My first Helium

[Ezcue]

Just got through playing with my first Helium, can't wait to get it on the water. A local sporting goods store carries Kistler and I coudn't wait on the UPS truck LOL. It has been a long month of searching different rod manufactures and comparing specs but I finally pulled the trigger. My first choice was the HE70MC. I plan to use it for weightless worms, senkos and light TX rigs.

I have been out of the fishing game for about 10 years. A co-worker was having boat trouble and walking down the hall a couple months ago said, "If someone would give me $3500.00 for this thing I would sell it!" The it was a 1999 Bassamerica by polar craft 16' with a 40hp Yamaha, live well, front and rear casting decks, foot controlled trolling motor and trailer....a complete rig. I stuck my head in the hall and said, " I'll give you $3000.00 for it today." Well......I'm back in the fishing world. He took the deal.

A lot has changed in ten years!!! My old bassin rig consisted of a 5'6" Berkley "Outlaw" and a ABU Garcia baitcaster spooled with 14lb. Berkley tri-lene. My tackle box held an assortment of Heddon torpedos, Lucky 13s, Rapala jointed minnows, a couple spinner baits and 2 sacks of Mr. Twister 6" curl tail worms- Grape, Firetail and Black blue Tail, 1/8 oz bullet weights and Tru-turn 2/0 hooks. MAN!!!! A lot has changed ( shaking my head) Until 2 months ago I had no clue what a "Senko" was or what it did ( other than sink).

Sorry for the rant, all of that leads up to this... I need some suggestions on what direction to go from here. I am thinking about picking up a HE69APC to try some light Carolina rigging with and serve several other functions , as the need arises. I am also looking at the KCBCM70 for all of my shallow to medium crankbait work. On the crankbait rod, I am having trouble choosing between the 7' and 6'6" model....remember I am coming from a 5'6" pistol grip rod....BIG Difference... Any help as to the plus and minus of those two would be greatly appreciated. Last one I swear The final rod ( for now) that I am looking at is the KSBS69 to handle all of my spinnerbait needs. The problem I have with that one is that if you compare the power and lure weight ratings vs. the HE69APC they are identical? Is there a difference in blank taper making one better for a specific lure presentation? So, there it is fellas. I have been to the website a bizillion times and used up a legal pad writing down possible combinations. Let me know what your thoughts are on the above. Thanks in advance for any info.

I know that is a lot to throw out in my first post but, after viewing other post in the forum, it is obvious that there are a lot of guys on here with a ton of info who seem to be willing to share. I am very pleased with my new Kistler and would like to thank Trey for the quick reply to an E-mail question earlier in the week. Also, a big thanks to Clifford!! The guy called me on his dime to help me with my initial rod selection. If I had never held a Kistler or heard all the positive comments, I would have bought anyway. The level of customer service these guys afforded me, and I had not bought a thing at that time, was awesome. Thanks for the service and thanks for the rods!

[Triton 19]

Hey Ezcue you are going to love your new helium I guarantee that there is no comparision of any other rod! About the HE69APC that is the particular rod that I use for my texas rig worm fishing and some lighter weight jigs. It would make an excellent spinnerbait rod the difference in the KSB569 is that it is made for precise lure techniques and is one awesome pole. As for the KCBM7 that is the rod that I use for my crank baits from shallow to deep divers it is extremely nice the tip is very forgiving and the rod has a lot of backbone plus I can make really long casts for structure fishing. As far as rod lenght that is something that you have to take into consideration on whether or not you will be making long or short casts open water or shoreline cover. Hope I was able to help you! ( Louisiana Prostaffer )

[TTCal]

Hey Escue,

Welcome to the Kistler Family and the Forum!!!

Great choice in your first Kistler Helium rod. Now the bad news - all you're going to want to fish from now on are the Heliums!!!!

I, like you, have returned to the sport of bass fishing after a long hiatus - 7 years for me as opposed to your 10. And I, like you, have just discovered Kistler Helium this year. My suggestions to your lineup are as follows:

He70MC - I'd continue to use this rod for your Senko and weightless worm fishing.
He69APC - I'd pick up this rod next to serve as your spinnerbait rod
He76HC - this rod will be your ultimate carolina rig rod and can double as a flipping stick - it's one piece and an absolute dream to fish

Depending on the size of cranks you're using, don't discount the He70MLC. This rod has a very good parabolic action and is very well suited for small to medium size cranks. It also works well as a drop shot rod. I might see if I can use mine for lipless cranks on the 10th of July.

Those are my thoughts... feel free to inbox me if you have any direct questions. I also own the following:

He70MHC
He711HC
and have an He76XHC on the way...

[Lightninrod]

Ezcue: Glad to have you with us Helium-lovers. The 'family' continues to grow as the word goes out about these wonderful 'tools'.

sde has a great understanding as to the differences in the various models while I'm still new to them. I certainly agree with him on your choice of the HE70MC model as I have 3 of them . I use them for weightless, soft jerkbaits, hard herkbaits(Rogues), cr/baits, spinnerbaits, and topwater baits(including buzzbaits). I find its taper/action matches the needs of these baits(in particular, the treble-hook baits) in that you don't want a rod that is too stiff, yanking the hooks away from a Bass. When your LTA MC load's up, you've got her !

I caught my still PB over 30 years ago, dropped out for several years, 'dipped' back in once or twice, and then, about 5 years ago, I was back in Bassin' with a 'vengence' so don't feel like "The Lone Ranger" . And "Welcome" from another Southener!

Dan

[TTCal]

[Lightninrod]

"btw, my Sugoi hooks and Seagar F/C line ( - - blocked - - ) this week "

Outstanding! I bet you'll be impressed with both!

What size Sugois and what #/test f/c?

Rig the Sugois Tex-sposed(if you don't already?) and skin-hooked.

Be sure to completely 'wet' the knot-area---I know, you do already but i want you to be "WOWED" by that line--so no 'slip-ups'! .

Dan

[Ezcue]

Thanks Triton19, SD and Dan for the input . This Helium thing is like a sickness!

I just got off the phone with Clifford, HE69APC is on the way. I also ordered the KCBCM66 and 70...I throw a lot of crankbaits and just had to have those two. The longer one for open water and larger c-baits. The 66 for small stuff (Mann's baby 1- minus , etc.) and for ( - - blocked - - ) torpedos and poppers throwing into the bank and structure. Those will be the only two non-Helium rods in my arsenal. I just could not resist the composite/graphite combo in the same blank, can't wait for the new toys to get here MUAHAHAHAHA!!!

After my credit card stops smoking, I'll probably order the HE76HC...just something about a pitch-flip / Carolina combo you gotta like.

[TTCal]

Dang... Escue... a man after my own envy... way to go!!!!!

Please let us know how the crankbait composite lives up to your expectations as compared to the Helium rods... I'd be anxious to know..