Is go 701c or, the Phenix Classic BFS 7'1. I don't have much time with the Phenix but, it feels like a slightly better buy. Similar tapers but, the Phenix feels slightly better in hand. Either rod is more of an open water rod vs pitching around cover. I'd use a wide variety of Ned rigs with either r...

Would you put this rod into some lighter flipping/pitching scenarios? I have been on the constant search for a "punch" rod for way up north. I don't get thick mats, as most of my targets are lilypads mixed with milfoil. I have the 7'10 Kister M.O.D with NFC blank (post MJD version). It feels good bu...

I haven't used the 702c but, the 701 handled 3-4lb bass pretty nice, and a few larger quite well too. It will bend quite a bit under load to protect the line and hooks.

The braking system is new so...we have that at least.

The Gekkabijin is a solid choice for those applications. Aldebaran is a great reel too but, availability is scarce with Shimano reels these days You may want to look into a different rod. You won't be able to pitch so great sitting in a kayak so, the rod will need to load up better with the weight ...

Well, let me know about either the Texas Rig or the Jigga Stick. I have been eyeing them up for a while

Guides are generally micro-ish for most BFS rods. I usually use a long enough leader for my knot to never get reeled on the spool when my lure is reeled near the tip. That varies from rod to rod

The Gekkabijin is a solid choice for those applications. Aldebaran is a great reel too but, availability is scarce with Shimano reels these days You may want to look into a different rod. You won't be able to pitch so great sitting in a kayak so, the rod will need to load up better with the weight t...

My Aldebaran BFS is quite smooth. Idk what Shimano did with their aluminum gears but, the Aldebaran BFS is smooth. Even under load it is smooth. I haven't abused it too much on heavy bass fishing so, maybe that's something to do with it. I had an HG for a while and that was smooth as well. I current...

The Aldebaran BFS takes more brakes that previous versions. I do like the smooth flat casting. I think mine usually sits around setting 4 for stream fishing and a little higher for lake fishing.

Bronzeye wrote: ↑

Tue Mar 28, 2023 3:40 pm

Hobie-Wan Kenobi wrote: ↑

Tue Mar 28, 2023 1:12 pm

Frigging is another area where fast is nice to have.

Although that is true, frogging is another technique that a fast gear ratio helps

You are right, mostly rod moving techniques like dragging a jig and such. I like fast gear ratios for all plastics such as Texas Rigs, jigs, Ned rigs...all that. Frigging is another area where fast is nice to have. Work the cover and burn it back to cast again. Jerkbaits and topwaters can be added t...

The Aldebaran BFS is one of my favorites! Most stock BFS reels are robust enough to not worry much about line. If you spool the line up with a ton of force and overfill it, may have issues. If you use light pressure to spool the line on, you will be fine. Don't be afraid to really lay into the fish ...

In short, the two rods are very close in power and taper. Balance without a reel goes to the Gekkabijin. This is because the butt section is longer and, actually has a butt.

I will be posting some more in depth info about the Presso rod. I took it out for some test casting and all is well.

The Gekkabijin AIR AGS I got for panfish. Trout too but bluegill was my focus for the rod. It does well. I would just like slightly more power or, even slightly faster action. A 10" gill puts a mean bend to the rod.

My Presso AGS is out for delivery so...I will know today how they stack.