweet combo for dropshotting...

No, not that one! I can't believe you ordered THAT rod! Haha...sorry, couldn't resist

I love my Abu Garcia Revo STX and Kistler Mg MH 69APC for 3/8 - 1/2 oz spinnerbaits and buzzbaits.

They're not on sale anymore. I was gonna grab one this morning. Crap.

Some plugs I have in my box have a treble that's attached via an eyelet screw so you can't simply unscrew it and replace the hook (like the rear hook on a Devil's horse). Any tricks for replacing these hooks? I hate that I can get 1-2 good hooks on a lure like this, but leave the crappy one on the rear.

Yeah, I think you'd find the MLF would NOT be good for plastics. For in line spinner and maribou jigs, it'd be fine, but def not weightless plastics. I have the AS69MLXF and I'm slowly coming the the realization that it's a bit too light for what I use it for -- splitshot rigs and shakeyheading. Using braid with a mono leader helps quite a bit, as I had too many instances of setting the hook and losing the fish due to lack of power when it was all mono. With that said, I think the AS69MLXF would be great for smaller crank and minnow-type baits. Just not weightless plastics Like someone else said, the AS68MXF would be a good place to start.

Bone white.

I'd suggest doing more research on the guides and only book with one that comes with good recommendations. I've heard some real horror stories about 'guided trips', so the research is well worth it.

Between 1/4 to 1/2 oz for jigs. I fish mainly cranks and plastics. The bait monkey is telling me that not one rod will solve all my needs. I'm certainly no expert, but it seems like cranks alway mess up the '"all-purpose rod" search. When they're in the equation, along with other bass fishing staples like worms and jigs, you're not likely to find one rod that will serve you well in both arenas. Solution, the Avids are on sale. Get 2

How heavy jigs and plastics? I'd say the AC68XF or the AC70MH The AS66MLF is alright if you're throwing 1/4oz and under inline spinners or maribou jigs for panfish, but I don't think this is a good rod for general bass fishing. I got one for Xmas last year, but returned it shortly thereafter because it was just too whippy for my tastes.

Is this a great board or what? Man, there's an answer from someone that's got a few comps for reference. Thanks! That is a GREAT post. 8-) I'm SHOCKED, RW You didn't inform Lard_Bass that the AC66MF is not suited for plastics or jigs? In any event, I use the AC66MF for topwater, jerkbaits, shallow to med cranks, and traps. It works well for that, but I would not recommend this rod for plastics.

Agreed. Rod weight doesn't mean squat unless the weight was shaved in the right places.

What should you do? Not chase them. It's an easy trap to fall into, believe me, I know. But it's just like you said. By the time you get there, they're gone. If you're there when the shad are getting fed on, take some casts. But don't chase them around the lake or you'll get more exercise than fishing time.

You can use the same rod for T-rigs and shakey heads, if you're using approximately the same weight. For example, 1/4 oz shakeyhead and 1/4 oz T-rig. But if you want to mix a 1/2 oz T-rig and a 1/8 oz shakey head, that may be a bit of a stretch. Bottom line is to find a rod with F or XF action, and is rated for the lure weight you want to use. How much do you want to spend on this rod?

The crankin stick is hard to beat, especially when it's on sale for $29

I have a Zillion, Curado 101D and Revo STX's in my arsenal. I have the Zillion on my 7' H Dobyns 704c rod and I use it for throwing frogs, jigs, small swimbaits and c-rigs. My opinion? Depends on what you're planning to throw. It's a very solid, smooth reel that I like a lot. Casts well, feels great, easy to adjust...But it clearly excels in some areas and not in others. I'd recommend this reel for throwing lures that are ~3/8 oz and above. For weightless or lightly weighted plastics, or ~1/4 oz hardbaits, I'd recommend something else.

Whatever floats your boat. I do have a Sammy or two in my box, but when throw topwater, I always reach for the bone white Super Spook Jr. first.

Dude, pick a rod

They are nice looking rods!!! Basically what they did is use fore grips. Take two of them, one is placed at the seat and, the other is split in half and a foam cap is added... I told everyone after the ICAST show that not all of the split grips on the new St.Croix® LE, and LTB rods wouldn't fit everyone.... The only way to get a fitted/balanced split grip is through custom builds..... 8-) Tight Lines All !!! I understand... I took an ergnomics class in college that said one should design for 95% of the population. You're not going to get everyone with one solution. However, I think this was a poor design solution. A longer grip can be used well by by those that palm the reel and those that grip the rod. Just sayin'