American Spirit Pro Series Rods

[wildwv]

Hello All,
 I'm in the market for six new rigs and these rods have caught my attention. I will be fishing Flatheads from the bank and Blues from a boat. I will be using 7/0 Big River hooks from the Bank and circle hooks from the boat. I have only really caught channel cat all my life but have decided that I need to start chasing the bigger guys. I have already made a fairly large investment in all my gear but I just don't know about my rods. I have Ugly stick catfish rods right now and I want something better. Do you guys think these pro series will work for bank and boat with the 2 different styles of hooks?? Are they a good rod? Thanks, Donnie

[Smoothkip]

I've caught Blues up to 40#s and Flatheads in the mid 30s with them. Nice rods but I didn't care for the inserts in the eyelets. The Cat Fight rods from Bottom Dwellers are similar to these but have stainless eyes. Great action for circle hooks and J hooks!

[wildwv]

Thanks for the advice I will definitely look into them. I was a bit concerned about the ceramic inserts on the American Spirit Rods.

[hunted]

I have a blue and white 10 foot american spirit rod. Had it for a few years now. Never had a problem with the eyes. I pulled in about a 150 pound log with it one night lol.

I haven't had any problems with circle hooks with this rod, seems they set just fine. I. Sure if you got shorter rods, they would be just as good.

[wildwv]

Thanks Hunted, My I thought this would be so easy but after reading everything on every forum I can find I am even more confused!!! LOL I think I better just catch some fish on the rods I have now and then decide what I need.

[bobbybobber]

I seen where you wanted to fish the lower Potomac,since I been fishing it awhile you need a rod that is rated for 50-60 lb test line and will handle sinkers up to 20 oz of weight,for 55-59 bucks ugly stick tigers work about the best I have found paired up with any of the abu 7000's will work

[wildwv]

Thanks Bobby!! I will be around a Bass Pro in Richmond this week and will check them out. Also just wondering if the spawn is done in the Potomac yet?

[bobbybobber]

its been hit and miss from what I have heard,i went a few weeks ago during that super moon and the bite sucked,did catch a 30 and a high 20 but nothing really worth writing about

[wildwv]

Thanks Bobby!! I fished up this away during that moon and the only bite I had was the dang snappers, the river up this way is polluted with them. I was told my boat will be done the end of this week so I'm getting pretty excited to head down that way..

[CatfishHunter]

Definitely the tigers. I've been asking around for awhile and that's the consensus.