jrk

I've been using the latter for a couple of years now for my inshore skinny redfish hunts. It's been a great no-drama caster, even in my high wind environment. I even mount this on one of my 10'6" surf rods to sling 1.5oz sting silvers and it casts them a country mile. I've been thinking about picking up a new one, but see this Zillion HD. Is this a more durable/"better" version of the Coastal 200, or is the Coastal still a better reel for what I want to do with it? They both seem to have similar builds and specs, but if the Zillion is a little more durable from a build perspective, I'd be interested in giving this a shot.

I've recently purchased an NRX 916. I don't use this rod for anything that would come close to falling into its weight rating, and have not problem launching a 1/2oz frog, etc. I like a rod that is faster than slower, and I don't like a mushy rod. What I do not like about the rod is the shorter handle, or at least what I perceive to be a shorter handle. I've got a St. Croix Legend X 8'6" Heavy, and like the length of this handle. I've been curious about the Daiwa Steez AGS 8' Heavy (extra fast). For those that might know, how does the handle length of the Steez compare to something like the NRX? Appreciate the info!

Thank you Tizi. What’s weight range on that rod? Thank you MN! Sincerely appreciate the help from all.

Hello all. Interested in getting input on swimbait rod recommendations for my son’s Christmas gift, and I know diddly about what’s good and bad out there, although I’ve looked pretty hard across internet. First bait would most likely be a slow sinking or floating Deps Bullshooter 160, which I believe is just shy of 4oz. It’d be nice to have ability to thrown above this for some of the Huddlestons in medium size. I know all about rod weight ranges from my saltwater throwing, where some rods do better on low side of spec where others do better on high side of spec. I’ve no idea of what to expect budget wise, but making an assumption that 300 would cover a pretty nice rod. I see Dobyns a lot, see some good reviews on iRod builds, assuming Loomis does some, maybe St Croix’s Musky stuff. Forgot to mention neither my son or I are fans of the micro-ish guides out there...as we mostly throw braid to leader, so this suggests a desired requirement. Sincerely appreciate any input you can share on helping with this decision.

Thanks everyone. Appreciate the time. I'll reverse the line on the spool and keep going.

I've been using Sufix Performance 50 now for a couple of years...as a matter of fact, same spool for that length of time. I'm giving thought to pulling it and putting on fresh for this season. I wanted to get opinions on 50 vs 65 usage for those that have tried both, such as is 65 noticeably more manageable than 50 from a line dig in, backlash, etc. perspective? Or is it negligeable? I normally use a flouro leader...8 or so for small mouth, 12 or so for my largemouth, but most of my fishing is in the nasty slop with frogs or senkos. I don't think I "need" 65, but what the heck if it offers slightly better ease of use than 50 is my thought process. I have been very happy going from 30 to 50 for this very reason, and thus this question regarding 50 to 65. Any thoughts...I'd love to hear them, Thanks, JRK

Ever since RW turned me on to these last summer, this and the senko have been producing for me all season...snow, ice and now. 4 pounder tonight and a 4 and 3 pounder last night.

Like I said, I had no idea they came that big. Truly amazing!

Hey SmallieFever, That #8 X-Rap Gold, is that the sub walk I see on Rapala's site, or another version? Thanks for the help.

My God!!!! I didn't know they came that big?!?

The biggest worm binder I've seen is the Browning Goliath Binder...much larger than the Browning Jumbo. But, it's so big, you'll need the room to store it.

Thanks for all the great replies. I've been on the fence about picking one of these up for years now. With all the speak about going lighter, I've always hessitated. I do some wading down in the Outer Banks of NC for puppy drum and originally was thinking this would be great real for that type of use, but the Calcutta looks so nice and has such a rep that I'd be interested in using it across the board. Bronzefly, I'm currious. Why do you suggest the 100 since I'd be using 50/65 braid with flouro leader? Does this model still offer decent capacity? I'd be tosing probably no lighter than 1/4 oz, and maybe might like to throw some lighter swimbaits later. Regarding reel weight, is there a rod that you guys recommend that would help balance out well with this reel...either a 100 or 200 size? I was thinking something a litte weight forward, such as the cumara line or maybe the St. Croix line. Based on comments regarding casting...this being my main concern with weight secondarly, sounds like I'd have no problem slinging. thanks again for the info, Randy

Here I go again. I mainly fish senkos weightless, frogs, plastics, some larger jerk baits, such as LC Pointers, etc. Been using 50 lbs Sufix with 12 lb flouro leader. Currently fish a 7' Loomis MBR 843 with a Calais 200. I've always wanted a Calcutta gt te, maybe in the 200 size...don't know why...just always have. Never casted one. I've been told that they cast as well, if not better, than what I currently use and similar. Can anyone with experience with the Calcutta gt te reels comment on their casting distance, ease of use, etc. for this type of lure selection...greatly appreciate the time. I don't want to get into something like this and not be able to through some 1/4 oz plastics, etc.

Hey! Same hook I use whenever I fish snaggly, timber strewn river banks, when wacky rigging. Good hook, but the wire guards are not very sturdy. BTW....do not limit yourself to Senkos - same applies to the Fat Ika. In my opinion, even more effective! Interesting. So you use Fat Ikas with good results in river fishing? I was under the impression these were better for still water application, but not sure why I had that notion now that I think about it.

I've been thinking of picking up a few larger swimbaits, probably Matts Hard Gill first off. I'd like to know from those that fish these and other similar baits where and how you store them. I don't see buying many of these, so my goal is to hopefully find some sort of Plano tray box small enough to store in my BPS XPS bag but large enough to hold several of these baits. I know Columbia makes some nice swimbait boxes, but not sure if something like the Hardgill would fit, as I think they are more suited towards the Huddleston types. Having said that, I'm not even sure I they make a box that would be small enough for my bag. I can loose sleep over this type of crap...it's a sickness I think!

Thanks for the replies...keep them coming.

For all of you that like to fish Senkos while river fishing (read slight to moderate current), what style has been more sucessful for you, wacky or weightless TR? Very much appreciate your time in response.

Found some Leech today at Dicks Sporting Goods...which looked to be almost completely out of most of everything. I'll pick up some green pumpkin as well. Much appreciate the offer on sending me some...very cool.

I've been looking for Leech color in tubes, but can't find any. Is there another color that works well? I take it that Leech being blackish in color, that maybe another dark color, such as dark green with black flake, such as what I like to use locally as my senko color, may work?

Do these float at rest, or slowly sink like the rage frogs?

Yes, yes, yes...I finally get to speak to a local. Pitchinkid, we just purchased an old historic home up in Lewisburg, WVA and I've been trying to figure out the good spots on the Greenbrier around that area. Over Thanksgiving last year, we rode down river towards Hinton to where the Greenbrier and New meet, as in talking to a few locals in Lewisburg, they were having some luck hooking into some musky in that area. This got us exicited. Nonetheless, I don't suppose you could recommend some good spots down your old stomping grounds way that would be good for a kyak/canoe float for smallies, put in and pull out spots? I've copied your recommendations down in the above post and will start pulling in some tubes. Tried senkos up in the Greenbrier with some luck, and this is my favorite bait, but the more local knowledge the better... About the tubes...who makes the Gitzit tube (Canyon Plastics, Yamamoto, Strike King, etc.), and what are your methods of rigging it? Much appreciated, Randy Kight

Hey Carrington, I fish anywhere I can, mostly out in the West End of Richmond on some local farm ponds, a few golf courses, and the James River. Been fishing the Greenbrier lately as we purchased a place on it a little while ago. Good SM and Musky...yet to tie into one of those though. How about yourself?

Thanks Carrington. Much appreciated.

Thanks guys. Wow, didn't realize the Senko was a good spring time bait. I've got so many bags I'm not sure how to store them. I mostly fish green pumpkin with black flake. I was assuming you guys would start sending me out for buz baits, large spinners, etc. This is good news to me, as I'd much rather fish platics.

I have the 200DC model. Love it. I fish fresh water up here in Richmond, VA, but fish for puppydrum, trout, etc. wading down at our summer vacation home in Buxton, NC in the sound. I've fished it down there wading while it was raining sideways. I take care of it as best I can, but I have yet to send it in to get cleaned. Hasn't skipped a beat. Was nervous prior, but I'm using it for all its worth now.