Gorris317

If you are staying with the Fury line I would pick up the following rods: FR705CB for Crankbaits FR735C for Frogs / Flipping and Pitching

Not brand loyal but little OCD. Try to have all my reels from the same company and rods from the same lineup to stay consistent.

San Diego Jam on FC and Palomar on braid.

I use a San Diego Jam Knot because I find it quick and easy to tie. Ditch the leader and look at darker colored line. I used the red line for years and caught all kinds of fish. I honestly don't think fish care about line color.

Used a Tatula XT and was not impressed. The regular Tatula is way better but out of your budget. Out of the rods listed I would go with the Tharp or Fury.

Heard a lot of mixed reviews on those rods. Not very sensitive and stiffer than their rod ratings. Part of the reason I ended up not purchasing one.

My 7' MH just showed up today. I'm hoping to get on the water with it tomorrow. Seen a lot of positive reviews on it.

I jumped on the Abu Fantasista rod. Seems like a really good deal. Thanks everyone for the recommendations.

I noticed my Curado MGL 150 does the same thing. Noticed it about a week ago. Like you can feel a "grinding" or vibration in the gearbox when reeling? Might just give mine a good cleaning and see what happens.

Never heard of ALX before. I will have to look into them. Good to know. I will keep an eye out.

After looking into the St. Croix rods I don't think that's what I'm looking for. How are the Dobyns Champion rods?

As the title states. I'm looking for a new bottom contact rod with a limit of $200. Was looking at the St. Croix line. Currently using an E6X that I would like to replace. Normally fish t-rigs with a 1/4 oz weight and things in the 1/2 oz range. Prefer cork handles. What would you recommend? Open to suggestions.

Out of those two, Watermelon red. Overall favorite color, Okeechobee Craw.

I would throw 3/8 when I first started using a baitcaster to get the lure "out there". As I got better I have lowered the weight. I only carry 1/4 and 1/8 anymore. I never associated my weights with fall speed and always associated it with distance. Now I use weights based on how I want the presentation.

Rage Craw and Ultra Speed Craw. IMHO, Z-Craw to me is similar to the Rage Bug, as its more of a "creature" bait than a craw.

I've had good luck with Zoom Z-craw, Rage Structure Bug, Zoom Horny Toad, and Zoom Lizards. Use to fish lizards like this all the time. Yum baits actually had an "Air Lizard" that would float.

Rage Structure Bug Zoom Z-Craw Whopper Plopper - either black or bone colored Jig - Black/blue Super Spook

I fish the Rage Bug a lot and is probably one of my top producing baits. Only bait that gets me more fish is the Z-Craw. I usually alternate between these two, if one isn't working the other one will. Tried the D-bomb and don't have much confidence in the bait. I know it works, just hasn't worked for me.

Do you guys take a different approach to cleaning the lure if its a hook? If its a worm hook I usually toss it. Noticed some rust on my treble hooks and not sure how to go about cleaning them or if I should replace them as well.

I usually only organize my tackle at the beginning of the season unless my "confidence" lure changes during the season. Usually set up my tackle so that the lures I have most confidence with are on top. If I try another bait or they seem to be liking a different bait then it gets reorganized. But my reels and rods get cleaned almost every trip. Add oil or grease if needed and give a good wipe down to get crud off of them.

Daiwa and Shimano. Just what I've purchased. Might try other brands in the future if something catches my eye.

To me the 150 MGL is like the Tatula CT and the 200k is like the original Tatula, if that makes sense. The 150 MGL feels smaller and is easier to palm. I can't tell the difference in weight but it feels more comfortable to me.

I'm a fan of Sniper and Invisx. Sniper seems to stress less than Seaguar brand IMO.

Looking to pick up another reel mainly used for bottom contact type of applications. All the reels now are Daiwa but I'm thinking about trying the SLX XT. Has anyone fished both of these? I have fished nothing but magnetic brakes so going to the XT will be a learning curve. Also are they close to the same size? I know the Curado K feels like a monster compared to the CT. Thanks.

I started using Tackle Direct instead of TW. They are closer to me and have a pretty good selection.