Tog setup

[bassnblues]

What does everyone thing of this as a Blackfish rod?

http://cgi.ebay.com/G-Loomis-Pro-Blue-PBR844C-Casting-Rod-Mint-7_W0QQitemZ330195835340QQihZ014QQcategoryZ36167QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I would pair it with an Okuma Convecor 30L that's collecting dust.

[Skolmann]

Personally, I wouldn't use that for a togging stick-unless you plan on using it for inshore togging  (say 30' or less).

It's a fantastic rod IMHO, I have the Pro Blue 843C (slightly lighter version) that  use for clamming/chunking bass in the spring and for jigging in the fall. I also have 2 off the older Saltwater Series SWR 843Cs (which is exactly the same rod as the Pro-Blue of the same model #). Had these since 1997 & both are still going strong. One of my favorite models that Loomis puts out. Have all 3 matched with a Shimano Calcutta 400.

I've been wanting to pick up at least 1 of the 844Cs. That's a great price (high bid was $81 when I checked). I wont bid on it if you plan on doing so-as I don't think thats right. If you decide to pass on it, let me know and depending on what the high bid is up to I might then place a bid.

Try doing an Ebay search using the keyword Musky or Muskie Rod. You might luck into a St. Croix PM70MHF-which I have seen listed in the past at good prices.

How do you like that Okuma reel?

[Skolmann]

I'm not that familiar with this line of St. Croix rods but it may be worth a trip to your local St Croix dealer and pick it up and see how it feels.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ST-CROIX-AVID-MUSKY-CASTING-ROD-70-AM70MHF-BRAND-NEW_W0QQitemZ250195343802QQihZ015QQcategoryZ36149QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[bassnblues]

Feel free to bid on it. I'm not sure if I will or not. It's a real nice rod. I have a Loomis Bucara that I use for clamming/chunking.

Not sure if your a big Ebayer or not but the trick is to not bid until literally the last minute. Bidding early only drives the price up. I think this will go at a good price because it appears to be a private guy selling it and not a business.

The Okuma is a nice reel but I've only used it  once. I had it on a heavy St. Croix that I decided to sell on Ebay. I had the reel up but it didn't sell.

I have a Seeker BA-80 with a Penn 310 that I use for my occasional Tog fishing but I'm looking for something heavier to use for when 10 to 12 oz is required.

[Skolmann]

I did alot more Ebaying years ago before it became too popular and before regular businesses put items up for auction. Back then you got some really awesome deals.

[bayonne]

for a great low priced heavy duty rod try stnamami i have one with a akuma cv 30 and i drift 10-12 oz no problem

[bassnblues]

I think Tsunami rods are the best out there for the price right now. I have a 7'er with an Ammbasaduer that I really like. And a heavy spinner that's used as a "guest rod" on the boat for bass and blues. I also used a light spinner from a guide in Florida for Snook a couple of years a go. Great rods for the price.

In shopping around, I noticed that they make a heavy conventional rod in 3 pieces. I may have to look at this for a Florida trip I'm planning this winter.

[mboy]

I honestly can't see spending 200+ on a rod ( I guess I could if I had that kind of scratch).

I love my $22 bass pro muskie rod (xh) and am looking forward to picking up the 8 Tsunami's this weekend to add to my current collection of 4 (2-6'MH and 2-7'H 30-40lb rods (too heavy for the tog I thing. They are just heavy to hold. Good to troll with tho.

I am def going to bust out on of my tsunamis this weekend tho. probably the 6'6m or 6'6xh if I feel they are god for it If not, just go with the 6'h action tsunami I have (altho it is a cheaper model).

My main fluke rods are $40 woo davis bass pro freshwater rods and LOVE them. I can't see enjoying a $200 or even $120 rod more then those @ 40 each.

[bassnblues]

Mboy, I think you're right about spending a lot on a rod. I try to keep it to $100.00'ish max and  I'll be the first to admit that my $30.00 Tsunami gets the job done as good or better than my Loomis with the same specs. And I won't be crying if I break it.

[mboy]

Reels is where I am going to spend that kind of douh on.

Avets, toriums, etc.

That at least I can REALLY tell a difference. Drag smoothness, etc.
Not that you can't on a rod, but  BIG difference between $40 reel and 200 reel, unlike with rods.

[Luna Sea 5]

Well, I did invest in a Loomis rod last year, alto of $$$$, but I see a HUGE difference in quality and sensitivity in it compared to my others.

[Skolmann]

One quality I like about Loomis is their lifetime warranty.

Sure some models the initial outlay of $$ is alot but if the rod breaks/snaps they will replace it or upgrade it if they no longer make that model for $50 (that includes shipping). No questions asked.

Prefect example, the first Loomis rod I ever bought was in 1995. Nice little 6'6" rod that I used for weakfishing during the years when Raritan Bay was on fire for weakies from late July through the end of September. Anyway, my wife did a guillotine job on it ( to this day she still insists it was an accident ) in the car door. I called Loomis told them the model #, the charged my credit card $50 and I had a new rod in less than a week. All I had to do was send back the broken rod in the same tube the mailed me the new one in (return postage paid for by Loomis). Never once did they inquire how the rod broke.

In theory I can break the 2 Loomis SWR843Cs that I've been using for over 10 years (there is absolutely no question I got my $$ worth out of both these sticks), break them, call Loomis have have them send my 2 replacements (since they no make the Saltwater Series the Pro Blue 843C would be sent in its place) for $100.

All that being said, I like Tsunami rods. My son has a 7' that he uses for many applications. I heard they make a very nice wire line trolling stick.

[bassnblues]

I mostly try to shoot for a middle ground but I've been known to cross my own line from time to time.  

I think anything gets to a point where it's good enough. But, If it makes you happy, go for it...

  

[bassnblues]

Very true about the warranty concerns. That definitly is a big separator point in high $$ stuff.

Another point is that if you prefer to buy American, your mostly going to be looking at the top shelf stuff...

[mboy]

not that I wouldn't want a 200 rod, but I just don't see the value on limited funds that I would rather put towards the reel

I would def take a 200 rod as a gift and use it tho

[fishinfool]

I bet you would 

[Luna Sea 5]

not that I wouldn't want a 200 rod, but I just don't see the value on limited funds that I would rather put towards the reel

I would def take a 200 rod as a gift and use it tho

I agree, but if you have a middle of the line rod, and it breaks, your screwed and have to replace it.  With a life time warrentee on a Loomis, you will never have to repace that rod again, no matter how it breaks.  If you feel like a new rod, break the old one over your knee and get a new one...

[mboy]

For $50 I don't mind replacing it if it breaks.