Eric 26

I have (2) 7’-0” recommendations, first is a Wright &McGill med. powered fast action available at Wal Mart at least it was when I last looked last Nov/Dec. It’s marked as a spinnerbait/crank bait rod and I’ve found it handles 4” tubes with a 1/4 oz bullet weight quite well also. The second is a bps carbonlite 2.0, mine is a medium fast but they have a medium moderate also, I throw everything on this rod with the exception of jerk baits as it’s not a technique I use often. The first option costs $55.00 at least last time I looked and the second is $129.99, they offer the carbonlite in 6’-6” also for $10.00 cheaper. Going to add one more after thinking about your post, I bought a 6’-8” medium power fast Denali “Fission” off a co-worker several years back after he used it a handful of times and didn’t like it. He purchased the rod as a jerk bait rod which I’m not big into anyway. The rod is unique in my collection with a moderate tip of say the first 1/3-3/8 leading into a stout but not too stiff backbone if that makes any sense. I wouldn’t use this rod for heavy gauge hooks but light wire hooks and especially light wire trebles this rod is awesome in my opinion. They no longer manufacture this series but you should be able to see what line replaced it.

I’m in agreement with A/Jay??

Although I’m going to google search these, if I may ask where did you purchase these? They are exactly what I need for my beloved retention ponds to keep above the weeds ?

Personally I’d like to see less “powers that be” who’s only interest is making money no matter how they do it. I would be willing to bet most politicians could care less about fishing or hunting and would love to reallocate those funds being spoken about.

I’m totally a sucker for color matching ? I just need to purchase some orange line for the bait caster ?

I have, use and enjoy both my BPS Carbonlite 2.0 bait cast combo and my Carbonlite 2.0 spinning reel. Have been using for a few years now without any issues and have no problems recommending them and my BPS Panfish Elite rods. I also truly enjoy all 3 of my BPS Crankin Sticks (last version w/grey split grips) as well as 2 older BPS bionic blade spinning rods.

Sell it and move on. This coming from someone who hasn’t found a rod I don’t like yet for what it’s worth?

Perfectly stated. There is a current thread on cheap baitcast reels you might want to look at. Best of luck.

Although no where near as fancy as the recent posts, I spooled up my new Piscifun Carbon X 1000 on my new 7’-2” light powered bps panfish elite rod. I’ve said it before I’m a sucker for color matching and this monofilament matches perfectly.Decided to treat myself to a barley pop for a job well done ?

I would suggest sending it to DVT to be serviced but I’m thinking it would cost as much to send and service as it did to buy the reel. I would do a google search for reel repair in your area and see if anything pops up. I’m not comfortable tearing apart my gear either and I’m lucky enough to have a shop close enough to me that does. I’m sure there are members on here that can offer advice on whether it would be cost effective to fix.

I bought but did not use the crawdad crank last year. I’m definitely going to give it a try this year?

I’m liking the Creme mini rattle traps available at Wal Mart.

Go to the “fishing rods, reels, lines and knots” forum then type in Ark rods using the search feature and you will get a ton of responses.

I picked up a spool of 10lb basix to try as my first foray into fluorocarbon this year based on the good things I’ve read so far. Looking forward to using it?

@basser27 not sure if you made your purchase but if you’re interested.

I’ve purchased through Ali Express and had zero issues. It’s my understanding it’s similar to using google, make sure the seller has a solid reputation and you should be fine. Hopefully others will chime in as well.

I’ll agree with a used Daiwa, Shimano etc. But a brand I like is Piscifun, the top of the line casting reel is a bit over at $90.00 but they have one called a Phantom runs around $70.00 and their website has a 15% off code for signing up for a newsletter and you can find them on Amazon or E-Bay discounted also. I will add to stay away from the low end Piscifun spark, I have one and find it hard to find it’s sweet spot. But I also have a low end Kast king Royal Legend 2 that I’m quite pleased with.

I’m starting to think you’re my personal bait monkey with all these posts?. I’m still drooling over that ZPI Alcance?. It’s a good thing I’m not a bicycle enthusiast ?

Sounds like Karma is on your side?? If the rod series is being discontinued maybe you can find out if your friendly with the associates or stop in as much as you can and see if they’re blowing them out. I will say regardless of price if it’s a rod you enjoy grab a back up if possible. I’ve passed up one rod series I knew were being discontinued as that’s the manufacturers cycle and I regretted not purchasing when I should have☹️ Thankfully a member on this site was willing to part with 2 particular models I was totally bummed on missing out on originally and made me one heck of a deal in the process. Sometimes Karma is on your side.

I feel the same way. After reading multiple threads on this site and @bulldog1935 consistently showing some of the most amazing gear on here, I pulled the trigger after @Bassjam2000 posted on the Tatula 80. My only regret is I feel the bait monkey has found a new partner in his cousin the JDM bait monkey ?

As a fellow pond hopper all I can say is…d**n I need to find and fish those ponds?

I’m not sure about Academy as I’ve never shopped at one, but I will say BPS, Cabelas and even Dicks are willing to give a full replacement no questions asked within 90 days let alone 30. Not saying you should lie but if the sales associate/manager doesn’t seem understanding you could plead it broke on the hook set, must have had a manufacturing flaw or was mishandled in store. I’m a true believer in “Karma” so I would tell the the truth and hope for a sympathetic person. Thankfully I’ve never had to use these tactics but they were explained ?to me from the aforementioned store associates. Good luck and let your conscious guide you.

@NavyVet1204 Here’s the finesse version I was referring to. These things are deadly in the retention ponds I love to fish.

I’ll get one out when I get home and post a photo. It’s a 1/4 oz version I believe? comes with 3 twin tail trailers vs 2 in the larger version.

Love the finesse swim jigs of these.