Drew_10

This is classic!

Diggyj, As with any baitcasting set-up, the biggest issue that most people come across is being able to get any distance when casting lightweight lures. Fiberglass crankbait rods, and in particular, the Shimano Crucial crankbait rod (which is TC4 - not pure graphite), tend to have a bit more 'give' to them, which I find allows you to cast further, compared to a stiffer, regular crucial rod. I've got a couple of the med/hvy models in 7ft and they can cast 1/4 ounce lures no problem (matched with a high end baitcasting reel). If you're interested in this rod, pick up a crankbait model in one hand and a regular crucial in another and shake them, you'll see what i mean when I say more 'give' and more 'whip'. This rod is excellent for fishing crankbaits, plugs, spinner baits, and even top water. The slower tip, however, will make it more difficult to detect subtle hits and feel bottom, so this rod isn't perfect for senkos and for light tubes, but it will work. I hope i haven't confused everyone, good luck with what ever rod you choose. I'll just say that if you're not looking for a flipping stick, this is a great baitcasting rod to go with, especially if you like making the long casts. Leave the senkos and tubes for spinning outfits. -Drew

If you're at all interested in throwing crankbaits or spinnerbaits, you should consider a Shimano Crucial Crankbait rod. I use the 7ft med/heavy model and it casts like a dream. The crankbait specific model has much more 'whip' than the standard crucial which makes it easy to huck lighter lures, and the slower tip helps with hook ups. For the price you can't go wrong with crucials.

Thanks for sharing,

Jitter Bugs and X-raps both work well, but....you may want to consider buying some senko-style baits. Yum has em' real cheap, pick up some 4/0 or 5/0 wide gap hooks and you'll be set. There are some othe top-water baits that seem to be hot these days, like the Spro Frog which I know BPS has.

bassmagnetlures.com that's all you need to know.

Right on Marcus.... I'm in my 4th year at University and I take any chance I get to tie fishing into my studies. Being an Environmental Studies major its not too hard. I just finished a paper and presentation on 'Informal natural resource management practices of remote lodge operators in Red Lake, Ontario. (aka: more conservative walleye and pike catch limits). Heck...I did a research proposal last year that was titled something like: The relation between catch rates of rainbow trout and water clarity on the Lower Niagara River. Unfortunately I never got to test that one out. You'd be surprised how easy it is to link issues revolving around recreational fishing with issues that are more dominant in society.

I saw The Extreme Angler 'Grand River Cat' episode on WFN last night around 12:30am. Soild show.

Lake Erie - Smallies Lake Ontario - Smallies / Largies Upper Niagara - Smallies / Largies Hamilton Harbour - Largies Nine Mile Lake - Largies Simcoe - Largies / Smallies Couch - Largies / Smallies Lower Niagara - Steelies Lake Gibson - Pike Lake Moody - Pike Beaver Lake (Tamworth) - Mixed Bag Cattaragus Creek - Steelies Olcott (what a mess) - I don't know Lake Wilcox - Largies And a few other smaller Lakes and Creeks It's been a good year, and you can probably tell I mostly fish for bass.

Alligator Gar in TEXAS!!!!