fishballer06

This isn't by any means scientific, but it is an old saying that I've heard numerous times and it seems to hold true. Live bait is for feeding the fish, artificial bait is for catching fish. Basically what it means is fish will prefer live bait because it's natural and there's no tricks about it. If you're throwing an artificial lure, you're tricking the fish into bite something that may or may not be natural to them, hence you're "catching" them.

I'd rather have an Avid, Zodias, or Ike series, for that price. And I do own an E6X.

Green pumpkin/bluegill is my best producer year round. I also do well with white in the spring.

I highly recommend the Abu Ike series 7'2" MH power series

Bizzbaits Dizzy Diamond and Netbait finesse.

Both are quality baits that aren't too expensive. I'd recommend getting both in colors that you like to use and trying them out. If you find you prefer one over the other, then stock up on them.

They do??? On a serious note, spend what you're comfortable spending on what works best for you. I use everything from $5 mono to $45 fluorocarbon on rods that cost 10x what you're using.

That's exactly what it is. Put it on the back of your reel seat (foot) to prevent wear on it from your rod.

I haven't caught anything bigger than 2-3 pounds with it, but I never noticed any issues. I guess if the reel failed me mid-fight, I might notice a drag issue...

I have the 2000 size and it's a very nice reel. I use it primarily for jigging for crappies and perch. I have however done some walleye and bass fishing with it as well and it has worked well for me. It's very smooth and operates flawlessly. I would say it's right on par with my Stradics.

It looks like it has a roll to the body with the kick. Might as well put me down for 5 packs already!

Spend an extra dollar or two and get yourself a Bagley Balsa B2. You'll thank me.

I wouldn't call them "junk", but certainly not the best in the price range. I have the 6'8" M-F spinning rod that I use for tubes and its pretty heavy. In the $200 range, I'd say the SC Avid and Zodias are the best rods in that range.

The Zodias is a much nicer rod than the E6X.

Feel free to send any Sunline Sniper to me for inspection. I'll keep all the bad spools.

Cavitron

Do a search around online. I would be shocked to see any bad comments about the 13 Metanium. With that, I own 2 of them and I wish I could afford more. Phenomenal reels.

Exactly what BigTurtle said. Draw a straight line from your lure to your rod tip. That is the angle that the lure (non-billed that is) will take back to your rod.

Some baits will sink in whatever direction they so choose. Some baits will sink nose down, like a baitfish going down to the bottom to feed. Some baits will remain sitting horizontal and "shimmy" straight down. Prime example of the nose down fall is the Jackall TN, which has a heavy, tungsten lip. As we all know, tungsten in more expensive that steel/copper/brass, hence the price.

The Seaguar knot is probably the easiest leader knot I have found to tie. I do however prefer the Alberto knot.

Different weight lipless cranks will run different depths on a steady retrieve. I normally fish Bill Lewis Rat-L-Traps, but I've noticed the following: 1/4oz - 2-3 ft. on a steady retrieve 1/2oz - 3-5 ft. on a steady retrieve 3/4oz - 5-7 ft. on a steady retrieve Perhaps Seible has tested their baits and they know that their 3/4oz baits run 7-8 feet on a steady retrieve. But yes, you're correct. One of the perks of lipless cranks is you can let them sink to the depth you desire and then start retrieving them. I'm guessing you were on Cross Creek?

Beautiful reels. I hope you posted these to TT as well!

One of the better posts I've seen on here in a while! I'm calling BS on this one. Go throw a DT14/DD22 for an hour on your 7:1, and then go put a 5:1 on that same rod and throw those same baits for an hour. I'd bet the farm that you will be able to tell a world of difference. I can't even stand to throw a DT10 on a 6:1 because of the lack of power and the strain it puts on me, and I use all high end Shimano/Diawa reels, so it's not a matter of reel quality.

I still tune my baits, especially after they get knocked around on rocks, wood, bridge pillings, etc. Most of my baits are Rapala/Storm, Spro, and Lucky Craft. Very, very seldom do I need to tune one from the factory. If I do, it's usually very minor. I think the reason it's like this these days is because a lot of manufacturers test their baits at the factory prior to packing them up.

I have this rod but haven't used it on the water yet. But first impressions, it seems like a very nice rod, well worth of the Dobyn's name.