flippin and pitchin

Brian, I have MG's, Tournaments, T-Pros, BB1, Team Pro, Super Duty and BB1 Pros. All are stock except one T-Pro and I just added the 95 Lews handle to that one. The BB1 series palms just as well as the T-Pro. The cast control is unique in that it employs arms that sit on rocker pins. I bought my first BB1 Pro right after they were introduced and recently added two more, all in 6.4 to 1. The BB1 Pro and BB1 cast as far as my Team Pro and or T-Pros. They are effective with 1/4 to 7/8 ounce baits where the standard BB1 seems to shine at the 3/8 ounce lower level. The cast control is extremely effective and the progression of settings works well. Having the external adjustment is very convenient albeit, I have yet to need to make an adjustment once set. The cast control is very effective with wind resistent baits. I use the standard BB1 for mid level and deep divers. I have the BB1 Pro on my shallow/squarebill rod. The T-pro has that smaller, lighter spool so it is a better finesse reel. The BB1 Pro is my favorite of all the models I have to date. If I would have waited a few months, I would have chosen them over the standard BB1, not saying that isn't a great reel. It is. The gloss black wears better than the matt finish I think. I see no reason to add bocas to my reels. They cast as far as I need and we make long casts when covering deep plats for smallmouth. I hope this provides some help to you. Doug

The short answer is yes. When you compare the features the answer points to yes. The centrifugal braking system on the BB1 Pro works exceptionally well and the external adjustment makes it just that much better. It's my favorite of the entire line. I have three, all in 6.4 to 1 ratio. They are long casters and very smooth. If you have any other questions just PM me. I just got the new Lews Team Gold spinning reel too. We shall see how that pans out.

Both are capable of long casting. The two models you are looking at are built on different frame platforms and have a different cast control system. The BB1 has a larger spool with greater line capacity. If you plan to throw larger heavier baits, this would be a great choice. If you want a smaller spool that starts quicker and handles weights in the lower range and can use a dual cast control system, the T-Pro is the better choice. You might also look at the BB1 Pro and get the best of both worlds. The BB1 Pro is hands down my favorite LEWS. PM me if you have any Lews questions.

734 full rear grip. This is the most versatile model in the champion series for my money. It's the the one model I have multiples of. 1/4 to 1/2 is the sweet spot. The rod locks up pretty quick and for single hook applications, that's an advantage.

William Tell Overture.

I started to read this thread yesterday and stopped because it was turning caustic. I jumped to the last page to see how it evolved. Social media has it's problems and attempting to share what may have have been a thirty plus minute conversation in 20 lines of print has it's draw backs. One of the reasons this forum is so successful is the civility and shared courtesy shown from member to member. Please don't ever take that for granted. On topic: My take was to be flexible and weigh out what's today and not rely on yesterday. Good thought. I would love to sit down for breakfast with dozens of you guys and listen to your ideas and experiences. Thanks for your post Tom. There was alot of meat shared by many along with the bones.

I'm curious Kent. Why Izorline? I fished it alot until you mentioned YZ Hybrid and tried it. I like the YZ.

I sense confidence in you selections. That's awesome. The stuff out there available to anglers is incredible. Enjoy your set ups.

I used to fish a company that rated their rods in powers. They were good rods. The issue I had was the progression of the powers was inconsistent. The 2 power to 3 power was fine. The 3 to 4 power was almost the same rod, a half power up at best. The 4 power to 5 power had a huge jump in stiffness and the 5 to 6 was just as far apart. The inconsistency was found in three series of rods too. If you find a company that provides a consistent progression in the power ratings you are way ahead of the game when it comes to adding additional rods. The powers may not align with other brands as said but at least you have a base line. Having that predictable progression is a big deal to me. As far as an industry standard like fly lines, won't happen.

I would also urge you to save a few dollars more and get the BB1 Pro from Ron at Valley Sports. The MG and BB1 are on two separate frame platforms. The BB1 spool holds more line. If you like a magnet control system only the MG is a very decent reel. I have both. My MG's see the least amount of use. I paid 103.00 each for them. The BB1 Pro is an excellent caster. The BB1 is also an excellent caster but the sweet spot is a bit heaver at 3/8 to 3/4 ounce. Ron can save you some cash on any Lews product.

For smallmouth the saying goes, Find them with crankbaits and catch them with plastics.

You dog you

Okuma products have come along way in the last several years. They are very very popular in my area. My experience was with the Stinson model spinning reel. It was sub forty dollar reel but was a great reel overall. The Helios is an upper tier model and some of the guys at my local shop use them for summer run steelhead.

I have fished Revenge spinnerbaits and jigs for several years. They are a quality bait and have some unique colors that work well in my region. The D& M Piranha vibrating jig is, to date, the best I have fished. It's a high quality product with great hooks and hardware. Some VJ's lock up or jam when fished slowly. D&M doesn't have that problem. Siebert products are exceptional quality with great design features. I would like to try a Fogi but I'm stocked to the gills right now.

Gary Loomis built rods under several names since 1980. I bought: LOOMIS, LCI ( Loomis Composite INC ) Loomis Composites, G. Loomis. I had nothing further to do with a Loomis products after he sold his interests to Shimano. I had some good friends that were pro-staffers with Gary and when the deal was finalized everyone of them was dumped without so much as a thank you.