anthonyfip

So... There are brands you CAN talk about on this site and those you CAN'T. However there is no list of those you CAN'T talk about anywhere in the FAQ section (which I have read several times), but you may get BANNED for mentioning those brands even though you don't know which they are. So anyone that mentions any brand runs that risk. I just purchased a new rod, am excited to talk about it with other fisherman, but CANNOT for reasons that are vaguely explained. I am very disappointed about this as I presumed this site, in particularly THIS THREAD was a place to talk about gear... but only certain gear? I see different brands plastered all over this site and I now have to assume that $$ has a lot to do with this situation, which again is disappointing, when all some people want to do is find out if they made a good purchase with their hard earned paychecks. I suppose I am looking for a better explanation than just simply being routed to a link to the FAQ which is what tends to happen. I hope this post sees the light of day!

So, I know you all have been anxiously waiting an update on this...lol the other day I went to gander mountain with the intent to buy a rod that was marked down quite a bit. While there, after talking with a store associate, I decided against the cheap rod and began looking around for something a bit nicer. Again, with the intent to only spend $X, I discussed more with the guy, mainly about the gander mountain line of rods (which I am a big fan of). I learned that *** were the manufacturers of the newer gander rods so figured they would be a nice addition to my gear. btw, I am not giving up on my guide series. I plan on keeping both in the kayak as I am having trouble with baitcaster hooksets being in a sit in yak (limited elbow room)

Had a chance to take the kayak out onto lake Alice yesterday. First time there on the yak, so I wasn't expecting a whole lot until I learned the water a bit more. I ended up with a few nice bass and a lot of big bluegill. There were tons of huuuuge drum close to the edges, was hoping to get one on the end of my light rod but no luck. @clayton86 I believe you've mentioned Alice before? You do pretty good there? I saw a ton of potential, just didn't have the time to explore/experiment too much. I'm hoping to make this my new "go to" spot since it is kayak friendly and only 30 minutes from my house (excluding all the construction)

Got a few of these guys near the windmills on Lake Erie... We were trolling for walleyes but changed gears when the smallies started hitting.

Dollars?!?! lol

2nd!! ^

I also only use one spinning and one casting and I currently am set up with 15# power pro on spinning (dia of 4# mono) and 12# sufix siege on my casting setup. Like someone else mentioned, the thin but strong braid allows for leader selection based on your needs. As for the casting setup, with a good drag system, 12# is all you need to land just about any freshwater fish!

I also had this sort of issue with straight FC on a spinning reel. I went down to 6lb and still had some "jumpage". I thought it might be due to using it the same day as spooling it on and it wasnt used to the smaller spool than it came from. i then came across a video (I think from someone here on BR) where you soak the spool in warm water for 5-8 minutes and it molds the line to its new home on the reel. I have to say, this worked great!! However 12lb still might be a bit heavy, but I've never tried so I can't say that it won't work!

Thank you all for your feedback! I still can't decide what to do, but am in no rush to make a decision. Would anyone have a different opinion if I told you this new rod would be a birthday present to myself? (well... technically from my wife) So, if not this rod, it could quite possibly be something else that I would "need" even less!!

I absolutely love Sufix Siege in 6#. If I could only have one type of line for spinning, this would be it!

I guess what I am wondering is... Will I notice a difference/catch more fish with a higher end rod? I consider the lure, line, and reel (in that order) to gear that makes the biggest difference. I may be wrong? Should I be considering the rod more? I would never get rid of it. It just wouldn't be my primary spinning setup if I purchased somethjng new. I mainly fish from a kayak so I don't tend to bring more than two rods, so rather than setting up for specific applications, I have two versital setups, so taking two spinning rods won't likely happen. I will still keep the rod tho.

I love that answer! I am already that way with lures so it seems like a good idea NOT to get that way with other gear... I do have a basement full of several rod/reel combos, both casting and spinning. The "problem" I am having is primarily with rods. I have no issue spending money on a higher end reel, but for some reason am apprehensive when it comes to rods.

I have a Gander Mountain Guide series spinning rod that I can't find my self ever abandoning! It came with a combo that was on sale in the store and I currently have it matched with a Pflueger President and have zero problems and love the inexpensive rig. I am looking into upgrading to a fenwick (either hmx or hmg) but feel that I don't really need to... Should I just leave my setup alone? Or give a more expensive rod a try?

I've only been out once so far. I threw some rapala's around the oak orchard by the dam but the water was pretty murky...and fast! I didn't have high hopes when I got there but it was still good to get out.