FryDog62

Is there a length/power you prefer? Another option to consider is ALX Zolo Skipper at 6’9” MH Fast. Or, Tatula Elite makes a skipping rod in both 6’9” Heavy and 7’1” Heavy.

Hard to beat the balance of a Dobyns (I have a Champ Extreme and Champ XP), but yes there are other rods that are lighter and more sensitive. I like Orochi XX, Expride A, Helium, Tatula Elite. If you're using MH and Heavy rods, I wouldn't steer you towards St. Croix. They are quality rods and sensitive enough but heavy like Dobyns and not as well balanced IMO.

Thx, I had left them a message and didn’t hear back... but am thinking that was due to the holiday yesterday...

If each is individually sanded and painted - is the point that it can be made in any color the buyer wants? And this color scheme was to grab your attention and let you know you can do any custom color you want - EVEN THIS!

I bought a Lew’s SuperDuty G Speed Spool LFS Series baitcasting reel (model: SDG1SH) a year ago for my Flippin stick. However, am wondering if anyone knows for sure if this reel is also saltwater compatible? There were 3 Super Duty reel models Lew’s had for sale at the time, and I can’t recall which ones could be used both fresh/saltwater.

A lot. Whenever I need a really strong leader line for flipping (12 lb) or abrasion resistance (8-10 lb) when skipping under docks I use Yo-Zuri Hybrid.

Newer Tatula SV model is leaner/lighter. The SV spool will allow you to throw lighter lures, skip, etc. A reel you’d have a long time and likely not look back..

I have both Garmin and Humminbird. From a value standpoint, check out the built-in maps feature to see if your waters are included in the unit - or if you have to buy the additional $100+ mapping chip(s).

Yeah, great fishery below for a bunch of species. Muskies are a funny story - originally stocked in the reservoir above the dam, but they all took a ride down the 90 foot spillway into the river below. That would make ValleyFair look tame!

I think easier to understand is how Daiwa or ALX does it: •Daiwa Ehrler Rod is a Medium/Medium Heavy. Easy to determine its between a Medium and a Medium Heavy •ALX Toadface is a Medium Heavy + so again one can infer its a little heavier action than a MH but not a Heavy. I agree with the OP that a LMH could mean a lot of confusing variations... first time I saw it was like “what?”

Yep, I’ve used Sunline Sniper 12-14 pound previously for bladed jigs and it’s good line. But I wanted to experiment with Sufix Advance mono when it first came out so I looked at line diameters. I’ve actually used both 8 and 10 lb Advance mono for Chatterbaits. The 8 pound Advance is actually the same line diameter as 12 lb Sunline Sniper and 10 pound Advance is slightly larger than Sunline 14 lb. Never felt out-gunned unless a toothy scud-missile sawed me off (which would happen with most any line w/o a leader!).

That’s cool Brendan, I’m originally from Rochester and have fished Pepin, Wabasha, and the Zumbro below the power dam many times. Great fishing if you know where to go in those rivers, sounds like you caught some hogs!

I use a Tatula SV 7.1:1 retrieve, with 10 lb Sufix Advance mono?

Depending on any given year, some of the seminars can be good too. Walleye sessions are packed, bass not so much...

I’ve experimented with several as well. The one I’ve settled on for drop-shotting is the VMC Neko hook - either just the hook in a size 2 or the Spin-Shot variety size 4. I’ve found it not only hooks them consistently in the roof of the mouth but it really pins the fish and I’ve never had one come unbuttoned.

Or bi-focals when you’re of a certain age and holding line in your teeth trying to tie a knot too close to see..!

The key for me was finding a rod handle length of 13 inches (according to TW measurements). Longer than that the handle rubs against your side/forearm when you jerk, shorter than that you have very little leverage when setting the hook/fighting the fish. The Expride and Megabass tend to have handles in the 14-15 inch range. I have a Dobyns 685cb with a 13 inch handle, paired with a Curado 70. If the Dobyns is out of your price range, Lew’s does have some 13-13.5 inch handles in their Speed Stick line. There is one however with a 10 inch handle that I had previously and don’t recommend.

Skipping a weightless wacky worm on a baitcaster has its place. But it takes much better than average equipment to get accuracy, distance and to avoid overrun. I think the OP has some great equipment and the right approach...

A 5 inch Caffeine Shad is another decent soft jerk bait... until you fish it on a 4/0 3/32 oz Owner Twistlock Light hook. Then it’s the best soft jerk bait ever made...

I’m eyeing it right now as a Swim Jig rod. Based on the fact I want to use braid around our Minnesota-Milfoil so I want a tip that is Mod-Fast to off-set the no stretch line.

Shimano Expride Glass/Graphite iRod Genesis Stone Cold Graphite Zolo Toadface Graphite

Had most every major brand - last two purchases have been Costa Green Mirror. Would never go back to anything else. Prozac for the eyes...

I’m in the market for an Expride (casting) as well. Will be watching TW this Spring but I kind of doubt there will be much taken off on them. Don’t know how close to MN you are but a local shop in Mpls will sell for 20% off most days. Or, the NW SportShow in April sells all rods/tackle for 20% off.

Sounds good - at least your spending your hard earned cash on the right priorities?

What size/action are you looking for? The most sensitive rod I have is an NRX but would be more expensive. Used ones as mentioned above could work. I also have an Orochi Braillist which has great bottom sensitivity but not sure that’s the size/action you want. My bias would be away from Dobyns, don’t get me wrong they are very good rods (I have two) but I think they are known more for excellent balance but not overly sensitive.