Hey Alpha

[Travis C.]

ICAST 2014

http://www.bassmaster.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/slideshow_image/Fenwick-Elite-Tech.jpg
Fenwick Elite Tech The Elite Tech line is back and better than ever. By better, the actions are improved as well as the components.






Make them better? They were pretty dang good to begin with.

[Alphahawk]

Will have to check that out. You are right......pretty dang good as is. I am taking two of those to the White River Friday. One is the small mouth rod to cast for the big browns and the other is the River Runner L action for the rainbows. I would like to see the new ones. The guides IMHO on those rods are the best and toughest I have ever used. Couldn't find any info when they go on the market. Thanks for the info.


Regards

[Travis C.]

No problem, I can't wait to see them either.

There is also a new line coming " Balsax Nano" from Balsa Line Company that you may be interested in.

http://www.bassmaster.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/slideshow_image/ICAST14_506_Balsax_Nano-4.jpg


Balsax
Nano
This West German company produces co-polymer sinking lines that it says are 30-50 percent thinner than lines produced in other countries, while maintaining it’s strength. Balsax produces over 20 different lines for the European market and are unveiling a handful in the U.S.

[Travis C.]

Good luck on the White.

I will be trying to get on the Caney next weekend as well. Was supposed to this weekend until the kiddos came down with something. Now I am the only healthy one here!

[XxthejuicexX]

Alpha, if I wanted to get a set up that handled 2 pound what would you recommend? Something that will not break the bank because I don't know how often I would use it.


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[Alphahawk]

Alpha, if I wanted to get a set up that handled 2 pound what would you recommend? Something that will not break the bank because I don't know how often I would use it.


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Juice if I wanted a start up rig I would get the Sore Lipper Series Rod from Trout Magnet...35 bucks....and a Shimano Sedona 1000. I used that setup for a couple of years and caught a lot of fish both small and big ones. The rod is light enough so you have fun with it but it is not whippy like a lot of UL rods. A lot of UL anglers use that rod. For the money I am not sure there is one better. The Sedona reel is hard to beat for 60 bucks....as a mater of fact I don't think there is a better UL reel out there for that kind of money. That would be a sweet little setup.


Regards

[Alphahawk]

No problem, I can't wait to see them either.

There is also a new line coming " Balsax Nano" from Balsa Line Company that you may be interested in.

http://www.bassmaster.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/slideshow_image/ICAST14_506_Balsax_Nano-4.jpg


Balsax
Nano
This West German company produces co-polymer sinking lines that it says are 30-50 percent thinner than lines produced in other countries, while maintaining it’s strength. Balsax produces over 20 different lines for the European market and are unveiling a handful in the U.S.

Sorry to hear your bunch is sick. Have to check that line out. Europe makes some good lines.

Regards

[SAMBOLIE]

Alpha, if I wanted to get a set up that handled 2 pound what would you recommend? Something that will not break the bank because I don't know how often I would use it.


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I ain't alpha but here goes.

I recommend a small bait caster with 8' or 9' heavy action.


Seriously. The Mitchell Avocet gold reel at $39 may be the best reel on the market for less than $100. I have used one for 2 years and it is as smooth as day 1. Casts 4 lb as far as I cast 2# on my Trion.

The 5 1/2 ft UL Bionic Blade feels more like lite action. No wimpy, flopping action. Even the 6 ft. lite fels good in store.
I have and am looking for another Falcon HD 6' ft lite ($49).

Not to go against alpha but I do not like the feel of the TM rods. Only held in stores they feel heavy and perhaps too stiff.
Just my opinion. IF I bought a Shimano it would be the 500 size. Still think the Avocett is = or better for less $.

Almost forgot. Forget about skipping fish across the water like you see the pros do.
If you get lucky and catch something larger than your normal you have to finesse it in.

[Alphahawk]

I ain't alpha but here goes.

I recommend a small bait caster with 8' or 9' heavy action.


Seriously. The Mitchell Avocet gold reel at $39 may be the best reel on the market for less than $100. I have used one for 2 years and it is as smooth as day 1. Casts 4 lb as far as I cast 2# on my Trion.

The 5 1/2 ft UL Bionic Blade feels more like lite action. No wimpy, flopping action. Even the 6 ft. lite fels good in store.
I have and am looking for another Falcon HD 6' ft lite ($49).

Not to go against alpha but I do not like the feel of the TM rods. Only held in stores they feel heavy and perhaps too stiff.
Just my opinion. IF I bought a Shimano it would be the 500 size. Still think the Avocett is = or better for less $.

Almost forgot. Forget about skipping fish across the water like you see the pros do.
If you get lucky and catch something larger than your normal you have to finesse it in.

This is just my opinion. I don't take it personally. He said not to break the bank so I tried to keep the cost down. I am not familiar with the Avocet. I have used the 500 series reels and with the smaller spool you will lose some casting distance. If he could find a Shimano 750.....a 500 body with a 1000 sized spool....that would be better but I think Jeff Smith bought the last thousand of them on the market a few years back....and they are all gone....except I think you can get one off of eBay. The Bionic Blade is a good rod...but it is twice the price as the Sore Lipper. The Sore Lipper is a stiff rod but it is made that way for setting hooks with a micro jig...the Trout Magnet. I would give him a Sore Lipper but gave my last one away to Landon......and I think it is paired with a reel you gave him. Since UL fishing is 98 percent of what I do I am now buying gear out of Japan and after using the gear they make I can't go back to the stuff sold here from China.....Malaysia....Korea. Well I shouldn't saw can't......as long as I can afford the JDM gear I will continue to buy......but that can be an expensive habit. But with the recommendations we...and others give him, he can keep it under a 100 bucks and have something that will work well.

Regards

[SAMBOLIE]

This is just my opinion. I don't take it personally. He said not to break the bank so I tried to keep the cost down. I am not familiar with the Avocet. I have used the 500 series reels and with the smaller spool you will lose some casting distance. If he could find a Shimano 750.....a 500 body with a 1000 sized spool....that would be better but I think Jeff Smith bought the last thousand of them on the market a few years back....and they are all gone....except I think you can get one off of eBay. The Bionic Blade is a good rod...but it is twice the price as the Sore Lipper. The Sore Lipper is a stiff rod but it is made that way for setting hooks with a micro jig...the Trout Magnet. I would give him a Sore Lipper but gave my last one away to Landon......and I think it is paired with a reel you gave him. Since UL fishing is 98 percent of what I do I am now buying gear out of Japan and after using the gear they make I can't go back to the stuff sold here from China.....Malaysia....Korea. Well I shouldn't saw can't......as long as I can afford the JDM gear I will continue to buy......but that can be an expensive habit. But with the recommendations we...and others give him, he can keep it under a 100 bucks and have something that will work well.

Regards

Alpha, we all have an opinion just like we all have a specific part of the anatomy.:)
Quality of equipment should definitely be a factor in our choice of rods and reels. Once you find a quality piece of equipment the other reasons for buying are subjective.
I like light, smooth retrieving, long casting reels. I like rods that do not feel tip heavy and that are not flimsy.
My primary TM and other small lure rods: 1. Cheery wood 5 1/2 lite, Falcon 6" lite and the Bionic Blade 5 1/2 ft UL. I have never had a problem with hook penetration with any of them.
Using 1/32 jig they have had no problems with LM or SM hook up.
I no longer look for expensive gear. I think there is a point of diminishing return. Especially over $100. I know about expensive habits. I spend way too much on speakers and other home theater equipment. I always have some for sale so I can buy more.

BTW, have you talked to Landon recently?

[XxthejuicexX]

Thanks for the help guys, I was looking for a set up under $100.00. I don't mind spending the money on a rod or reel I use a lot so if I really like the lightweight set up I will get something nicer.


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[TNtroller]

I've got several of these for my crappie rods, decent to good drag, will handle a 3# cat by accident on 6# line with no problems. They are a bit stiff when new, but loosen up and work fine. I put one on the TM Lipper rod I have, balance is pretty good as well.

http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Crappie-Maxx-Spinning-Reel/product/1304170611423/

[FlipaYak]

I no longer look for expensive gear. I think there is a point of diminishing return. Especially over $100. I know about expensive habits. I spend way too much on speakers and other home theater equipment. I always have some for sale so I can buy more.

BTW, have you talked to Landon recently?

Speakers, huh? So that's what all that BOOM, BOOM, BOOM bass was out in the parking lot when you met up with me in Franklin.

That TM rod is really nice. I haven't tried any of the others being discussed here.

What I am more impressed with is the TM 2 lb test mono that Alpha gave me. My dad and I floated the Red River, and I hooked into a 10-15 lb drum on a trout magnet. Through about 10 minutes of hard fighting including many drag screaming runs and changes of direction under the kayak, the line held. I was convinced that at any minute it would snap.

Sambolie, I'm still around. I haven't fished since July 4th because I'm getting ready for the birth of number three on September 1.

[SAMBOLIE]

Speakers, huh? So that's what all that BOOM, BOOM, BOOM bass was out in the parking lot when you met up with me in Franklin.

That TM rod is really nice. I haven't tried any of the others being discussed here.

What I am more impressed with is the TM 2 lb test mono that Alpha gave me. My dad and I floated the Red River, and I hooked into a 10-15 lb drum on a trout magnet. Through about 10 minutes of hard fighting including many drag screaming runs and changes of direction under the kayak, the line held. I was convinced that at any minute it would snap.

Sambolie, I'm still around. I haven't fished since July 4th because I'm getting ready for the birth of number three on September 1.

Congratulations on # 3. I have a book in case you need to know what keeps causing this. :D

That TM line is fantastic stuff. Good to hear that you are still fishing (some).

Almost forgot. I do not deal with auto audio. If I want to hear Boom Boom I just call Merv.

[XxthejuicexX]

What action rod and length do you guys recommend for 2lb line? It may have been mentioned already so humor me.


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[Alphahawk]

I would go with light 6.5-7 foot......fast tip.

Regards




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[XxthejuicexX]

Ok, I found a duckett 7' medium light I liked
And was not sure if that would work

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[MNfisher]

I use a 7' browning ultralight. Love it


Mike

[SAMBOLIE]

Ok, I found a duckett 7' medium light I liked
And was not sure if that would work

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IMO anything above a light rod takes the fun out of using 2# line.
None of my business but I would think Ducket is a little expensive for this type fishing and offers no advantage (except the name) over what Alpha and I already suggested.

[XxthejuicexX]

IMO anything above a light rod takes the fun out of using 2# line.
None of my business but I would think Ducket is a little expensive for this type fishing and offers no advantage (except the name) over what Alpha and I already suggested.

I went and held a few cheaper rods today and I am spoiled with light weight rods. I also get the duckett rods at dealer cost so for what I could pay for a Bass pro rod I can get the duckett. I guess my worry is that the medium light rod may break 2lb line more often compared to a light rod.... I remind you I have no idea what I am doing, 6lb is usually the lightest I fish with.

[XxthejuicexX]

Oh, I purchased a 6' Field and stream Inferno medium light with an Okuma stratus reel for fathers day this year, I kind of forgot I had it. do you guys think this will work for 2lb line?

[Alphahawk]

Fishing right now or would go into greater detail but I would not go higher than light action.

Regards


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[SAMBOLIE]

I went and held a few cheaper rods today and I am spoiled with light weight rods. I also get the duckett rods at dealer cost so for what I could pay for a Bass pro rod I can get the duckett. I guess my worry is that the medium light rod may break 2lb line more often compared to a light rod.... I remind you I have no idea what I am doing, 6lb is usually the lightest I fish with.

Oh, I purchased a 6' Field and stream Inferno medium light with an Okuma stratus reel for fathers day this year, I kind of forgot I had it. do you guys think this will work for 2lb line?

No further proof needed that you do not know what you are doing. Sounds like you have the dreaded CRS. :):)

Seriously, What will you be fishing for with 2 lb line?
IMO, line breakage will not be the problem if fished properly. No jaw breaking hooksets regardless of what rod you use. Casting distance may suffer. If you have a good drag system on the reel you should be able to handle some nice fish.

Rods vary among manufacturers. Most ML action rods I have held are a little stiff to suite me. I was at Big Rock market at CH yesterday and picked up a ML Fenwick and to my surprise it felt very similar to my Light action Falcon. Only $59.
You have nothing to lose by trying what you already have.

If you need a guide just call me. I will leave my jinx at home. :):)

[XxthejuicexX]

Not sure what CRS is? I will be fishing for crappie, bluegill, trout because my grandfather wants to go to the caney. I think I will try the set up I have and see how it works, if I am not happy I will look into another rod and reel. Now all I need is the SOS line, I think Dicks carries it.

[SAMBOLIE]

Not sure what CRS is? I will be fishing for crappie, bluegill, trout because my grandfather wants to go to the caney. I think I will try the set up I have and see how it works, if I am not happy I will look into another rod and reel. Now all I need is the SOS line, I think Dicks carries it.

CRS=can't remember shit.

If you find SOS at Dick's please let me know. I have not been able to find it local.
I know a small tackle shop in Lewisburg has it, however last time I was there he had no 2#.

[XxthejuicexX]

Yes CRS is what I have, big Time! I will swing by dicks here shortly and see if they have the 2lb and let you know.

[SAMBOLIE]

Yes CRS is what I have, big Time! I will swing by dicks here shortly and see if they have the 2lb and let you know.

Thanks.

[SAMBOLIE]

Juice, what size is your reel? 10, 20 35 ?

[XxthejuicexX]

The 10, dicks has 6lb SOS. This spring they had a lot more sizes.i think I might have got the wrong line....it has a 2 in the size! http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/07/28/2a6uzyba.jpg

[SAMBOLIE]

Probably a misprint on the box. Maybe someone with dyslexia is in charge of printing. Should be 02.
Go for it.

[TroutFiend]

That is my favorite line. I have it on all my rods and use the 4lb on my trout rod with TM and wear them out. Juice let me know how you like the Field&Stream rod. I have the Field&Stream TecLite "light" it has a gold finish and couldn't be happier for a trout setup with a Pflueger Trion. I seen at Dicks where they have the new style now.

[XxthejuicexX]

I had another Tec Spec rod and liked it, I broke it kayaking last year and never replaced it. I am going to give the rod and reel a workout in illinois next next week so I will let you know what I think.