michael68w

A falcon cara Amistad rod, Diawa Tatula, the new G.loomis IMX 852S spinning rod, stradic ci4 3000 were the big things but I've also bought several packages of tubes, grubs, and jigs.

I've used both but if I had to pick I'd go with red label. To me it's one of the best performance per dollar fluoro lines. If you had the extra cash I'd point you to INVIZX or Berkeley 100%

I just bought the new loomis IMX 852s for my tube jigs and grubs and I'm very happy with it. It's my first IMX so I can't compare it to the old but I can compare it to the Bronzeback series and for the extra cash it's worth it. The new finish looks great and mine came with no imperfections, the handle is very comfortable for me but some people may find it small. Over all I'm very pleased with it and haven't found anything I don't like.

i wade more often then not and my choice of rod is normally no shorter then 6'8 with most of my setups being 6'10-7'0 all spinning with 6-10lb line.

16.75inch smallie. Setup was a 7'1 G.loomis 852s IMX W/ shimano stradic 3000fa. I was using the ol poorboys 3.5 tube with mark zona jig head and #8 yozuri hybrid soft.

I bought the new IMX 852s spinning rod for tube jigs and grubs. It's a beauty. The X Fast loomis action is incredible. I really like the look and finish. The handle is very comfortable though it seems small and I don't have big hands but it's not a complaint. I don't have the old IMX to compare it to but it's a great rod. This is actually my first Loomis all my other rods are St.Croix but I'm very impressed with this Loomis and highly recommend it

I have three lexa's 2 in 2500 and 1 2000. I highly recommend them especially for the price point. They aren't the lightest but the one of the smoothest and well built reels in that price range. You can frequently find the new on that one auction site for under most everyone's retail price.

I used the mojo wacky style for wacky rigs and shakey heads and it did great with both of those. Didn't use it for drop shot but I'm sure you could get away it just fine. The carbon lite isn't a bad rod and can be had on sale for 79.99 often.

I like both! I use owners more then VMC but if budget is an issue then VMC will do you just fine.

I've bought a few micro guide rods both casting and spinning and I can't tell a difference with sensitivity or casting distance. Not to say they don't work I just can't tell. I could def see the weight savings with micro guides but I feel there's much more to a rod being sensitive then micro guides. I'd say just give both a try and decide from there.

Well if budget isn't an issue I highly recommend the new G.Loomis IMX852s. That's what I have paired with my Stradic and it's a great combo. Oh and if you're looking for something a little cheaper I'd also recommend the St.Croix Avid.

G.loomis SMR882s would be a good option. I drag tubes with an IMX852s which is a couple inches shorter then what you want(7'1) but it works well. The SMR882s is from their Bronzeback rods and is 7'4 medium/fast 1/8-3/8 #8-12 test

I use #8 yozuri hybrid soft on my Stradic 3000FA and I've enjoyed it. I mostly throw 1/4oz jigs, tube jigs, grubs etc and have zero complaints. As far as size of the line I'd say that's more dependent on the types of cover you maybe fishing. Seems like a lot of guys will use 14-17lb for most moderate to light cover jig and worm(if it's a baitcaster) and a lot of guys use braids for thick grasses etc. #8 is my only experience with yozuri hybrid but I enjoy it.

My current setup for tube jigs and grubs is a Stradic ci4 3000 on a Loomis IMX852s(7'1 medium/xfast)

I bought and fished a duckett for awhile. I thought it was OK but didn't really wow me. I had an issue with the guides being weak. I eventually sold it and probably won't buy another. It's not that it was a terrible rod but I've fished better in the same price range. I had also heard of many breakages and warranty issues.