Peacedivision

Feels like the sink rate on that jerk is gonna be a little off, might not suspend correctly

I fish brackish water near my house sometimes and basically just blast the reel with a garden hose when I get home. Similar technique to what they show but I don't take the time to remove the spool. No issues yet, knock on wood.

A lot of Yo Zuri hybrid, straight fluoro for jerkbaits and jigs, braid for frogs/heavy swimjigs, braid to leader on all the spinning rods.

Catching some bass + bonus check from work order. Bronco bug did some work last trip so figured I would give the originals a try and compare.

First bass of 2025 only took 2 months.

I've been really happy with the Dobyns SUF 701. Haven't landed any giant bass yet but I did snag a 20+lb salmon last year and was able to get it to the bank. Caught countless rats and sub 2lbers.

These are always listed online as 1.5oz but the blanks are printed as 2oz max and feel plenty capable with that weight.

Xzone swammer particularly the 2.75 and 4.75. I fish the little ones on a finesse jighead and big ones on a 5/0 flashy swimmer or as a swimjig trailer. They have a different kick and a lot more body roll compared to a Keitech.

2007 Makita 18v. One of the two original batteries still kind of works but they don't fit on a modern Makita charger. Thankfully new batteries fit on the old drill.

My only Icon is the 610ML BFS rod and I'm a fan but as @GReb said the fit and finish isn't the best. Wraps on the guides are fat and the epoxy around the grips isn't the cleanest work. Nothing that effects performance just a little sloppy for a US made rod at that price point. One thing to keep in mind all the Icons use micro guides so if you run braid to leader better use a slim knot.

Yep any little pintail/fluke style bait should be great. The 3" spunk shad didn't exist when I started using the micro or that might be my pick. I like the tiny fluke because they're pretty easy to source and come in a 20 pack.

zoom tiny fluke

Daiwa/tw also have their dxb frog rod on sale for $97 https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Daiwa_DXB_Frog_Casting_Rod/descpage-DDXBFR.html

Fury 735C can be had for $73.12+tax from ALF right now, that should free up some of your budget Rod is already discounted, stack code DOBYNS25 EDIT: Forgot ALF has a $99 free shipping minimum so maybe add a spool of braid for the new reel

Little spring essentials restock. Temps are supposed to be in the 70s by the weekend, I can feel the bass wanting to bite.