Hey Alpha

[Travis C.]

ICAST 2014


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.




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]

Originally Posted by 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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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]

Originally Posted by 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.




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]

Originally Posted by 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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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]

Originally Posted by SAMBOLIE

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]

Originally Posted by Alphahawk

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-Shop...1304170611423/

[FlipaYak]

Originally Posted by SAMBOLIE

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]

Originally Posted by FlipaYak

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.

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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