I have that rod, and it is good for close in work, or tight spots where a longer rod may get in the way. Plenty of backbone, and still casts fairly well. You can use it for spinner baits, jerk baits, skipping, and other uses. IMO it does not compare equally with the 6'9" APC, but it is still a good ...

LR,
Great fish, and pics...again and again.

I'll express my opinion / comparison of the rods I fish most. Not trying to start a debate or make any converts, just expressing my opinion. Have used numerous Loomis IMX - 843's, 783, 783,722.721 + several SJR. Have several years experience with these. Bought 2 G-blanks 1.5 years ago. Both casting,...

Check out these 2 links. Read Cal's discription of "Rate of Deflection" in the first link. Compare how it graphs out in the second. Hope this helps.

http://www.tackletour.com/reviewkistlermg.html

http://www.tackletour.com/reviewpowell683cxfast.html

McCoy Mean Green.

Baby brush hogs have been best for me the past couple of years.

Impossible question. That's why so many give more than one answer, and if you ask a month from now you'll get different answers from 60% or more of those that responded. (Even considering reels we all own today, they just rotate in the pecking order).

Most of my rods are Loomis, but I have to agree with many of the other guys on the Helium 6' 9" APC. Mine casts very well, it has the backbone you want with a tip that seems just right. It is also very light. Can not speak for Powell / or Dobyns (sounds like they have some rods in this class more in...

Gameover,
Those flies are held in the jaws of a fly tying vise. That is the only way to corral those buggers while you tie them up!

LR,
You always catch good fish and share great photos. I remember you talking about fishing with Bill in the past. Hope you both have a great day together.

OGA, You are on the right track. I had same problem / concern with my STX's. On the STX you lossen that screw, and then rotate the palm side plate. On my (RH) STX's the front - line guide - end of the plate rotates up, while the back - thumb bar - end goes down. Both my reels were very tight at firs...

To be exact, there was a 640 yen handling charge (Probably packaging), and a 2800 yen shipping charge to ship the rod to the middle USA. Total of 3400 yen above listed price.

Four piece rod helps reduce the ship cost.

Bought a baitcast Sakura after reading Cal's review. It is a really nicely done rod for the money. It arrived with a broken tip section (I think due to the small common section rod sock that it comes in - really needs separate sections). The packaging by Plat was exceptionally good and there was no ...

I have very little experience concerning bamboo rods. Lots with graphite, and some with older fiberglass (which you might also consider if you want closer to full flex at lower cost than bamboo). You may want to check out Scott Fly Rods. They have a long history of making great slower action (even g...

Backcast lives in AR, and wishes he could spend more time in MT.