John G

If distance is your primary concern, a properly set up spinning reel combo will cast further than a regular baitcasting combo.

There are guys here that can cast 1/8oz jigs with a baitcaster. All it takes is the right rod and a shallow spool.

I just bought a Curado 200HG but I haven't had the opportunity to use it yet. I love the size and the looks and it's plenty smooth. If it cast as good as it looks, I will be thrilled. I had the Scorpion version of the CU200E and so far, I like the new Curado better. I also have an older Left handed Calais that came with a rod that I won on eBay but I haven't used it cause it's left handed. While it' is smooth, it is also big. I like the Curado I more.I have never used the Tatula but it sure get a lot of press because of its popularity.

If it were me, I would get the new Curado over the other two based on looks and ergonomics and I am assuming that the new Curado is going to be a great caster. If you were talking about the Calais CL-100A or the Curado 50E then that would be different. I am assuming that you are talking about the Curado 200E.

I was thinking more along the lines of a 1oz jig hitting the side of the boat.

X2. I am forced to hop a jig and a T-Rig. Where I fish, if I drag it, I come up with about 1/2# of crap on the end of my line.

I weighed 6 yellow and 6 blue and they didn't register on my scale. I know how it casts with the blue so I installed the yellow and I will do some more casting tomorrow. I also think the yellow will be heavier.

I just received my Curado 200HG from TW yesterday. I hope it performs as great as it feels but in truth, I imagine that it will only be limited by my casting ability. In my hands without actually using it, I already like it better than the E Series. If the 5 bearing count bothers you, you can add 1 bearing to each knob and whalah, you now have a 7 bearing reel. BTW, the Calcutta's got by for years with only 3 or 4 bearings total and they are some of the best and smoothest reels around.

Any idea if it's the yellow or blue brakes that come with the Conquest 50 that provide the most braking?

Sunline Sniper FC

It does not produce any cloud that I have ever seen although it does produce a smell. Yes it is toxic to at least mosquitos in that it repels them but I don't know if it kills them. As far as toxic to humans, I would not use it in an enclosed area.

Looks like I will be trying again and work on my casting.

I forgot to add that I also used a Conquest 50 with an Avail Spool and the results were about the same. The lower end lure rating for the CR721 is 3/16oz and the rod is not what i would consider whippy at all. Are the BFS rods made for throwing finesse hard baits kinda whippy?

I have one and I have used it for bank fishing. I strap it to my belt. Don't turn it on and expect it to work immediately. My experience is that the blue pad needs 10 min or so to warm up before it starts working. The blue pad and the bottle of butane lasts for a good while but like anything else, you gotta pay to play. I would not let Wayne P.'s experience deter me from trying the Thermacell out for myself.

Sounds to me like your little pond is overcrowded with little bass and you need to start eating the little bass. Go to the How To section of the Bass Resource videos and watch the video called Facts and Myths about Bass.

Matt, What kind of distance are you getting with those eighth of an ounce jerk baits? I was throwing a quarter ounce Husky Jerk with my XT1000 and Yumeya spool/ 20# Suffix 832 and a Loomis CR721 and just guessing, maybe 50 feet.

I have used regular Power Pro and Suffix 832. I like the 832 better but I will still use PP because it's cheaper.

I have been using mine for the Fogy's that I bought from Seibert Outdoors but it's a great rod for lighter T Rigs, lighter jigs, spinnerbaits and there are folks that use it for topwater.

I thought you did. Sweet reel!

If you buy the Core 51 Drag Star, you better buy the drag star nut because I don't think that the CU51E nut will work. I think it's too big.

Japan Lure Shop has the XT1000 for just over $150.00. It will be around $170.00 with shipping.

I have not hear from JT about the Antares. In the meantime, I sold my Scorpion 1500-7 and I bought a Curado 200HG from TW at the $140.00 price. It should be here Wednesday I guess. I like how the new Curado/Scorpion looks and palms so now I will get to find out for myself about the performance compared to the Curado 200E platform.

Some people think so.

Quantum reels were one described by Mike at DVT, a Site Sponsor that works on reels for a living, as the worst of the best. http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/134624-quantum-why-the-hate/

The impression that I get from this Thread is that custom rod builders don't seem to be getting rich from building rods That is not a slap at custom rod building but from the work involved vs versus cost, it doesn't seem like there is not a very large profit margin.