thunderblack

I have this exact rod and fish it often. I honestly love it. I fish for everything with it and its a two piece model so I take it everywhere. Quality blank, great handle design, and covered threads make it super comfortable. I would highly recommend in your budget. The 7-3 ML Legend would be worth a look too in ML XF.

Steez. The Antares will blind fish.

chatterbait for sure

Just fished the MB shakeyhead model in levante this weekend and it was awesome for wacky fishing. I have fished orochi XX in other models, destroyer, and the expride. You'll like either one.

If I could run with 7-3 - 7-6 spinning rods for every technique I would. The casting distance is greatly increased and most high end sticks still feel like a 7' model and balance well.

Fish braid but try Berkley Fire line in 6-8 lb. That line is my favorite with Daiwa J braid being second. Mono or fluoro will drive you crazy too if you switch.

7'-6" ML spinner 7'-0" M F spinner

I know how to fix it and have fixed all my Daiwa's with this easy move. I boxed them up and buy Shimano 😛 On a side note. I have noticed super high end reels like yours that do have a more unique sound when reeling.

15 yrs is an amazing warranty for sure and all the options they have to replace broken rods on their site shows they care about keeping customers happy. I still think SC is at the top as a rod company.

both winners! Daiwa might be a little more powerful than the SC. SC will have better cork. Daiwa may have the better blank.

yes, good choice!

I've handled the Victory and own LTB models. You will have more sensitivity, better quality cork, and I believe guides are better. I also like the foregrip being a little shorter and the locking nut on the legend is metal. Both great options in their price ranges. Don't forget the new avid models. The new walleye model is killer!

BB is different. Reels look similar but different make up. One is $150 new and the other is $600.

Agree! sweet little guns for sure. The just feel really comfortable in hand.

I looked at the shield and several others including Sig. This one came home too. Feels amazing and the trigger is awesome. Favorite pistol by far. Enjoy and sweet color combo.

Fished a FX for a season. Not sure how it compared to the standard 110 really but it caught a lot of fish and the bill held up fine. Great looking color choice and bait. Good luck!

I would be looking into these if it were me. Shimano expride light plus, St. Croix avid panfish, St. Croix legend walleye light 7', or St. Croix Avid Walleye.

I just ordered a St. Croix Avid Panfish 6-9 ML. If its like the walleye series they are really nice for the money. St. Croix has the best selection of panfish rods in my opinion.

and the SC warranty is transferable. The new LTB rods are nice!

Fish square bills a lot and I actually never grind bottom or deflect them (or rarely do). I fish them shallow near docks or even just crank them in open water. Might not work on every lake but I have had 40 fish days doing it so I know it works. I like smaller cranks in the 1/4 -1/2 oz range and smaller profile. Also the flat sided ones work great in medium depths too. Fish them at different speeds and erratic with a couple twitches here and there and hold on

House brand from a Cabelas, Academy, Gander, Dicks?

I too like longer rods for jerkbait fishing. A 7'-6" will cast a 110 across the lake. Love it .

grubs, 1/2 oz jerkbaits, worms, larger poppers, wacky, cranks, 3" swim baits would all be in that rods wheelhouse I would think.

Shimano chronarchs are a great reel! The ci4 and the MGL.

I bought the shakeyhead levante recently. Very impressed after unpackaging but haven't hit the water with it yet. I fished the orochi ronin and its a fine rod too but not what you are looking for.