Shimano Crucial

[HawgTide]

Can any of you share your thoughts on the Crucial Flippin Sticks? I see two models listed on Cabelas, the CRC-X76 MH and the CRC-76 H. The MH has an extra fast tip, versus a fast tip for the H. I'm thinking of getting one of these and would like to know how these differ and what your opinions are.

[Deitz Dittrich]

awesome rods!!!!... Keep in mind both of these rods are 1 piece rods, not teliscoping. I have the 7-6 MH wich soots my style the best.

[HawgTide]

Deitz, thanks. Does the MH work OK with pitchin also or is it too bulky? I pitch more than I flip, but I like to have the length and backbone to set the hook with authority. How does that handle feel?

[Deitz Dittrich]

Keep in mind that this rod is still rated up to a 1 oz lure... thats a pretty darn heavy jig... and plenty of back bone.. I too pitch way more than I flip. When pitching you like to have a little softer tip.. I love the handle and weight of this rod.

[HawgTide]

Thanks Deitz. Now I just need you to come up and show me how to use it.

Oh, is this something that Cabelas usually carries?

[Deitz Dittrich]

HT- The last couple of times I was there they had at least one in stock... but it would probably be best to call ahead to be sure if its a long drive.

Where you from again HT?

[HawgTide]

I live in Monticello. The Smallmouth capital (see our posts in the Miss North forum on the Smallie Magnet get together last weekend where me and my partner's best 5 averaged over 20")! Come on up and I'll give you a tour.

Oh, but I'm from Alabama!

Thanks again for the info on the crucials. Can't wait to get it.

[HawgTide]

Deitz, I went down to Cabelas yesterday and thankfully they had 1 Crucial left in the 7'6" MH model. I took it out today on the river with BigMike. We were having a great day out there. I really liked the rod paired up with my new Castaic SF. Well...that is until it broke. Now I have to figure out how to get a replacement. Any Suggestions? It says it has an over the counter warranty. Are there any other stores around that may have them in stock or do I have to get Cabelas to order one for me?

Thanks.

[Deitz Dittrich]

you can have them order you one.. Or just call around and find one... YES its over the counter exchange... May I ask how it broke?

[HawgTide]

That's a good question. I had just caught a nice 18" smallie and I went to make the next cast and I noticed the tip (about 4 inches)had broken off at some point while fighting that fish. BigMike was with me and we were both perplexed at how it happened.

Do you know any other retailers that carry that line? I haven't seen it anywhere except Cabelas.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Not off the top of my head, but I would call around for sure.. most places should. I know Frankies has quite a few, capras, Gander, Sportsmens W. all would be good places to call.

[phantom17]

Thorne Brothers

No questions asked Just exchanged it

[HawgTide]

Thanks Phantom! I've been looking for you. We talked some at the Ramp on Lake Beebe a couple of weeks ago. Thanks for the advice, (although I haven't been back)

If you want to get out on the Mississippi for some great Smallie action, let me know. It's been awesome for the last couple of weeks.

[phantom17]

No Problem

I would like to try the river sometime and I'll look ya up.

[HawgTide]

I called Cabelas and they said they did have the one I was looking for. None of the local places had the 7'6"MH, but Thorne Bros, Capras, and Trails End all have the Crucials . Dick's, Gander and Sportsman's Warehouse do not carry the crucial. Anyway, I made the trek down there again and they swapped it out no problem, so I'm back in business. I really like the way it feels and hope that the breaking was just a fluke.