Since I got that rod last week, it has hauled in over a hundred fish, I estimate. I have been careful not to flip anything except little peckerhead bream babies - I net everything. I kinda copy Randy (Alphahawk); I've studied his videos hard. Since I've started using the Daiwa jig and trout magnet I've been catching the crap out of some fish, and I've had to reel in several 3-4 lb bass. The drag is set real light. I don't know.

When I net a big fish I kinda reel down, get the fish sliding toward the boat on his side into the net, rod in left hand behind me, held high. I've been real careful not to yank on snags or knock it on anything. Maybe I'm just too hard on 'em naturally. I've asked Digitaka to help me purchase a replacement tip section, and to forward my email to any Tict rep they know. We'll see.

If I have to, I am buying another one. But the $75 Cadence 1-piece 6'3" CS7 rod will be hauling in the fish in the meantime. I bought one after watching Richard Gene videos, and I love it.

Today I had a lot of gut-hooked big crackers and was ping-ponging 2 rods - the Tict and the Cadence. I'd cut the line and put the fish in the cooler, then fish the other rod while tying on a new hook. I tried to use the Tict mostly, but that Cadence is a fine rod, too.