WdyCrankbait

FishnKamp, Well, there are a couple of things. First, the split grip handle is longer on the Purple Endurances so, it fits me better with the butt of the rod against my side. Two, the reel seat on the purple Endruances, it lets the blank seat against your "underneath," finger. Send me a message with your email address and I will provide some pictures of what I am talking about. Also, I have a lot of health problems and have to go to Hopkins a lot! My buddy lives in Ellicot city, next time I come up I'll hit you up and bring a couple of Powell rods if you would like. Wdy

Powell is coming out with a new Endurance line of rods soon. They seem priced right! Cheaper than the purple (older) ones. If you get on Facebook and follow them, there should be some recent postings about them (no mention on Powell's website). I own a Max 3D and definitely prefer my Endurances over the 3D.

Welcome to the Forums! Yeah, what Sam said is right on. I would suggest go to Pony Pasture, down stream of all the rocks and human traffic, as well, the James River Wetlands. I fished is a couple of times when the river was low, and it is still dangerous. There is not a uniform, even depth there (bowl shape river bed). Two feet straight ahead might be shin deep, then two more steps and you're up to your chest fighting the current to stand up.

I agree about the rod statement. I would go with a better rod and maybe look for a cheaper reel and maybe add better bearings and get a full deep cleaning from DVT. (That new Curado K that is coming out looks great!) My personal application is this. I use Quantum EXO's with Powell Endurance rods. I can throw pretty far using my Endurance 723C, but I'm at my rods hook setting limits. So, if I go 10 more feet it would not matter to me. But, it's your $$. At that price point, I really doubt you're going to get a dud. I would ask yourself which reel feels better in your hand and go with that one. Good luck! Wdy

^ X 2 Right on the $$, Good luck!

Yeah, I was going to stir up the rumors and wonder if Shimano is going to come out with a Curado K 50 (including the micro gearing). That would be something @ an 8.5 to 1 gear ratio. 9

The handle is the right length for me. Mmmm, no Bait Monkey No!

Quantum's do cast a long way!

Zoom Ultra Vibe Speed Craw, Green Pumpkin Magic. T-rigged 2/0 hook & 3/16oz. bullet weight. or Strike King Rage Tail Craw Falcon Craw color

Hey everyone, Has anyone been out on the James river lately? I went out a couple of mornings ago nothing caught. The water was higher than normal, but clear. Anyone had any luck there lately? Thanks, Wdy

A lot of good points are made here. The one thing I say is go fish it and enjoy fishing.

I have a Powell Endurance 723C and another rod in their 3D max line. I feel like Powell kind of dropped the ball when they did away with the Endurance line of rods because I like the older reel seats better. But, like it was mentioned up above, it seems like you have your heart set on the St. Croix. Pull the trigger on that one and dont look back. enjoy! Wdy

^ yeah, I agree. I talked to a fly fishing manager down at Orvis and he is fishing it now, but not for me. So, I think with this rain coming in now I am going to start hitting lakes around RVA.

Yep. I'll call you soon Sam.

I have it and love mine. But @37" per turn, it is VERY fast. Had no problems at all. Good luck!

Hey everyone, I wanted to ask and see if anyone has been out fly fishing on the James (in the Richmond area) yet, or in awhile? With all the rain we have had over the past couple of weekends the river has really been blowout. That and I am almost recovered from broken shoulder (casting shoulder), I wanted to seek any fishing reports. Thanks, Wdy

I was the same. I came from using Shimano Curado 200E's to an EXO, night and day difference in casting the reels well! Stick with it, you should be able to figure it out. Also, one thing I notice about EXO's is that they consume oil! The spool rides on the bearings and has clearance from the body of the reel. (Pull the side plate off and you should be able to have enough clearance to pass your fishing line between the spool and body.) So, keep them oil up for that reason and keep working in optimal condition. Keep us posted on your success with the reel. I am starting to leave bass fishing, $$ reasons, but doubt I can let go of my EXO's.

Smalljaw is right on the $$. It took me a couple of outings before I got my EXO's figured out. One thing I will say, depending on your rod, I have noticed 3/8oz can be a little light for those reels with heavier line. Now, put on a 1/2oz. lure and to the moon! But, the ceramic bearings in those EXO's spin up really fast! My guess is this was the nastiest backlash you have ever gotten on any casting reel before. (Finesse them at first and let the reel prove what it can do, then start opening her up.) Keep with it, once you figure out these EXO's you will really appreciate them! good luck! Wdy PS, I have my centrifugal brake one notch over 1/2-way going towards Max and tweak with the casting knob just like Smalljaw.

Has anyone fished this little river running through Old Ellicot city, MD? I am looking to head up there to see a friend early June and do some fly fishing up there. Thanks, Wdy

Yeah, Quantum(s) are not too popular in here, but I have a couple of EXO's and would take them all day long! Glad to hear you like your Quantum!

I am glad I am wrong about the weight of the Powell's. I dont bass fish anymore so they have not been used in awhile.

^ Well said. I would agree and go 8 weight to ensure you combat any winds as well.

Yeah, the E series Curados are very forgiving with the braking system. I have a mint 50e modified with a lot of extras that I probably will not let go. I also have a 200e5 that I bought for myself after my first heart surgery. (Had a 200e7 I sold to DVT.) Great reels, but as someone said earlier for that $$ now a days, you can get lighter reels that will cast farther. It is up to your worth for the reels. They are bullet proof. You have options in your scenario and that is a good thing. Wdy

A little home defense, a little shooting targets.

Ask Sam, he will know. @Sam