Micropterus salmoides

I have two 734Cs and one 733C. I use the 734Cs for spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, swim jigs, chatterbaits, and have tried paddle tails. I use the 733C for Super Spooks, Sammy 115s & poppers (around vegetation), lipless crankbaits (vegetation). I definitely use the 734C more. I originally bought one of each to find out which one I would prefer for spinnerbaits. I knew that I wanted the 734C for buzzbaits and the 733C for Super Spooks. I discovered that I liked the 734C better for spinnerbaits because it had the combination of a strong backbone yet a softer tip compared to other 4 power rods I've used, ie MBR844C GLX. The 733C is a great rod for spinnerbaits and I found that it cast 3/8 ouncers more easily, but I prefer a more powerful rod in part due to size of fish I catch as well as cover.

There's one on ebay with a current bid of $200 and 2 days to go. I've seen them sell for $210-235 on TT late last year.

I like 10lb CXX for shallow to deep. If I'm fishing shallow in heavier cover I bump up to 12-15lb CXX. I primarily use shallow to mid-depth crankbaits. If I had a rod dedicated to deep cranking and I did it more often I would most likely try fluorocarbon.

I hope to get one for punching. I was hesitant at first because of the 5 power rating. I called Dobyns Rods and spoke to Richard and he told me that it ended up being more powerful than intended - closer to a 6 power than the listed 5. That's all I needed to hear.

What's it called? The knuckle breaker?

J. Franco, you're right. I knew the difference, but didn't include the letters. I'll change it. Thanks.

Thanks for the replies. My main question was 7:1 vs 6.3:1 for jigs & soft plastics. I listed the reel because it's the one I'm considering. I don't plan on paying full retail. As far as IPT, the 103HA/100HA has 26" and the 103SHA/100SHA has 29.8", quite a significant difference to me. Look at how many people suggest the Zillion 100SHA because of its higher IPT, which is 3.6" more than the 100HA.

Nice story. Here's hoping you go green for Xmas. I have one and already want another.

Which would you choose for jigs and soft plastics, the 7:1 Steez 103SHA or 6.3:1 Steez 103HA?

Why be forced to buy a LH Zillion? Ask the shop to special order a RH Zillion or if possible get your money back and buy elsewhere.

fourbizz, What kind of setups - rod, reel, line - do you use for different situations? Are you swimming them or fishing them more like a jig?

I have 2 Zillions and just bought a Curado E7. While, both are great reels the Zillion doesn't cast light lures that well. Say anything below 3/8oz. The E7 is good for 1/4oz and above.

I think it's just a link, not a individual code. I would think that you would be able to contact TW and have them email you the link.

Called up TW and asked about a Memorial Day sale and was told that the reps think it will happen, but management hasn't decided whether or not they will have one and if so what percentage off. Apparently the reps won't know either way until 1-2 days prior to Memorial Day. Guess I'll get in on the 10% stimulus sale just in case.

+1 The 735 will work for frogging in open water or in scattered vegetation, but the 736 is ideal for frogs in thick vegetation and mats and would be the better all-around frog rod. The 736 would serve well for punching AND frogging, but for dedicated punching most prefer the 766 or 805. You'll get much more versatility with the 735 and 736.

Had the same things happen to me - blades fall off and wire breaks at R-bend. This is why I stopped using Terminators several years back. When I contacted Terminator about the blades I was told that the split rings were not the right size so eventually the blade would work its way off. If that's the reason why yours came off I can't believe they still haven't fixed the issue. At least they replaced the ones that broke as well as provided me with replacement blades and several different sizes of split rings to try. When they don't have issues they have been one of the most successful spinnerbaits for me. Sucks that the quality has declined over the years. I purchased some a couple years back and noticed that the paint jobs were overly bright and sloppy. I believe manufacturing location has moved over the years which is often a bad sign.

Yes, but that makes it much easier to apply. My only gripe about using MegaStrike is applying it when it's cold out.

Nice! I like how he is "innocently" averting his eyes, like he's saying "who me"?

Haven't used MegaStrike on Senkos, though it's the scent I use on jigs, swimbaits. As far as colors... Watermelon Bk Flk, Green Pumpkin Bk Flk, June Bug.

CXX is my confidence line for a lot of applications, but I prefer braid for frogs. Having said that, I use 17lb CXX for buzzbaits over grass and have been able to pull out big fish when they try to bury you in the weeds. If you're fishing over grass that is not matted CXX should work, but if you're trying to throw your frog on top of mats braid is the only real option.

I googled Sufix vs Power Pro and found several links to different fishing sites. The consensus was 40-50lb and over go with Sufix, lower than 40lb go with Power Pro. With Sufix, 50lb and greater it has 8 carriers, below that 4. In the lower lb tests Power Pro is easier to cast. I use braid on a limited basis, mainly 65lb for frogs and punching. This year I'm going to be using braid on my swim jig setup and will be trying 50lb Sufix.

What size Owner Twistlock would be better for Horny Toads and Ribbits, 5/0 or 6/0?

I would say that they are the Costa Del Mar Rincon with Silver Teak frame and Blue Mirror Glass lens.

steezy, Would you measure the IPT (inch per turn) of the Steez 103SHA at full spool? I know it's listed as 29.8", but I've found that the listed specs aren't always accurate.

I have the same rod paired with a 103HA. I use it for jigs, texas rigs, and 6-7" Senkos. I might try chatterbaits this Spring.