softwateronly

There's enough tip on both the DRX755 and CNQ904 to throw and work 3/16oz bullet with a t-mac. Usually I throw 3/16-3/8oz and 8-10" worms on these rods and somewhat favor the 755 for no discernible reason. I know both of these are one power higher than you asked, but I would lean that way if I were you and it's also because that's what I know. In Loomis you're going from a jwr to mbr, 1 power up should give you the tip to power you're looking for. The 755 feels like a MH in weight and balance, but has some real power if/when you need it. I fish braid to leader, and both the 755/904 handle moving baits well. They are 1 and 2 in my fave swim jig/chatterbait rods. scott

Didn't go all in last year, kinda BFS adjacent. I paired up a Phenix 7'1ML w/ an Alphas Air. Realized that once the end of May rolls around, I'm just dealing with too much cover for the Phenix ML and bottom contact. I wasn't enjoying working tiny t-rigs, neds, jig worms, and free rigs in the weeds, rod was just a little too soft to feel like I was in control presenting the bait and therefore missing bites. This year I'm gonna pair up the Alphas Air with a Major Craft Days360 6'10M and put the phenix on ice to see how this year goes. I should be able to throw down to 2-3 grams and think that'll be plenty light enough for me. scott

In the baitcasting line I'm only really seeing a new reel seat, redesign of the monocoque handle, possibly lighter due to new materials, and some different length and power options from the old US line. The 6'11ML/H FF and a 2 piece 7'2H have my attention right now. scott

@Crow Horse Sounds like we do it similarly. The only thing you didn't mention that I think is critical, is setting the knot. When I'm done with my wraps and 2 locking half hitches, I put the knot under heavy pressure. Usually you'll see the wraps/knot bite and change color. Then I snip the extra leader and continue on like you said. scott

You can try these, the trd bugz are tiny ... https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/6th_Sense_Divine_Ned_Rig_Weedless_Football_Heads_4pk/descpage-6DNRF.html scott

@detroit1 I bought these but haven't used them yet. Seems like the same concept. https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Phenix_Tube_Bait_Gliders_10pk/descpage-PTG.html scott

**Totally misread OP's post, take it if you want** I use FC 100 in 16lb and 25lb most often, with a usual leader length of 10-20' w/ a fg knot. It's my preferred leader at this point. It definitely has some stretch to it, I'll find it sprung out every now and then, and trim back a few feet on the retie. I lean toward mod/fast rods as well to help w/ lack of stretch. It handles zebra mussels pretty well, almost always I'll find the knicks before I break off. Ironically, both dd cranks and jerkbaits I run on 10lb sniper or 7x7 tieable steel leader to help keep the pike thieves away. I just run a light drag and have been able to keep a good to great hookup to land ratio. scott

Does this count? scott

Is that a 2.5" yamatanuki on a 1/0? Thinking of grabbing some for shore fishing smallies. Thanks, scott

Post spawn I have a lot of luck throwing 6-7" paddle tails. I cycle through open hook jig heads, beast hooks, and these large blade runner swim jig heads depending on weed growth. They do make 5/0 style as well. They get through cover pretty well. https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Blade_Runner_Weedless_Swim_Jig_Head_2pk/descpage-BRWJ.html https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Blade_Runner_Weedless_Swimbait_Jig_Head_2pk/descpage-BRWSH.html scott

@Mr. Aquarium I fish clear water and my experience is bladeless has outfished bladed most days. scott

Yeah, that's what I was trying to say. They don't seem to track right if the long center arm is bent at a severe angle. Taking the side arms up and out a bit and a gentle downward bend on the long center arm would be my best guess. Probably would want a 1/4-3/8oz minimum on the head to keel it and to keep the relationship. scott

We can have 3 here too. If I could only have 1 or 2, I'd want to make sure my hook was furthest back and lowest. It seems like they was always stalk it from behind/below. My successes have waned a bit over the years, but I'm not gonna lie their new micro rig looks promising. scott

@Munkin https://www.americanlegacyfishing.com/megabass-vision-110-jr-jerkbait.html scott

Here's a series I'm very fond of; under $140 and no tax, so close to your list price. Major Craft Days 6'6MH/RF https://www.digitaka.com/item/29/6/5/4573236260327 scott

The 3/4oz dj cali swim jig, MB Uoze, and 3/4-1oz North Star flip'n swim w/ a 4-5" paddle tail is a highly effective deep outside weed edge, big fish bait, on panfish dominated waters both day and night. scott

I also have the gamakatsu tungsten one you were avoiding in the initial post. That one has lost a 8" hags tornado for me. I think the large mass of big worms is detrimental to those pig tail designs. The mustad has never lost one, but I also stopped throwing big worms on that because of the gammy. I now only eel comfortable with a more positive connection like the gambler. scott

The gambler wrecking ball, add your own split ring and hook of choice. I've used the mustad fastech as well. scott

@Blue Raider Bob Thanks. I'm thinking the original tightline to the bottom has been the key. The spoon just slowly wobbles it's way to the bottom, giving the bass time to identify it as a struggling prey and also time to slowly move toward it. Nothing happens very fast in this 30 something degree water but yet I've been thumped numerous times on the initial fall near the bottom. Once it's on the bottom, I work both the spoons and blade baits relatively fast, never leaving them on the bottom for more than a 2-3 count. I will say the blade bait is usually better with less is more on the lifts, just 2-3 wobbles before I let it back down. scott

I prefer wagging them in the hot water, seems to reset them quicker. Good luck. scott

Apparently you're not up on all the trends and watch your perineum.... scott

My usual is 3 small inland lakes and some shore fishing on Lake Michigan. There's a chance I'll get to new water this year and certainly look forward to the possibility of it. If not, I'll still be happy. scott

I haven't thrown them, but I can see how they would work. I tried hag's tornado's this year and they quickly became one of my favorite worms and they have a similar sounding float and water displacement. The 5" and 8" have been my most productive. There was a bogo deal for raid libero's around black friday. I've already caught a few on them and love the size, blade, hook, and the cold water kick. Might be something worth checking out. scott

@Firstoutfisher me either till this year. I thought it had a role on my lake and turned out to be right. Started in post spawn and has carried all the way through till now. Late fall gave me some epic every other cast early morning/evening as the shad migrated from/to their nighttime cover. scott

Ivan doesn't stand a chance...