Big-Bass

Anyone use the Shimano Crucial CRC63M for baits like 4" Senko type baits or lighter 1/8-1/4 oz. jigs? Shimano's website says that this is a good all around rod, but does not mention the rod's ability to fish worms. Anyone use it for that? Also, any/all input on the rod would be great. I would be matching it with a Shimano Calais CL-200 and 10 or 12 lb. P-Line Evolution. Thanks in advance

Depends...hopefully you will have a good day and catch about 20 or so smallmouth. Tubes, senkos, small spinnerbaits work well. Good luck.

Clear nail polish is the best since if you don't cover it, it may corrode.

www.wackyworm.com They have a few left and I think they are marked down to something like $79 on clearance from $159.

Bream Master, As stated above, Fuij is a brand name for rod components and pretty much seems to be the golden standard as far as guides and reel seats are concerned, both here and in Japan. Here is a run down of the types of guides Fuji makes in order of price and quality. TiSiC (Titanium Framed Silicon Carbide) SiC (Stainless Framed Silicon Carbide) Alconite (Harder than SiC but not as durable in the long run) Hardloy (Form of Aluminum Oxide guide that is of better quality) Aluminum Oxide (Basic guide offered by Fuji) Most high end rods will have either Alconite or SiC or even TiSiC guides such as the Daiwa Steez or St. Croix Legend Elites. As the price of the rod goes down, so does the price of the guides. I am having a custom rod built for me using TiSiC guides, and just the set alone is $55, so that up's the price of the total rod. Other component companies that compete in the market are: Batson, American Tackle, Pacific Bay, etc. Usually, rod companies that use Fuji try to use the best components. Kistler takes alot of heat for using Batson guides on their $300 rods if you check other forums. Originally, the company used to be known as: Shimano-Lew-Fuji back in the 1970s. Hope this helps.

Check out this link that someone posted on another fishing website. I think that if the new Zillion HLC is aluminum, I will own one. It already comes with a stock carbon fiber handle and cork knobs. Awesome! And the new Alphas 150 looks like a more economical version of the Steez. Enjoy everyone! http://www.tackletour.net/T3Forum/viewtopic.php?t=15491

My advice would be go for the Citica 100DSV ($119.99) then get a Falcon Cara 6'7" Weightless Worm Special ($139.99). The Lowrider XG also offers that model for $94.99 I believe. This rod is specifically designed for Senkos and other weightless baits, but according to many, is an incredible "all-around" rod for most all baits. It is rated for 12-20 and 1/4-3/4oz. baits I believe. Here are a few links to the rod: another site All of the major retailers carry them. I would probably go for the Lowrider as it is a little sturdier of a rod, and use the rest of your cash to buy bags of senkos and ikas.

Here is a PHOENIX BLAZE spinning rod on eBay. http://cgi.ebay.com/PHOENIX-BLAZE-6-5-FT-TWO-PIECE-SPINNING-ROD-MED-LIGHT_W0QQitemZ250084550251QQihZ015QQcategoryZ1495QQcmdZViewItem

Is this what you mean? If so, I think they are no longer making rods. Don Iovino used to offer rods made by them on his website, but has since switched to Lamiglas. http://www.phenixrods-proline.com/pages/rods/index.htm

I actually didn't like the Hybrid I tried...but alot of people say they love it.

Lots of Shimano, a Daiwa or two, and SCOOBY DOO! Very interesting.

What about the Falcon Cara Reaction Series ($125) rods if they are in your price range. Or a St. Croix Premier Crankbait rod ($90). If not, I would go with the Clunn for the better components.

Just seeing what everyone's favorite setup is. Mine happens to be a Shimano Chronarch 100SF matched with a 2001 G. Loomis IMX MBR783 with the Wiebe reel seat. This combo usually is matched with 12lb. test line and is used for just about anything under the sun. What do all of you use for favorite combo for? Hopefully, alot of responses will stem from this post. Thanks and good fishing.

What are you using the Evolution for? I plan to use mine (10 lb. test) on a 6'6" medium rod with hopefully a Shimano Chronarch 100B (gotta order that) for weightless senkos, t-rigged beavers, and light worms in clear water for smallies.

I like the look of the new Lightning Rods in the catalog...and at their price, they seem to be hard to beat. BTW, I just sold an original Lightning Rod that is was in new condition basically. It was a 6' pistol grip from 1985. Kind of regretting doing so, but I was making room for new stuff.

It is very thin diameter...by that I mean 12 lb. test is .29mm or .0112" (or something like that) while Berkley 12 lb. test in XL is .013". You can get more on the spool with the Halo. I bought a spool of it and casted it around the yard (in PA we have 17" of snow right now) since I can't get out fishing. It feels really nice and slick, and hopefully, it will hold up well. I actually just ordered a spool of P-Line Evolution which I am more excited for. At $9 for a 300yd. spool, it is more economical than $19 for a 200yd. spool.

I picked up a spool of 12 Clear and supposedly, MAXX is a blend of both XL and XT and is touted as the "best Trilene yet." We will see, but I am excited to use it come Spring.

Sounds great!

Just saying hello and that I am new to the site. Seems like a really nice group of people on these forums and just wanted to make an introductory post saying that I look forward to all the knowledge I will get and hopefully some help I can give on this site. Thanks.