BruceGoneFishing

Hi everyone! I'm looking for a 6'6" to 7' spinning rod to throw 1/2oz to 3/4oz jerkbaits and topwaters (treble hooked baits). I plan to pair the rod with either a Shimano Stradic FL or Vanford 3000 (saltwater rated) reel, and use braid to leader. The larger inshore species that I target most often are Largemouth Bass, Northern Snakehead, Sea Trout, and Striped Bass / Red Drum - 20" to 35". From what I've found it seems like the ideal rod for this application is one that has a soft tip section to work the bait and avoid pulling the bait away from the fish, while also having a blank that will be able to load up so the treble hooks stay pinned. Also, a shorter handle section seems ideal to give the forearm more mobility while working the bait. However, I've found it difficult to pinpoint a rod for this technique since there's no standard in rod ratings across the industry. Also, rod inventory and selection are limited in my area, so trying to compare rods can be a challenge! Is there a particular rod that comes to mind for this application that you all have experience with? I don't mind spending up to $350 if the rod's performance can justify the price! I've considered rods like the Shimano Teramar, Expride, and Zodias. As well as the St. Croix Premier, Mojo, or Avid (inshore) series rods. All suggestions or feedback with rod specs would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! - Bruce

I was looking to add some swimbaits to my arsenal, and I saw that Triton Mike Bucca has a variety of 2 knocker swimbaits. Has anyone had the ability to throw the original (silent I guess?) vs. the 2 knocker version? Any differences in effectiveness between the silent and knocker, or color recommendations? Thanks, Bruce H.

Hi all, Does anyone have a brand/line of bass fishing rods they like that are also compatible with saltwater? I typically use Dobyns (Fury series), iROD (Genesis II), and St. Croix (Premier & Triumph) for my freshwater gear. I plan on fishing a tidal system that has some salt, and I don't want to chance the salt eating at the guides! Please let me know! Thanks, - Bruce

As long as you follow your hook count laws for your state you should be fine. You can run teasers on the other wires with a twist-lock centering pin... I just like to catch fish, and you can get some pretty d**n good action throwing it. It feels like you’re cheating but the purpose of fishing is to catch fish. You should try it sometime! Thanks for the tips and advice, I’ll check into it!

Hi all, I am looking for an A-Rig casting rod to use in a saltwater fishery for Striped Bass. I believe anything from a 7’5” to 7’10” med/hvy to Hvy... with a moderate, mod/fast, or a fast action with some tip should do. I have been out of the saltwater game for a few years, and I’m not sure which brands of saltwater rods are the best. I currently use Dobyns, IRod, and St. Croix for all of my freshwater bass gear. Does anyone have an A-rig casting rod for saltwater fishing that they really like? I am also open to using a spinning rod, but I believe casting gear is suited better for A-rig applications. Also, what baitcast/spinning reels do you like for this application in saltwater? I have a ton of Shimano Curado K’s. However, I don’t believe they’re great for saltwater... I’ve heard the Shimano Tranx (baitcast), and the Shimano Stradic (spinning) work well in saltwater. Does anyone have experience with how well those reels hold up? I appreciate any recommendations! Thanks, Bruce H.