NorthernBasser

Hell of a deal they have going on.

I've never order rods from Dick's before. But this weekend I ordered a Tatula frog rod. As I came home today, I see the package had arrives. A long, flimsy box, barely taped, with a crease through it. Right away I had a bad feeling. I mean, who ships rods like that? I open the box and see the rod laying in there. No kind of wrapping to protect it even. Nothing. I pull the rod out, and sure enough, the top foot of the rod is snapped off. Is this the norm for Dick's? Do they ship all their rods like this? Unacceptable if you ask me. All companies should be using the long PVC tubes by now. And if you are gonna use a box, make it a more durable one, and wrap the rods up in something for pete's sake.

I use a handful of different rod companies. Shimano, ALX, Kistler, Fenwick, Daiwa, Cabela's, Dobyns, St. Croix. Plan on getting a Cashion and possibly a Lew's in the near future. Of all of those rods...and I like them all...if I had to choose my favorite, I would go with my Kistler's (Helium 3 and KLX Feel N Reels).

Nice! Have you tried the 75 size? Or the 110? Both much better than the 90 IMO.

Personally, I have the most confidence with baits that are cross-eyed.

I hear ya. I'm the same way. It's a sickness. Any time I take a friend out on my boat, I hear this every time: "Do you even use half of this sh--"?!! Or, "how many rods can you even use at once"?!

What stores have the selection of a TW tho? Also, TW has a great, free return policy.

If it was a mistake and they charge you the full price, you can always get it cheaper at TW when they have their Labor Day sale (15% off).

Was just gonna post this. Amazing rod. Can usually get it on sale. I got mine for a little under $200.

Appreciate it!

Probably up to an 8XD. What is it you don't like about the MB? Every place I've looked/read talks highly about it for cranking. Thanks for the replies guys.

Booyah Pad Crasher is a great place to start. Shove a couple bb's in it's hole to add rattle/weight.

I wanna upgrade my cranking setup. I don't crank a ton, so I really don't wanna spend a lot on it. Right now I'm looking at a Lew's Tournament MB (5.6:1) and a Lew's Custom Speed Stick Crank Rod 7'6". Now, TW lists it as a medium/mod-fast action. Other places call it a med-heavy/mod-fast. Hmm. I can get this setup for $230. I was just curious what your guys' thoughts are who crank more. Good setup? Recommend something better around the same price? I'd be willing to go up to $270ish I guess. Thanks!

Berkley Big Game in 20-25#. Cheap and strong as all heck.

I always forget about this thread. Or I should say, what forum it's under. Love seeing everyone's catches, big and small! Here's a few of the nicer ones I've caught over the past few weeks or so. Got this one on a bluegill colored spinnerbait in about a foot of water. Punchin' with an Okeechobee Craw-colored Pit Boss. Caught this one pitching a Christie Craw in some brush. Caught both of these on a 6th Sense Cloud in about 13 feet of water. Jungle Rose color (one of my favorites!)

I'm kind of shocked Yeti isn't excluded.

The 2 Ganders "near" me have a great selection. Better than the 2 Cabela's that are near me. They carry a lot of stuff you have to go to TW to get. Sadly, Gander/Overton's online store is pathetic. Not sure what they're thinking.

I think you made a good decision. I was just gonna reply to this recommending the heavy for what you're using. I have the 7'1" med/heavy Helium 3 that I use for Texas Rig, and it is phenomenal. But for 1/2-3/4 oz jigs, I'd definitely step up to the heavy. You're gonna love it. These blanks are crazy sensitive.

Just a quick question. Anybody know of any places who carry them who have sales regularly besides TW? I know TW has their Labor Day sale coming up in a month, but was curious if anyone else carries them. Particularly looking at their Elite Flipping Sticks. Thanks

I have an Expride as well as a Kistler Helium 3, and I actually find the Helium more sensitive. I feel every little tick with that thing. Now, the Exprides are great as well, obviously.

I have a handful of Curados and Tatulas. You really can't go wrong with either. Both are great. Get a Curado K or Tatula CT in 6.2/6.3 gear ratio and you'll be set for all around setup.

TW has 15% off Tatsu. 200 yd spools only.

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Same here. I'm not even sure where the closest one is. I do shop on their website, though. My options for stores are Cabela's, BPS (little drive), Gander Outdoors and Dicks. A sleeper is Fleet Farm (not Farm & Fleet).

You know what they say. Nice guys finish last.