NorthernBasser

The Levante Jerkbait Special is a really nice rod. The trigger is a tad shorter than I like, but that may not bother you.

In hand, it's quite impressive. Carbon bill. I like how it lists the diving depths on it. Beautiful paint job. And comes with KVD Triple Grips.

A few new baits to try this year. Megabass I-Loud Valley Hill LV 500GP Kingyo Anekin (definitely didn't NEED this) Berkley Stunna SPRO Flappin Frog Jackall TN60 6th Sense Quake Thud Megabass Dog-X Diamante 13 Fishing Scamp (very intrigued by this one)

Sadly it's that way on a lot of lakes.

I'm happy they didn't add any colors to them. Especially any gaudy colors. I have NO idea what St. Croix was thinking with the new BassX. ? Rod looks obviously isn't nearly as important as other traits. But still. I guarantee, if anything, this will hurt sales.

A 7 or 8 speed reel is a huge difference over a 5 speed. Especially when it comes to certain applications.

Where do you go in WI?

I haven't but I've thrown 3/8oz spinnerbait/chatterbait/swim jig and they all worked well. I think it'd do just fine with a 1/2oz. It's such a great, versatile rod.

I have two 7'2" med-heavy. For 1/2oz jigs I'd 100% go for the heavy. For 3/8 oz Texas Rig the med-heavy may be a little more ideal, but I think you could definitely get away with the heavy. Assuming the new rods feel like the current model.

Love my Exprides. I'm sure these will be a step up. Monocoque handle just like the Zodias and Poison Adrena. Shocked that the price is the same as the current models. Can't wait to give them a try. When exactly will they be released?

You check out any of the GrandeBass worms?

Which model did you get? I have the Jerkbait Special. It's a really nice rod. My only gripe is I don't like how short the trigger is. Definitely shorter compared to all my other casting rods. I feel I don't have as much grip and control with the rod as I do others. I normally have the trigger between my pinky and ring finger. I'm curious if other models in the lineup have the shorter triggers as well. Of course it may not bother others. All depends how you hold it I guess.

Easily, the Strike King Pork-O. Lasted forever and had a movement I've yet to see anyone duplicated to this day.

Isn't this the truth. My friends and family always ask me "what do you do to get you thru the winter months?" (frozen lakes up here). I answer "buy fishing stuff."

That too. But I think they're even less durable wacky rigging.

If you're planning to wacky rig it, you'll run into durability issues since there's less meat there.

Got this little crappie nugget today.

Good luck with that.

If anything else, I can confirm that white bass LOVE that Elegy Bone Trick Darter. Not usually the intended target, but a school of white bass can be lots of fun!

13 Fishing Fate Black Crankbait rod is around $80 and has gotten good reviews. My friend has one and he just loves it.

Dang, that's a bummer. I've ordered from them a handful of times.

I'm all over the place. Shimano- 5 Megabass- 2 Kistler- 4 Dobyns- 3 ALX- 2 Lew's- 3 Daiwa- 1 Evergreen- 1 Fenwick-1 Jenko- 1 13 Fishing- 1 St. Croix- 1 Cabela's- 2

When I'm looking at purchasing a rod, appearance isn't nearly as important as other traits. But I agree. If I'm spending a decent amount on a rod, it's a major plus if it looks nice as well. Hopefully the white on there doesn't make the final cut. The current Expride's are some of the best looking rods around IMO.

That or maybe I'll just sell the rod. I bought it on a whim when it was on sale and I had been wanting to check those Techna's out. Of course if I sell it I'll probably just buy another rod and be back in the same boat, no pun intended.