GrumpyOlPhartte

Limited experience with St. Croix. I had a Lew’s TP medium light that was great for small crankbaits, but I had trouble with hooksets on weightless worms and flukes. Got a St. Croix Bass Yak 7’ medium action and although I haven’t fished it yet, I have been trying it in the yard. I can say it meets all my needs for casting weightless worms, flukes, and light crankbaits. (Good retrieve through snow, too!!!) Appears to have the backbone I want. Yeah, this isn’t much of a testimonial but I really like the feel and the versatility of this rod. Just thought I’d mention it. I should mention that I fish from a small kayak and don’t always get the leverage I want when I set the hook and, in general, find a longer (7’ - 7’6”) works for me. Take this for what it’s worth.

@Sherlock Ohms: First - welcome to the madness! Had to respond because my first bass fishing was wading the banks of the Allegheny River and French Creek back in the mid 1960’s (Little town north of Pittsburgh called Franklin) where I caught my first smallmouth! Second - I have a similar rig to the one you describe, a St. Croix Mojo Yak rod with a Daiwa BG 2500. I fish from a kayak so prefer the shorter handle. I can tell ya it isn’t the lightest combo, but I find I like the balance. More knowledgeable guys than I describe the rod as being “tip heavy” but I can’t say I have really noticed it. All I know is that with a full spool of line the balance point is right where I prefer it. As for the weight, well, I usually fish for about six hours at a whack either from the bank or my yak and have not had any issues. Oh, and I’m 70 and probably more leisurely in my technique ... don’t feel the need to cast as quickly as the more dedicated guys. So take this for what it’s worth but I think you’re making a good selection. Enjoy the experience- whatever your decision!!! Oh, and from what you describe, I would suggest using as little weight on your T-rigs, critter baits, or flukes as possible. Personally I use 1/16 up to 1/4 ounce weights for most of my shallow-water fishing when using a spinning rod. Don’t need much weight in ponds and small lakes. With the added weight of the bait you will be able to cast just fine.

Hey, @.ghoti.! If I ever tell you I caught a 10-pounder around here you can bet the farm I’m lying!! One year I managed a 6 1/4 and a 7 but that was back in the early ‘80’s. (Mebbe I should go back to my Devil’s Horse lures instead of all this new-fangled stuff.) I do have three problems with your rod though. 1. Can’t really use it for another couple of months here in frigid MA. 2. Afraid to take it out of the house and get it all wet and dirty. 3. Can’t find a frame large enough for hanging it on the wall.

Right now? Six inches of ice on my favorite lakes.

From my experience it’s not the length of the hook that is significant, it’s the gap. I consistently fish big worms using a 4/0 or 5/0 hook, typically an EWG style; however, I also use what are referred to as worm hooks. I do take advice I received from this forum to ensure the gap is at least twice the size of the worm diameter to ensure it will penetrate the worm and embed itself in the fish’s jaw. I’ve caught a lot more two- to three-pound bass than slobs and they have no problem engulfing the worm. A few guys have pointed out that a bass will also most likely go for the front of the worm because instinctively they know it is easier to swallow prey head first. Can’t prove it, but it does make sense. (Just for the record I really like Zoom Ol’ Monsters (10- and 12-inch) and Culprit (10- and 12- inch) especially in the summer.). Will be interested in reading others’ responses since these are one of my favorites! As for line, due to the fairly “mucky” bottoms and the weeds in local lakes I use 30-pound braid with 12-pound flourocarbon or mono leaders. Probably overkill but it’s comforting to me.

What @Brad Reid said!!

While not all that qualified to judge, I can certainly verify that rods built on the Rainshadow blank feel and handle beautifully! I received one of the Warrior Project rods built by @.ghoti. and he used a Rainshadow blank. While trying to choose a reel to mount on it I stuck on a Lew’s Tournament MB just because I was dying to try it. Oh, my!! What an experience. I tried a couple of different weights by casting in the yard and though I probably looked like a danged fool considering the weather, I can definitely attest to the fact that my rod (6’8” M/F) cast 3/8- and 3/4-ounce lures like a dream!! I don’t know for sure how much can be attributed to the blank and how much is due to the craftsmanship of @.ghoti. but I was stunned by the accuracy with which I was casting. (I almost wonder if it is partly a confidence thing but I doubt it.) So, for what it’s worth, if I ever get the chance (that really means “cash”) to buy another rod based on a Rainshadow blank, I’m there! I often questioned the high-end fanatics, but now I think I’m beginning to understand.

@fishballer06: I also don’t recommend reaching into knee-deep water to retrieve a dropped chatterbait. Very embarrassing! On the other hand it DOES give one confidence in the operation of the PFD.

@Glenn: I didn’t see any time restrictions. Just went to the Walmart site and searched for “Okuma Helios SX”.

Although I hesitate to make a lot of recommendations due to the limited number of rods and reels to which I have access, I can’t help but mention the Daiwa BG spinning reels. For $100 my 2500 has really impressed me. First, the spool diameter is larger than my old Pfleuger President which, in my mind, is a benefit. Second, it feels as if the reel body is a little closer to the rod and it gives me greater ability to control the line going out during the cast. This helps my stubby fingers control my cast distance more easily. Finally, the thing is rock solid and, from what I’ve read, plays well with salt water. Personally I could not justify spending more. I do really like Pfleuger spinning reels, but I am really glad I gambled on the BG reel. Just a little food for thought. Good luck! By the way, I did put the BG on a St. Croix Mojo Yak rod and, for me, it works wonderfully. Balance point is right where I like it although that is a matter of personal taste.

I have recently wanted to try an Okuma baitcasting reel. I have looked at the inexpensive models at Dick’s Sporting Goods and was impressed by the construction. Anyway, after seeing the Okuma Helios SX mentioned a couple of times here, I thought I’d give it a whirl. While TW offers it for $230, including a free jacket which I don’t need, I found that through Walmart I could pick up the left-hand model for about $160 with free shipping! The right-hand models are a few bucks more. They also had the TCS for around $165 (which I don’t understand) if I remember correctly. Found Tatsu line for a few bucks cheaper as well, so my $200 gift card is going to be put to good use although I haven’t ordered the line yet. (Just seems wrong for someone of my dubious capabilities to shell out that much for line.) Anyway, the reel deal was too good to pass up. Now I’m going through the Walmart online store to determine what other goodies might be available. I just have to wait until February 26. Oh, and if I don’t like the reel I am s-o-o gonna yell at @Glenn, @roadwarrior, and @Bluebasser86!!! (Although I am very confident that those guys would not steer me wrong.) Thanks to all of you for discussing the Okuma stuff. Love my TCS rod so we shall see ... Side note: When one is as isolated from tackle shops as I am, one really relies on the thoughtful inputs from the more knowledgeable guys on here so thanks to everyone who intelligently discusses their preferences!!

@humbleangler: Just a thought. I never use a credit card for online shopping after being bitten in the butt. If I make an online purchase, I go through the checkout procedure up to the point where I know the exact amount including taxes and shipping, then buys gift card for that exact amount and complete the transaction. Works well for me and worth the extra couple of bucks to buy the card. But, remember to go online to register the gift card. Some vendors (Tackle Warehouse, for example) wouldn’t accept the gift card until I registered it. No hassles and the piece of mind is definitely worth it.

@Pikeman12: Just a thought: I fished from a sit-in kayak for three years ... and since I always wear a PFD ... I found that rods with longer butts were not only cumbersome, but occasionally got hung up on my PFD. I switched to those with shorter butts. My personal preferences are Manley Rods, which have adjustable-length butts, and St. Croix Mojo Yak Rods, made with shorter butts. I also switched to an inflatable PFD which is much less bulky than my old PFD. While I did modify my casting style to accommodate longer-handled rods, when I set the hook and felt a nice fish on my line, all my practice went out the window and I have lost fish when my rod butt and PFD caused me to momentarily lose control of line tension. This is just a consideration when you are selecting a rod, regardless of the power and length you select. Oh, and even in a SOT kayak I find the shorter butt is still easier to manipulate.

@187yak: For what it’s worth, I have had much more success with flukes (Zoom, Keitech, Reaction Innovations, Biospawn) by casting, allowing them to sink, resting a few seconds, then lifting my rod tip; I repeat the process back to my kayak. Works better for me than any speed straight retrieve. Lots of variables to play with here; depth of initial fall, length of time to wait before lifting the rod tip, amount to lift the rod tip and speed of the lift, time to wait before repeating the process. Sometimes takes awhile to figure out what combination works. My guess is that I’m imitating the struggles of a sick or injured baitfish. You might want to try this if the straight speed retrieval isn’t working. Sounds like good good advice on weighted hooks above. Can’t add much to that; I use both weighted and unweighted flukes. Hope this helps.

@Flatrock: Trust me. If you had a li’l woman, you wouldn’t have all that stuff! Dang, what a cache!

Heck! Old thread, but I’ll jump in. I’ve been pleased with my Manley rod. Not everyone’s cup of tea but the adjustable butt is very useful if you are in a kayak and don’t like a long butt getting tangled in your PFD. I’m not qualified to compare sensitivity, etc. with other rods, but I thought I’d mention it. I love the ease of use in tight quarters. Oh, and I’ve caught a good number of bass on mine. EDIT: Outstanding customer support. If you want to know more about components just send an e-mail or give them a call. They are very responsive!

@Munkin: I can see both sides to this thought. On the one hand, I find myself sometimes getting irritated by thread resurrection; however, when I first joined BR, I probably managed to resurrect a thread or two because I wasn’t aware of the operation of this site. To be honest, information that I discovered and considered important was “old hat” to most of the more experienced and knowledgeable members. I guess I wonder if such a rule would discourage newer members from participating. Hopefully, I am not hijacking the thread, but I have a couple of thoughts. 1. How does BR handle the situation when a newer member inadvertently activates an old thread? How does BR educate new members without discouraging them from participating in the forums. There is a learning curve that, in my mind, has to be overcome. 2. In a related scenario, I never was comfortable with the “Search” capability and did not effectively use it until I spent some time playing with it. Now I find myself getting irritated when I feel that a search could effectively answer a question. But, I had to learn how to use it. Heck, even now I get some surprising (and often unwanted) results if I’m not careful. Could there be a “canned response” to either of these situations that will inform without negatively affecting the poster? I appreciate the suggestion, but I guess I wouldn’t begin to know how to handle it tactfully.

@OutKast Actual: Means a lot coming from you. Thanks!! But who you callin’ “Sir”? I was enlisted ... actually worked for a living!! ? Thanks again!!

Yeah, I know ... old thread. But, still a valuable tool when considering new purchases. I’m looking for a new reel (won’t bore you with the details) and found this thread to be thought-provoking. Living in western Massachusetts, I can take a left from my driveway, go two blocks, and fall off the edge of the earth. There is no way I can play touchy-feely with any higher-end products so I am relying on the members of this organization to relay their objective views on the products in which I am interested. Thanks to all who take the time and make the effort to help folks in my position. In my mind, it beats the heck out of most of the YouTube “reviews”!!!

@Yeeleng Thao: Although I am unable to add a danged thing to this discussion, I share your pain. After a long hiatus from bass fishing, I eased back into the sport three years ago and have been perfectly content with my Lew’s LFS and Tournament MB reels. But, because of this outstanding organization and its generous members, I have an incredible new hand-crafted rod and am in the throes of the decision-making process for a reel worthy of the rod. I, as you have done, have narrowed my choices (which fluctuate from day to day) to about four reels. Today is Shimano Chronarch MGL day, but tomorrow ...? One additional consideration is clouding the issue for me. Do I really need a Ferrari to go to the grocery store? To all you members contributing to this thread - thank you for your input and your insight. I used to laugh at the “Best Reel?” threads until now. Now, in addition to searching other similar threads, I’m avidly following this thread, hoping to get a revelation. At least it gives me something to pass the time until spring! Thanks again to all who have provided some thoughtful and thought-provoking info. Ya never know how many folks may be in the same boat as the OP.

What @WRB said. I’m 70 and anything that “lightens the load” saves wrists, shoulders, and fingers. I was getting ready to pull the trigger on a Fury, but am delayed because I was thrilled to receive a new handmade rod and am now faced with the issue of finding a new reel so another rod will have to wait, but after doing a bunch of research I am convinced that Dobyns Fury Rods would give me the best bang for my buck. May be awhile before I can confirm though. Just as as an afterthought, I have an old Shimano Bantom reel circa 1980 (actually might be late ‘70s) that is still going strong and if it wasn’t a right-handed reel, I’d still be using it. Even has a Fighting Drag lever that works like a dream.

@Jigfishn10: Happened at Onota Lake here in Pittsfield. The officer was extremely polite. More interested in my license but we got to chatting and I (probably unnecessarily) mentioned it. He was telling me about a dead loon found in one of the local lakes. Not a mark on it. They actually did an autopsy and found lead weights in its gut. Interesting, but sad.

Sorry to hear you didn’t get out. But, on the bright side, you have all winter to select jigs for NEXT spring. I placed a small order with Siebert for this past summer and was very impressed. I’m not a jig fisherman - spend a fair amount of time washing them in the lakes but not catching much - but the jig quality and color selection from Siebert is outstanding. By the way, I keep a small kitchen magnet with my gear. Makes it easy to show the local game wardens my jigs and sinkers are tungsten. The fellow I ran into was impressed that I could show him.

@Tizi: I have both and definitely agree. Neither reel is a slouch; however, given my druthers, I would grab the Tournament MB for a hundred bucks! Still, if budget comes into play, the LFS for $70.00 is, in my mind, a darned good deal.

While I can’t hold a candle (even a match) to Catt’s experience, I have been using a Lew’s LFS for three years. I’ve dropped it, drowned it, pulled up logs with it, and stepped on it. Heck, I’ve even caught bass with it. It’s still as smooth as ever and as I submit this, Tackle Warehouse is offering them for $70.00. I never regretted paying full price so if ya want to give it a try, now would be a good time!