I decided to try something new besides the 6500c3 and the PA rods (not that there is anything wrong with that setup). So, I decided to try a BPS CatMaxx and a Tangling With Catfish Extreme Series rod. I spoiled the reel with 40lb braid and am looking to testing it out sometime this week if the weather will cooperate.
Like I said I love the Abu and PA setup, just wanted to try something different and see how it works out.
Tight lines everybody.

I really like the Catmaxx.. I just bought one a few weeks ago and it has worked great. I haven't personally used a TWC rod but have only heard good things! Sounds like a great setup!!!

I've got a couple TWC Extreme Series rods. They're built solid and I like them, but one thing I've noticed lately is I miss more hook-ups with them compared to the PA's. I think that may be because they're a little too stiff.

Well hopefully I don't miss a lot of fish because of the rod. Especially since I don't get that many bites!

I have the 7'8 PA rod and I use it for redfish. But the only issue I have with it is that its heavy as hell. Fighting a red can wear you out alone, but the weight of that Rod does not help at all. I use a penn 5000 spinning reel on it with 30# braid. I would love to find something as solid but just not as heavy.

I was down in Galveston last week and caught a 34 1/2 inch bull red on my ugly stik tiger rod and it handled it great. But it is no lighter than a PA.

Sounds like a good setup

I use it for the length and ability to set the hook from 100+ yards away. I put a balloon on it at the wall at calaveras. But I've caught 30"+ redfish on my 7' medium Berkley lightning rods all the time and they handle them just fine when free lining live bait closer in. Ive looked at those tiger rods too. Thanks for the input.

You'll like it when you do get a big one hooked up, they've got plenty of backbone.

I can honestly say ive never noticed the weight of any rod/reel when fighting a fish.

Can you get parts for catmax reels?

To be honest I have no idea, Fred. I just wanted to give it a shot. Looked like a solid reel and figured I might as well try it out.

Well I went on a bait run for tomorrow night and decided to cast the new setup a few times to get it dialed in where I won't have backlashes. This thing casts like a dream! Still have to test it out this weekend with a fish (hopefully) but so far I think I'm gonna love this setup.