Ray K

Got it. I know that area. Are the shell bars on shore or, off shore. Cover? Depth? We'll be out on Friday and I'll take a look.

So, where are the sand bars off of Yalaha? Is it where Lake Harris narrows before going under Hwy 19 to Little Lake Harris?

Just wanted to thank everyone for their opinions. I've bought two Lew's Speed Spool Tournament MBs with dual brakes. One with 6.8:1 retrieve and one with 7.5. I'm pairing them with two #8 Blackout 7 ft. rods. One Medium and one Medium Heavy. Total cost just under $400 with shipping. That should get me upgraded just enough to make me want more later on. I know it will happen if past experience hold true.

I'm kind of leaning towards the Lew's because of the magnetic brake with 27 external adjustments. I have one of the very first Lew's speed spools from the early '80s and it's still going strong.

I notice that the Lew's Speed Spool Tournament Lite also has a centrifugal brake system but, the adjustments (27) are on the outside . Are there also more adjustments inside or, no need to open it up to adjust?

Regarding the Tatula, I'm seeing two Tatulas that look similar to the Cabela Arachnid and maybe they are the same. However, there are two Tatulas, one at $150, and the Tatula R at $200. The Cabela Arachnid is priced right in the middle at $180. So, which Tatula is it supposed to be similar to?

Of these reels, which ones have their cast control on the outside of the case vs. having to open up the left case cover to make adjustments? I'm not sure I'd like that as I change lures a lot and would rather make adjustments externally.

I'm about 1/2 mile from the Lake Dora ramp so will probably put in there. I can access the whole chain if need be. Which lake is known for the largest fish if there is one?

Be glad to. I haven't fished the chain in a few years.

I've recently become semi-retired and am getting back into bass fishing after a hiatus of about 20 years. I was an avid tournament fisherman back in the 70's and 80's and was sponsored by the Mann's Bait Company at one time. So, it's time to upgrade my tackle. I've still got my well maintained old tackle consisting of Lew's Speed Spool reels, Daiwa Procasters, Garcia 5000s, and one Quantum KV600CX that I received for Father's day about 5 years ago. I now live in Mount Dora, Florida and moved here from Orlando last year. I'm only a few blocks from the Lake Dora ramp and will be doing most of my fishing in the Harris Chain here in Lake County. I've posted in the Tackle forum looking for opinions on new reels. I look forward to contributing here from time to time.

I've recently become semi-retired and am getting back into bass fishing after a hiatus of about 20 years. I was an avid tournament fisherman back in the 70's and 80's and was sponsored by the Mann's Bait Company at one time. So, it's time to upgrade my tackle. I've still got my well maintained old tackle consisting of Lew's Speed Spool reels, Daiwa Procasters, Garcia 5000s, and one Quantum KV600CX that I received for Father's day about 5 years ago. I've spent the past few days researching reels online and have scoured the forums for what seems the most popular reels in the $150 to $180 range. I've narrowed the list down the these three: Shimano Curado, Daiwa Tatula, Lew's Tournament Lite, Cabales Arachnid (Tatula?) I'll be buying one reel (with the appropriate rods) for top water and lure fishing and one reel for worming and soft baits. I'd appreciate some opinions on my short list as well as any I haven't listed while keeping reel cost below $180. Thanks for some input.