Got my Christmas present today... new rod!

[Waterfoul]

Family gave me $$ for Christmas so I went out rod shopping a couple times over the last couple days.  Finally settled (well, not really "settled") on a new rod.  I will be using this for drop shotting most likely. 

Shimano Cumara CUS-DX72M.  It's a 7'2" long, medium action, extra fast tip spinning rod.  And LIGHT!!!  Oh man is this thing light and sensitive.  It has the split grip rear handle... and a comfotable forgrip compared to the Kistlers, Powells, and other such rods I tried out before picking this one.  I think this rod has a great tip for drop shotting or even shakey head worms... plus enough backbone to handle big fish... giving me some ability to "direct" fish better than the rod I was using for drop shotting.

Can't wait to try it out!  Is it April yet??

[blakstr1]

Savage from this board has 2 of the Shimano rods now and really likes them, he bought the dropshot model last year (which btw is pretty cool and innovative that they added a weight keeper at the bottom of the handle ) he also just got the 7'6 medium spin rod for Christmas, its nice and the price is decent. 

My wife blessed me with my first ever G.Loomis rod this Christmas, she got me the 7'4 bronzeback med. spinning rod.  I'll echo your longing for April!!

[Waterfoul]

Yeah, the weight keeper at the end of the butt section was one of the innovations that made me choose this rod over Kistler, Loomis, Powell, and a couple others.  I also liked the fact that the reel seat is "backwards" from all the others.  You don't have the threads or "nut" under your fingers when holding this rod.  Instead there is a short section of foam.  When holding this rod I end up with one finger on the blank and the rest on the reel seat.  VERY comforable in the hand.

[TCook]

Not sure what kind of deals you guys can get on G Loomis rods but I found a seller on ebay, that will sell any g loomis rod you want for 25-30% off retail, and if he does'nt carry the rod you want he will just order it from the factory for the same price and that takes two weeks. The seller is OhYa sales, I bought a few quantum tour reels from them last year, very reliable and fast shipping. I had to get 4 rods through them all IMX and GLX for around $800 plus $38 shipping about the same if you had to pay tax, not a bad deal if you ask me.

T

[Skulley]

I got a $75 gift card for Bass Pro Shops.  I am going to wait for the annual fishing extravaganza in March to spend them.  I hope they do a pre-sale deal like last year for Rewards Club Members.  That is when I went last year.  Really made out good on prices for the advertised specials.  Can't wait until spring.     

BD             

[bigjc]

Yeah, I hope Bass Pro repeats last years deals for reward members, I scored pretty good on a couple of Quantum reels. I also got a little bit of rod money for Christmas and am having trouble deciding which new Kistler to add to my arsenal.  Thinking about trying the graphite plus series.  Anyone have any of these???

JC

[fowlmouth]

You have to spend $1000 in the calender year to stay on the preferred members list. I hope I have enough...(Is this a sign of an addiction?)

[blakstr1]

Yeah, I hope Bass Pro repeats last years deals for reward members, I scored pretty good on a couple of Quantum reels. I also got a little bit of rod money for Christmas and am having trouble deciding which new Kistler to add to my arsenal.  Thinking about trying the graphite plus series.  Anyone have any of these???

JC

I've got 2 of the Graphite plus rods, they are really nice; I've got the 6'3 dock skipping special and a 6'-6" BC rod.  I've got 3 of the magnesium series rods, I like these the best, late last year I added the dropshot rod, it is 2nd to none.  I've also got 3 HLA's with my 6'-6" medium spinning being my favorite, tons of power out of a ridiculously light rod.  I've got my sights on a HLX one of these days, they are pricy even with PS priviledges.  Bottom line I would definitely recommend the graphite plus rods but for $30-$40 more I would always opt with the magnesium series, they just feel right!

[bigjc]

Thanks for the tips blake.  I currently have 2 Kistler Mag TS rods a 7ft med spin that I use for drop shotting and the 7' 8" All Day Flippin Stick which is AWSOME and every angler should own at least one....I plan on picking up another one.  I also have 3 Helium LTA's one is a 7' MH baitcast which is sweet and two 7' 6" MH spinning rods, which are incredible for big water smallie fishin.  I am looking at the Graphite plus 6'6" Crankin stick or the 6'9" tube/finese worm special.

By the way, I see that you work with SFVU, do you know Ian?

JC

[blakstr1]

By the way, I see that you work with SFVU, do you know Ian?

JC

Yes I do....PM sent.