TOPFLiTE1994@gmail.com

Sounds like I don't know what kind of fun I'm getting into yet...! pger, I agree, the Citrix appeals greater to me. I certainly like those traditional over-sized foam grip handles, and the price. As for the power, all of my current larger swim/wake/glide baits are well under 4 ounces, and I don't plan on throwing money into the larger stuff soon, so I'm still leaning toward the 'heavy' 1-6 oz Citrix, guys. I understand your reasoning for recommending an extra heavy set up, but I think I'll go ahead and get a set up that suits my current needs. I'll go to the heavier rod and sell the previous if (when?) I decide to move up in baits in the future... or buy a heavier set up altogether. I think I've pretty much got my mind set. Abu Ambassadeur C3-5500L, Okuma Citrix 7'11 heavy, it is. I really appreciate all the help guys, ya'll are awesome! It would have taken much longer and a lot more cash to figure all this out on my own. I'll post my opinions/pics of the new rig when I get it (if I remember!). Thanks again guys, TOPFLiTE

Rippin, thanks for the input. I don't think I will ever be tying anything more than 4 ounces on, at least not in the near future, so I guess the heavy rod would be sufficient for my first setup based on your experiences. Pger, I didn't even think look at that rod, but I like it. I don't plan on throwing or purchasing larger heavier swimbaits or glides right now so I'd probably go for the heavy 7'11. It also has a MF action so it would suit both hard baits and soft baits well according to the article Senko shared. I'm leaning towards that rod now. The price is certainly around my budget. Thumbs up! I appreciate the input so far guys; I'm glad I didn't cluelessly go buy that E-motion...

Senko, good read, that definitely gives me a good direction to look in. Gr8, I've decided on the Abu. Both reels seem well qualified to start with, I simply prefer The C3's ergo's and looks. As for the rod, I looked into the Okuma's as well as the others listed in the above article. The Okuma big bait 7'6 MH looks like the better choice for my use. More so suited for the lighter stuff as well as larger baits pushing 5 ounces. I also feel the slightly shorter handle will suit me better in terms of ergo's, correct me if you feel I'm wrong on that. Thanks for the leads guys

Guys, I'm looking to get into swimbait and glide bait fishing. It's a new type of fishing for me and I would appreciate any advice. I am a budget fisherman, so I have narrowed reel choices down to Abu's Ambassadeur C3 (4600 size/L-hand) and the Shimano Cardiff A (200size/L-hand). As for the rod, I honestly don't know where to start. Glass/carbon? Power? Action? Preferably around or under $100. If it helps narrow options any, I currently have a few swimbaits between 1 and 2 ounces, and do not plan on moving to the large 8 and 10 inch baits any time soon. I would like something around 7'6 for transportation reasons. My first guess is possibly the Berkley E-Motion 7'6 extra heavy rod (1/2-3oz.)? Any insight appreciated, TOPFLiTE

Hey guys, My brother and I recently decided to look into buying a budget bass boat. We have agreed to purchase new. It's come down to the Lowe Stinger 180, with the Merc 115 command thrust. My question is, does this boat need the optional transom riser for this engine? This boat is offered with a few different engines, but all have the same shaft length, therefore an 'optional' transom riser leads me to confusion... Any insight appreciated, Aaron