Chatterbaiter

Again, great feedback guys. I went out the other day and used my current St. Croix setup a bit and decided I would hang on to it a little longer as it still serves me pretty well. I still have my eyes on an NRX at some point though, I wouldn't use it enough to justify it at this point. Although the current Memorial Day sales going on are hard to pass up. I did however purchase another DX.. Got the 784 because I felt it would work a little better then my 745 when throwing jigs/worms in deeper water. I'll have to check out some of these custom rod builders mentioned, too. It does sound pretty darn appealing.

Really great suggestions and questions guys. I'd be using this set up for light t-rigs, shakey heads, and finesse jigs. Predominantly 3/16oz to1/4oz weights. I currently use a St Croix LTB "Plastics" rod, and switch between a Curado 70 and Lew's Team Pro Magnesium with 10-12lb fluoro. It performs fairly well, it's sensitive, light, but a little tip heavy with a reel under 6oz. I find the tip a little on the stiff side when using lighter baits, but I will say that characteristic does aid when I come across some grassy/snaggy bits (easily able to snap the lure free). For those of you who mentioned the Kistler He3, I've seriously given them a look before as well. Seeing as they too are made using NFC blanks that "Gary helped design himself". And the one of you who mentioned the Conquest MBR. Don't go tempting me even further haha. Seriously though, I can plainly see their durability over the NRX. Maybe not as sensitive or light, but definitely seems stronger. Maybe pick up the 904C at some point.

Haven't seen the new XXs, but I agree with the newer model LTB suggestion. My 2 cents would be to check out a Dobyn's Champ XP 735C. Braid to leader is not a problem and the sensitivity is on par if not better than an LTB. Oh, and the balance is amazing.

This originally started as just a thought in my head, followed by research, and now here. I use a St. Croix LTB "Plastics" (new model) with 12lb fluoro as my current light t-rig, shakey head, senko, and finesse jig rod, but because I lack self control it wasn't long before I began looking at some other offerings. Now a lot of us know every manufacturer makes a better rod by application. So, before I inevitably go off and purchase another rod I most definitely do not need, I would like to here some opinions from those whom have experience with these rods or similar. TLDR; I've been eye-balling G. Loomis' NRX 852C & 853C JWR because who hasen't. As well as Dobyn's DX 702C & 703C HP. I've been debating whether NRX claimed "superior lightness and sensitivity" outweigh the Extreme HP's own sensitivity, balance, and obvious value.

If you had a budget of "only" $500 for a rod and complementing real what would you pick and why? I just want to pose this question because I love to read the responses. I enjoy seeing all the different views and opinions from avid angler to weekend warrior. Who knows, maybe someone will see something that will just make them think or helps them make a decision.

All my set ups that I run fluoro on, I run Sunline. Have had really good experience with sniper so far. I used to run invizx for all my fluoro needs but I've found sunline sniper to be noticeably easier to work with. Not to mention sniper has a smaller diameter than invizx/abrazx at the same # test rating. I will note sniper does seem to stretch a little more than seagaur fluoro but is still very sensitive. I gained so much more confidence in sniper when I was snagged up in some gnarly submerged debris recently. I was so hung up I decided to use the situation to learn a little more about the line (18# Sniper). I tugged and tugged. Wrapped my limbs with the stuff. Stepped on it. Put my whole weight into the line, yet it refused to break. Not at the knot, mainline, anywhere. Ended up bending out a heavy duty flipping hook. Best part I'd say though is that my line was hardly even nicked or kinked where it had been rubbing all against the crap at the bottom. Since then, it's all I'll ever buy in terms of work horse fluorocarbon.

I hear what all of you are saying. The purpose of that list is just a spread of rods in value from lines I've been hearing most about for what I'm looking to do. If the rod is really that good I have no problem with it's cost, but I will note that the GLX is topping out on what I'm willing to stomach. Additionally, I'd like to add a little more information to what exactly the function of this rod will be. Which of course will be for making longer cast and fishing jigs/worms around bluff walls, submerged timber, and rock piles in 15 - 30 FOW. From that I think I would need a rod that is able to move large amounts of line and get a solid connection with whatever is on the tag end, but not a "pool cue" as I've still got to play the fish back to the boat. If what I need is in fact more of a "pool cue" than I'll just stick to using my flip/punch set up.

I understand majority of this is more preference than anything, but I'm stuck and looking for some guidance. I'm looking to pick up a new football Jig/big worm rod, tossing mainly 1/2oz and occasionally higher. I'll be pairing it with a Chronarch mgl and most likely 20# Sunline. Naturally I'm looking for something lightweight with great sensitivity, but a well balanced rod is most important to me (have had too many tip heavy rods). I've read many reviews and done so much research I feel I'm going mad. Budget isn't all that much of a concern as I know a lot of times you get what you pay for, but I'm not trying to break the bank unless it truly TRULY is worth it (I feel most comfortable spending between $200~$300). Here I have a list of what I keep getting hung up on.. 1. G Loomis - GLX 894C JWR 2. Dobyns Champ Extrm HP - 7'8" Hvy Mike Long Jig 3. Megabass - Orochi XX - 7'5" MH EMTF 4. G Loomis - E6X 894C JWR What I'm wondering is, are some of the higher dollar rods really worth their price and not just hype? As I stated before, I understand majority of this is more personal preference than anything. I'm just hoping enough members on here have had some sort of experience. I'm open to recommendations as well.

Pre & Spawn: -Jerkbaits -Spinnerbait -Med-Diving Crankbaits -Senko, wacky rig -Lizard, light T-rig Post Spawn: -Topwater Popper -Buzzbait -C-Rig w/ big worm or bulky creature bait -Med-Diving Crankbaits -Fluke, weightless

I get what you're saying. I've seen places recommend technique specific rods and actions that are a completely different from each other. In what is just my opinion, I would fish a chatterbait on a similar set up one would use for med-size spinnerbaits and swim jigs. Something with a mod-fast or fast action. For me, a 7' MH-Fast action rod (action probably more akin to a mod-fast) works well enough for 3/8oz lures.

Commonly sold at places like Walmart and Dick's Sporting Goods, I've found Shimano Sojourn spinning rods are of great value (~$30). I like them enough that I continue to use one in my normal rotation of higher quality rod/reel set ups. It's a two piece so it's great for traveling, but still has decent action and feel.

I was looking to get a new set up along the same lines recently. Ended up getting a Shimano Stradic 2500, paired with a 7' Duckett MM Pro (medium action). I went a little over-budget, but it feels incredibly light and balanced. Though you may find a Stradic 3000 to be more to your liking.

Hey thanks! Also, "Mead", as in Ft. Meade? Why yes, I do have access. I would definitely be down for some rock fishing (Stripers?) as well. I've got some set-ups for it but all I've ever caught are stinking Blues.. but the occasional Spanish is nice

Nice looking fish you got there! Can't wait to get out and catch 'em myself. I appreciate the info. Thanks!

I'm pretty new to this area. I live just outside Glen Burnie, and I'm dying to get out on some water. I've been looking/talking around a lot and so far as smaller places go, Loch Raven sounds pretty good. Anybody got some "boots on the ground" advice? Much appreciated.