JohnFromLisbon

I needed a reel for the 903 CBR and found an SLX 71 A on sale for less than a 100 EUR (108 USD, give or take) from a tackle shop in Germany. Today I'm at the office and reception says they have something for me. I'll run straight 12lb fluoro on this one and leave the Curado MGL running 30lb braid to a fluoro leader paired with the 845 so I can also bottom hop LV-500s, or tie a mono leader and fish bigger walking baits. I used an 844 MBR for that last year and although it did get me my PB I lost a few good ones near the boat, too. After they're hooked I don't really see a big difference between a crankbait or a topwater, so here's hoping.

I need to correct that: the shorter handle is only an issue on the E6X. How did I find that out? Stopped by my favorite tackle shop on my way to Alqueva, just to grab some last minute stuff. Came in, went straight to the rod racks to see what they had in stock, and then went to pick out a few baits. Made my way back to the rod section and struck a conversation with the clerk about how difficult it is to get certain models here in Portugal. Talked about the 845C CBR, he went to grab his calculator and told me the best price they could do on that particular model, and... Well, here's me on my way out the door, texting my buddy, telling him why I was going to be about 20 minutes late. Like @KP Duty said, these are the best crankbait rods Loomis has ever made. The 903 I got last month is great as a DT-6 rod, a genuine please to fish with. And the IMX-PRO basically solves the issue that kept me from really liking the E6X 845C: handle length. I don't really throw big heavy crankbaits like the 8 or 10XD so the 903 and the 845 basically cover all of my crankbait fishing.

We went out on Alqueva yesterday between storms. Water clarity was anywhere from about 5-6 feet of visibility in more protected creek arms to just 6 inches near the dam, and the lake was only 8 inches from full pool. We were on the struggle bus for a while but eventually found some active fish. I was surprised cranking was *not* the deal. I got one to chase my bladed jig but couldn't get him to commit. 4 and 5 inch paddle tail swimbaits on jigheads and jerkbaits were the deal for the guys. I couldn't catch anything on either of those so I switched to the bladed FlashMob Jr. and finally got bit. This was my only fish, but at 4lb 11oz it was the biggest fish of the day and my biggest so far on the A-rig. Between the three of us we probably only caught about 6 or 7 fish, plus another 4 that broke off, but they were all solid 2-3 pounders.

That would be snatching the skunk from the jaws of victory But seriously, probably looking for small improvements and spending time trying stuff out. I notice my buddies will continue to fish the same way for years and usually when they try something new is because they saw me doing it and catch fish. I'll go out to try out small changes like straight fluro vs braid to leader for a certain application just to see which rod and reel combo I prefer for specific presentations. I'll go down rabbit holes, look for (quality) reviews and info online. and eventually come up with a plan to validate an idea. Maybe it's because it's the same process I use in my actual work. Or maybe it's because I have a lot of free time, a stable internet connection, and zero self control mechanisms... Who knows.

I've used a Plano Edge Terminal Tackle now for two years, still going strong. The latch is not all that's cracked up to be, so be careful with that. The good thing is that the inserts fit perfectly in their 3500 series too, so I can just transfer stuff to a small box if I'm going bank fishing or create dedicated terminal tackle boxes for stuff like dropshot, where I don't need another 3700 size box.

My bait of the year was definitely the little Keitech football jig. It took me years to figure out the jig but up until last year it wasn't exactly a confidence bait, it was just something I enjoyed fishing with whether I was catching fish or not. The little Keitech jig paired with either the tiny Paca Chunk or the top half of a tiny Rage Craw has been an absolute killer for me since last year. It's almost replaced my Ned rigs when the bite gets tough. Runner up was the Shower Blows 125. It was a last minute pick up on my way south for a guided trip. I thought a (just shy of) 1oz walking bait might be overkill but it ended up catching my PB in October.

I have that 783, a 785 GLX, and an E6X 745. The only thing I think is worth pointing out is how [relatively] short the handle is on the 7' models. Apart from that, they're the perfect blend of moderate action and sensitivity.

Meet the new boss, same as the old boss Replaced my old CBR 783 with a 903C CBR as *the* DT-6 rod. Can't wait to try it out.

Owner Flashy Swimmer, specifically the 3/0 with a 4 inch Flashy Swimmer, has been lights out for me this year But now I want to try out the Duo Realis one @RRocket mentioned.

Thank you! Ours are northern strain, yes - first introduced in the Azores, then on the continent in the 1950s in the town where my grandparents lived. It was a great weekend and some of the best fishing we've ever had. That's our guide's boat, he bought it new a few years ago and had it shipped over. There's a Portuguese company making smaller fiberglass bass boats, but a lot of people around here get Nitros, Trackers, Rangers, etc., all made in the US. They just have to make sure to comply with Euro and local regs, both the boat and the trailer, and they're good to go.

Here's a few from a trip this weekend This one was 4lb 13oz - my new PB - and bit a walking bait. That was super fun. My first A-Rig fish We caught a bunch of these solid fish, mostly on a drop shot and a jerkbait Yesterday we went bank fishing for about two hours before lunch and I was dragging this little Keitech football jig when I thought I was snagged... Until the snag started swimming off with it. Turns out it was 13 lbs of pure disappointment. I was on 20 lb braid to a 10 lb fluoro leader so it took a couple of minutes to pull her in.

Just a few creek bass from yesterday morning. I only took one rod and one 3500 box and it worked out just fine. Good thing I took a spool of 10lb fluorocarbon line because I backlashed on my third cast after getting bit twice in a row. After catching a couple of 1.5, 2 lb fish on these little Keitech jigs with straight fluoro... This setup is definitely going back to braid to a leader. I'll just adapt my cadence and action with jerkbaits, it's fine.

Had to sort out gear for the next trip, thought I might as well snap a couple of pics The main lineup for fall. And I got to try out the Expride yesterday on a couple of two pounders and a bunch of dinks and wow. Even coming from the Zodias I was impressed.

Well built, solid action, good hardware, and a wide range of colors. I have a few and they're my go to 3/4oz lipless baits. This year I want to get a couple of 150s, they're basically a downsized, 1/2oz version of the 500.

I should not be allowed to watch any more YouTube videos. JDM Expride 6'10 Medium, OneTen +1 Jr. in Frosted Wakasagi and ITO Clear Laker, and the Zumverno 95 SP in ST Purple and S Smelt. I'm going to pair the Expride with a Curado 71 MGL but I might keep it braid to leader for now.