u/GlowUpAndThrowUp

Looking to get a mod fast rod to bank fish for bass. I throw a lot of Texas rigs and jigs, but the occasional crank bait, swim bait, chatter, spinner, etc. Basically looking for a do it all in a 1/8-1/2oz range. I know a do it all won’t do everything well, but I’m really hoping to maximize casting distance so even a fast rod that loads well would work.

Currently have the level rake ML Extra Fast which I love and will use for wading river smallies but it doesn’t throw a 7-14g lure a solid 50 yards like I need it to. Would love to find a rod that can throw 7-14g 75+yds, and occasionally throw down to 3.5g but it doesn’t have to throw those as far.

So far all I can find is the mojo bass trigon (concerned with reviews and breakage), the Phenix Maxim and an Abu Veritas. Of these, I’m leaning towards the Phenix but didn’t know if anyone had thoughts or if I’m missing a good rod that I’m not thinking of.

So trying to get more distance from my SLX BFS. I use it as sort of a “power BFS”. I only like having 1 combo while bank fishing so I use this on a ML Level Rake Extra Fast. This way I can toss Neds all the way up to heavier lures (max is about 12-14g).

I’ve read the SLX BFS already has great bearings. Is it as simple as using the right line and cleaning/ greasing and oiling everything? I have Shimano oil as well as some bones speed cream. Also have NLGI 2 super lube. Do I need NLGI 1 and 90w gear oil or will this suffice?

It has 12lb braid on it, but will step that down to 10lb.

Looking for a new cranking rod, not trying to spend a ton. Can buy a lightly used St Croix Bass X MH Moderate in a 7’2” or was thinking of getting a Bass Pro Crankin Stick in a MH Fast (Fast per them but it is composite…).

Going to be using this exclusively for cranks in the 8’-20’ range. A few deep cranks like 6xds as well as those in between at 8’, 10’, 12’, 14’ etc. So a medium/ deep cranking rod. I hear composite is great for that, or full glass so I’m hesitant on the Bass X.

Looking to piece together a combo for deep and medium cranks to ledge fish with. I’m a big Shimano guy but open to other brands. Looking for low gear and with a budget of less than $200 (preferably $150 or under). Possibly a JDM reel but unsure of what’s out there.

Looking to find a cheaper cranking reel in a low gear ratio. Plan is to smack this on a 13 fishing defy cranking rod to use for cranks, typically 8-20’ deep cranks. Figured the rod was cheap and I have a 13 fishing Oath finesse spinning rod that does great. I have a separate lighter rod for square bills and such, but have been fishing the local reservoir and throwing deeper cranks and some really deep 6xds.

Would love for this combo to stay under $120 total as I won’t be using it a ton and the rod is $60 itself. So realistically trying to find a serviceable reel with a gear ratio less than 6:1, preferable around that 5.1:1 or 5.4:1 all for under $60.

Considering taking an extended weekend trip in September or October with a few buddies for River smallie fishing. We typically hit the lower Susquehanna as we all live close, so looking for a different river. Plan is to get a cabin/ house close to the river. Possibly booking a charter for 4-6 hours the first day to learn how to fish it and then fish it in the kayaks the next 2-3 days.

So far considering the New River but unsure of where at/ the productive areas. Willing to check out other rivers within driving distance tho!

I have a 2016 hobie outback as well as a crescent ultra lite I got for grab and go trips. I car top it on a set of Thule AeroBlades. The rubber strips on those is marking up the kayaks decently if I slide them in the least bit. Was thinking of either getting pads or maybe a replacement for the rubber strip?

With the pads, are they noisy? Do I have to put them on/ take them off every time or can they just stay on there? Do I go with the Thule surf pads or something different (Dakine, off brand)

I’d much rather replace the strip but idk if they make a non marking strip for the aeroblades?

I have a 2016 hobie outback as well as a crescent ultra lite I got for grab and go trips. I car top it on a set of Thule AeroBlades. The rubber strips on those is marking up the kayaks decently if I slide them in the least bit. Was thinking of either getting pads or maybe a replacement for the rubber strip?

With the pads, are they noisy? Do I have to put them on/ take them off every time or can they just stay on there? Do I go with the Thule surf pads or something different (Dakine, off brand)

I’d much rather replace the strip but idk if they make a non marking strip for the aeroblades?

Loch Raven is hit or miss and tough to bank fish. I’ve fished Roland a few times. Looking for some areas, ponds, lakes that I can fish from the bank or a light kayak after work or on quick trips on the weekend. Baltimore county lacks decent ponds and the only spots I know of are the reservoirs.

Would love to find a private pond to help manage/ pay to fish. But those are hard to find.

Currently using a SLX DC XT on a Level Rake ML for River and big creek smallies. Unfortunately I lost a rod on the kayak so that SLX DC XR will be put on a new evergreen combat stick I bought and will be a kayak rod.

Usually am casting 3.5-12g on this set up but occasionally down to 2g in a pinch. A regular bait caster won’t quite cut it so I typically run reels geared towards BFS. Also running 20lb braid to 8lb fluoro. I also own a Micromonster and an SLX BFS on other lighter rods. Wanting a DC reel for this application because it can be a bit windy at times and casting sub 7g into the wind sucks, no matter how well you’re tuned.

What are my options? Seems the cheetah Air DC is sold out/ unavailable. Would love to find a used one in good condition. Ideally I want to stay under $120 for this reel as it’s not used often, only when I’m wading rivers and big creeks for smallies. I have lighter BFS gear for small creeks, bank fishing on lakes and ponds, etc. Bonus if it has a decent drag. The SLX BFS is at 3.5kg and 3lb+ river smallies in current can get rowdy.

I have a spinfisher V combo. It’s the 6500 on a 10’ rod. Is it just me or is this rod hard to get distance out of? Typically throwing 4oz+ so maybe I’m overloading it. 30lb braid straight to a rig/ leader. Usually am getting 50yds or so, but no where near enough to get past the break.

Have been considering getting a 12’ Daiwa emcast for the reel. Thoughts?

Never built a rod but have repaired guides/ tip tops and done some wrapping on a home made turner (old epoxy cup turner converted to a rod turner). I have thread, I have prokote so figured maybe I’ll just get a blank, parts and guides and build what I’m looking for.

Anyway, been looking for a 5’-5’6” light powered, extra fast action (or fast) casting rod to use for bfs bank fishing in tight spaces. Only thing is, hard to find one with those specs. Ideally I’d love a blank that performs like the Daiwa Tatula BFS. I have one of those but it’s 6’5” so I’d love it to be shorter.

Any blank suggestion that would match this? I typically toss 3.5-10g lures and fish laydowns so need some decent back bone and a quick action for hook sets.