bunz559

This was posted so long ago, but recently started fishing more again. Thought I would chime in for future readers if they ever search and find this thread. At some time or another, I ended up with both rods. As stratos4me mentioned above, I would absolutely agree. I have used the 7'2 H for a number of things: jigs, swim jigs, bladed jigs, Keitechs, 6in Magdrafts, open water popping frogs, Whopper Ploppers, and 10 inch worms. It's quite the versatile rod. Plenty of sensitivity, backbone, and a moderate enough tip that really allows you to use as a primary or backup rod to almost anything in its weight class. On the other hand, the 7'3 XH is very much a broom stick. I really like the tip for walking frogs and fishing them in heavy cover but there's just too much backbone for anything else I normally fish. I have also thrown the 6in Magdraft on it but the stiff back bone on it just makes for an awkward cast. I don't think the rod could handle stepping up to the 8in unfortunately. While the 7'3 XH had become my dedicated frog rod over what I was previously using, that's all I really only use it for. U could, if there was nothing else on deck, use it for other purposes like jigs, flipping and pitching but it would not be the ideal rod. Thanks for all the input.

I typically run about a 6-10ft leader. I don't really measure. Sometimes, I run a longer leader depending on body of water.

Hello Forum, it's been awhile since I have posted or asked a question. I've taken a long break from fishing because of personal life reasons. Recently I have been getting back into fishing, maybe once a week. I have a bunch of Expride A rods. Particularly, I was fishing the 7'2 MH and and 7'2 H both combo'ed with reels spooled with 40lb braid tied to a 12lb fluoro leader. I cannot remember if I used to use straight fluoro for these rods, but my knot kept catching the guides on both setups. I used the FG knot. I retied several times. Checked the knots throughout the session. Made sure I clipped off any excess lines at the knot and even took a lighter to it. I even tied on a longer leader so mitigate the knot catching on casts. But on retrieve, the knot would almost always catch a guide. Guides are straight, I should mention. Are these rods no good for knot to leader? I don't believe the Expride A's are considered micro guides... Any tips, tricks, and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I don't throw anything smaller than an 8XD on the Irod unfortunately. I'd imagine it could chuck a 6xd just fine and a 5xd in a pinch. It's a pretty stout crank rod, not much a noodle. So getting it to load up on casts will take a slightly heavier bait.

Corrected. LOL! ?

I have a 6'10 Expride and it's an awesome rod. Can't say I've tried casting anything that light on it. Lightest would be a Vision 110 and Megabass Pop Max which are 1/2 ounce. But I couldn't imagine it not doing well with 1/4oz, I wouldn't hesitate to try.

I'm currently spooled with 20lb FC Sniper. Has worked great so far.

I have 2 rods I use to throw chatterbaits, the Orochi XX EMTF and Diablo Spec R. I also have a Dobyns 735cb that I previously used also but didn't really like the tip for the application. I preferred the Dobyn's 734c XP. Of the 2 Orochis, I actually really like the EMTF more, but it seems slightly under-powered when casting 1/2 ounce bladed jigs. The Diablo is a great middle ground.

I have 1 light, Megabass Flyssa, and 1 medium light, Megabass Addermine, and they are both used for light finesse applications. While the Addermine is my dedicated dropshot rod, the Flyssa has served for smaller ned rigs, dropshots, 3in and under swimbaits, and weightless t-rig worms. The Flyssa is an awesome rod! They both have also served me for pan fishing as well. I also have the Expride Medium and it's a fantastic do it all spinning rod. When I can only take one spinning rod, I usually go for the Expride. Neds, dropshot, weightless senkos, flukes, and jerkbaits are all great applications. I've even used it for vertical bait-and-wait fishing for striper here in California. LOL!

Both great rods! I have 1 of each and can say that the 7ft Medium spinning is one of my favorites. When fishing on other people's boats and I can only bring 1 spinning rod, the Expride Medium is my go to. I have it paired with a CI4 and it's an awesome combo. Can't wait to try out the Vanford.

If you're fishing open water, a medium-heavy or heavy action rod with a nice tip will work perfect. I throw frogs on a Expride Heavy action in open water and light cover. Heavier cover I throw them on an Expride Extra-Heavy.

7.x will work perfect for bladed jigs and spinners. Lowest I would go is 6.x.

Swimbait rods are pretty stout and a lot of rod. I would say that it'll work if that's all you have and are fishing with. But is it preferable? Probably not.

All my 5.X gear ratio reels are only used for deep cranks (8xd and larger) and swimbaits. All the above you mentioned are either fished on 6.X or 7.X in my arsenal.

You can definitely use it for other line types. I usually use the double SD knot for my larger swimbaits.