Since I live near Pickwick and KY Lake, I obviously do a bit of deep ledge crankin in the summertime (and am looking forward to getting better at it!) I've gone thru several crankin stix over the last few years and the big 7'11" Duckett (with a Shimano Curado SF atop it) is what I've found works "ok" up to size DT 20 baits. But there's times I want an even bigger rod for 20+ footers but I didn't want a heavy beast of rod to wear me out by the end of the day. But those "ultra-deep" baits are a bit much even for the big Duckett, in fact I throw the XD-10 on a ol flippin stick I've had for years. It's a 7'6" Shimano Clarus flippin stick with a M/H tip. (Softest of the flippin stix I have) I have an ol Lews BB19GS on it. This rig is "ok" but I've always wondered about a longer rod to really sling and handle mega-diggers?
I've looked thru all the catalogs and sites of most retailers and had a "few possibles on the list" but without actually putting them in my hands I could never tell what they would actually feel like so I never ordered one. Then yesterday while in Denver killing some time waiting on a plane home, I stopped by the BPS there and they had ALOT of the bigger rods that they don't stock at the BPS in Memphis. So I started going thru their multiple racks and started eliminating the big stuff, 1 by 1. Then I came across a rod that seemed "made to order". It was the BPS house brand, "Browning: Six Rivers 8'6" M/H Fast Action" that's actually built for salmon/steelhead. But surpisingly the rod is actually very light, the action felt PERFECT and the handle was just the right size as well, it's 2pc so it'll fit in the rod storage between uses. Without knowing if I could fly home with it onboard, I waited until I got home and ordered one today.
http://www.basspro.com/Browning-Fishing-Six-Rivers-Casting-Rod/product/1406130906241/Now I'm considering reels for this long slinging beast! I know it'll need a wide spool (150yds+ capacity) for proper function (that's why I'm thinking my old Lews won't be up to the task). I also "think" that I'll be happiest with a "5ish" ratio vs a faster reel since this ones gonna be winching milk buckets 20ft+ below! Anybody got any suggestions in the under $200 range for this use? (Low profiles only, I quit using round reels over a decade ago and my forearms thank me after a long day!)