TNRvr

Thanks for the responses. Does chirp replace side scan? Does it help to have downscan with chirp?

I was ready to pull the trigger on an Elite 4X HDI but decided to wait to see what Black Friday had to offer. Then I saw Bass Pro Shop has an Elite 4X Chirp listed but out of stock. So I went to Lorance's web site and they don't even show an Elite 4X Chirp. They show ones in the Elite 5 and 7 sizes. So now I'm thinking that I should spend some serious cash for a size 5 chirp. But I'll admit that I have much to learn about these electronic gizmos and I've decided to educate myself about such things as processor speed, whether a GPS is really necessary, and whether a 4X HDI will work or should I hold out for a Chirp? Does anyone know whether we can expect a 4X Chirp model in the near future? Also, someone on here said that the GPS in the Elite line is really slow. Is GPS really necessary? I think I can find my way with a handheld GPS and/or a map. I just want to find structure, bottom features, depth, temp, and the fish. Thanks, Mark

Confusing the terms. I think you're both talking about medium, medium heavy, and heavy POWER rods and you both seem to be advocating fast ACTION. Am I wrong?

Ok, good advice. Thanks!

The MH/F isn't on sale. Just the MH/M and the M/M.

I guess I could have just asked is a MHM rod ok for spinnerbaits? I get the impression that fast action is best for all single hook applications but I read an article on rods that suggested that medium action is best for spinnerbaits. It was something about how deep the bass took the hook. Of course my real goal is to buy another SCV rod blank and this one is on sale. ;-)

I followed roadwarrior's advice, sort of, and now have a 7' MHF and a 7'2" MM baitcaster and a 7' MF spinning rod. I use the MHF mostly for spinnerbaits and general purpose and the MM for cranking treble hook lures. The spinning rod, when finished, will be for worms, senkos, and smaller treble lures. So far, so good, right? I have a chance to get another 7'2" baitcaster in either MHM or another MM. I'd like to add a rod for jigs and/or swim baits. Most of the discussion on these forums suggest either MHF or MF for these applications. I'm thinking I can use my MHF for this and the new MHM for spinnerbaits. Or should I wait until I find another MHF? The MHF is SC Avid. The MM is a rod I built on a SCV blank. It's my first build and I like it a lot. That's why I'm thinking of another one. The new one would also be a SCV blank that is on sale. And I'm new to this, but I suspect these sales come along fairly regularly. So, should I buy or wait? I know it's a personal decision based on preference, but I want a rod I can use and not just look pretty in the corner. Thanks, Mark

I love mine! It felt rough right out of the box and I was afraid I had gotten a bad one. I put a little reel oil on the level wind and after a few casts it smoothed out. Now casts smooth as butter. Took awhile to dial it in but that was mostly user error. Its very easy to get to the brakes. Slide a single lever and the side plate swings open. I set 2 brakes as Shimano suggests. It came with two set but I tried it with all four since I was having trouble with a heavy lure. Then dial the little wheel all the way out. Cast, backlash, dial the wheel one more click, and try again until it works. Half way on was what worked for me. I had a problem getting the side plate shut again until I turned the tensioner all the way out. Now that its set up I should be able to adjust for different weight lures with just turning the little wheel. It even has numbers on it for reference. My former reel is an Ambassador 5600. This casts so much easier than that but I know some of the difference is the rod. I'm going to swap them around and see. I may be done with Abu. Of course, I realize I'm comparing a $60 reel with a $180 one.

My first quality bass setup. Rod arrived today, reel a few days ago. I didn't waste any time checking it out. Casts like a dream! Farther and smoother than anything I've ever thrown. St. Croix Avid 7' MH/F Curado I 5.5:1 Yo-Zuri Hybrid 12lb

Thanks everyone for the friendly welcome. I'm looking forward to learning a few things here. You've already help me decide on and buy my first quality baitcasting rig.

I live near Oneonta, up at Sugarland Lake.

Hi Everyone! I am new here, hoping to learn more about bass fishing. I started fishing with my Father and Grandfather as a boy and I've been fishing all my life but mostly with hooks and bobbers. About 10 years ago a friend introduced me to fishing for largemouth bass with spinnerbaits and I was instantly hooked. Five years ago I moved to a small lake in North Alabama and I enjoy fishing from my canoe. This lake is seemingly overfished for bass and I only catch a few small ones. Last year I discovered ultra light fishing for bluegill with small lures and have really enjoyed it. Since I live close to great fisheries on the Tennessee River at Guntersville and Wheeler I am wanting to leave my small lake and try these other spots, with, hopefully, better luck with the big bass. I have a small aluminum boat that I'm working on getting shipshape. Thanks in advance for sharing your knowledge with me! TNRvr