new2BC4bass

Growing up we ate any fish we caught that was big enough. Bass, Bluegill, Crappie, Perch, Bullhead, Carp, Suckers (from cold water only), etc. It didn't matter. Nothing fancy. Dipped in egg and ground up Saltines and fried in a cast iron pan. We were a one bread winner family with 3 growing boys that could eat a 2 bread winner family out of house and home.....as the saying use to go. Now the only time I keep fish is when fishing with a brother-in-law in Florida. We always have a fish fry with friends and family before heading home. Again nothing fancy. Dip in egg, flour, egg again and ground up Saltines. Deep fry 3 minutes. Don't remember what kind of oil my sister-in-law uses. Homemade tartar sauce for those that like tartar sauce. Some pretty good eating.

When I saw the thread title my first thought was, "At my age and physical condition I couldn't skip a 100 yards without keeling over from a heart attack."

I use the Uni Knot for all lines to lures. For splicing lines I like the Alberto. Yes. More than likely it was the line slipping. Yup another old post sees the light of day.........again. Happens all the time at this time of year. Expect to see more before next season.

Am watching Major League Fishing this morning and wondering...not for the first time....if these guys ever use a casting rod below MH power and with 20# line. Smaller fish go flying through the air on hooksets.

How can I take offense at something I already admitted to? Just checked and I am using 2 brakes on the upgraded reel and 3 on the stock reel. I will have to try each reel on the same rod using the same lure. Haven't done that yet. Maybe I will see a measurable distance difference then. I have been using the Curados with lighter lures. Now that I have a couple reels that fill that spot better (for me) I will have to try a lure or two in the 3/8-1/2 oz. range and see what difference it makes. I'm aware that a Fat Ika and a spinnerbait aren't aerodynamic equivalents. I have made some very long casts with a 3/4 oz. spinnerbait, tho.

I have a deep cleaned (per DVT) stock and a tuned...plus ABEC5 ceramic (not full ceramic) bearing upgrade...Curado 51Es. I don't notice a difference in distance. Mike did the work on both. I forget which Moderator it was, but he claimed a substantial performance increase in the Shimano Mike did for him. Probably my lack of skill. I do notice what several have already stated. I usually can run brakes lower on a tuned and bearing upgraded reel. I'd agree it is probably easier to get the same distance with an upgraded reel. If I am going to the expense of having a reel tuned, I feel I might as well get a bearing upgrade at the same time. Then I am assured it is I that is the limiting factor in the reel's performance. As also previously stated, I feel the rod and lure have a greater affect on distance.

Nice!

When I got back into fishing in '09 you had better not mention anything bad about a Dobyns rod or you'd get flamed. It wasn't until 2-3 years ago that a few people admitted there were better rods at the Savvy price point for sensitivity. I currently have one of their older Champion crankbait rods, and thinking of getting a Sierra 7'3" MH of H ($60 off regular price). They often aren't the lightest rods, but balance is good which makes them feel lighter than they are. Love the one I have. TackleWarehouse has the Lew's Tournament Pro G on sale for $120...a $200 reel...in 6.8:1 ratio in both LH and RH models. I've a couple Lew's, but not this model. Reviews are very good. Absolutely don't need another reel, but may not be able to pass up this deal. If you don't mind used, you can get some quality reels at a much lower price than new. Often 50% or more less than regular price. Quite a few of mine are used for that reason.

There are pros and cons to each type. I wouldn't go with braid if you need good abrasion resistance unless you are willing to use some very heavy braid. I have used 40# braid for several years fishing in slop. I am currently trying some 60# braid on my dedicated frog rod, but think I will drop down to a smaller size when it finally needs changing. I prefer a mono or co-polymer for most of my reels. It is what I grew up with. Some prefer braid or braid to a leader for everything. There really isn't a wrong choice although I think most would agree certain techniques are better with one line type than either of the others....like braid on a frog rod. However, I'd be willing to bet that there are a few fishing frogs with something other than braid and succeeding. My personal preference would be something like (in no particular order) Big Game, Siege, AN40, Mean Green, XXX or Yo-Zuri Hybrid. I am not a big fan of fluorocarbon line. I've already admitted to being a little prejudice.

Well....you ask what is our best rods and reels for the money.....and then spoil it by making it about ones available now. Recent thread on $40-460 baitcast reels. The Tatula CT Type R and Tournament Pro G on sale are excellent bang for the buck reels, but over $100.

Maybe this? http://www.tackletour.com/reviewabuvillain2spin.html

I've tried several lines. Long way from trying them all. Personally I feel as long as you buy a known name brand line it will be hard to get a bad line. I have heard of some people having breakage problems occasionally, but feel that it is like anything else you buy....sometimes bad gets through QC. If you use a mono or co-polymer on the spinning reel, then look for a line that is soft. Unfortunately this type of line is often stretchy. Some good examples I have used are Trilene XL, Sufix Elite (I'm a fan) and Sunline Super Natural. In co-polymers Izorline XXX, McCoy Mean Green or Silver Thread AN40. I've tried P-Line CX 8# and 10# FluoroClear on baitcasters. Did not like them. Handled okay...especially the CX, but broke too easily. Maybe I got some bad line. I use 8# or less on spinning reels. Majority of ML and M casting rods get an 8# mono or co-polymer while MHs get 12# and Heavy rods 17# although I am thinking of trying some 20# line on one of my Heavy rods. Pretty hard to get a bad braid. I've used 40# Sufix Performance and liked it a lot although it fades quickly. Fish don't seem to care. It is a lot quieter through the guides than Original PowerPro......but nothing wrong with PP. Hasn't seen a lot of use yet and may quiet down after it breaks in. I am also using Sufix 832 and Fins.

This is the line I used many years ago when spinning gear was all I had. Biggest fish on it was a 10# carp. The rod was fiberglass and something of a noodle. Drag tightened down all the way and back turned when necessary.

It looks like bassanglermag has an article on the reels, but I can't get it to open up on my laptop. ☹️

I don't worry about warranties, but if that is important to you then new is no doubt the best way to go. I picked up a pair of the older gold colored Carbonlites as a package deal that had been refurbished. The seller had been able to take his pick of the reels setting on the shelf. Have been good reels for me. You fish more than I do.

Big Game is excellent line, but there are other lines that are softer....and thus have less memory. Love my Neon Tangerine Sufix (handles better than BG, IMO), but I would suggest trying some Sufix Elite to learn on. Sunline Super Natural is another soft line. McCoy Mean Green is also a good choice. Practice with one of these and you should be ready for Big Game by next year's season. EDIT: Since this is just practice, I would drop down to 12# line. It will handle a bit better than #15 line.

Prices seem to be ranging from $53-$80 on those reels. I'd suggest taking a look at the Supreme XT Or if you can go to $105 they have reconditioned Patriarchs at that price...a $200 reel. If you don't like either, then I'd suggest a Fuego CT. I've not used any of the reels you listed. I haven't used the Fuego either, but have several various Daiwa models from a $30 (on closeout..list $79) Procaster 100HN Procaster on up. The Fuego is always recommended at that price range. Haven't used my new Supreme XT yet, but it is a very nice looking reel. Reviews and posts mentioning them have all been good. I would add the Daiwa Aird X to that list of rods. Not so much rods (in your price range) because of the cost of shipping, but used reels can often be found at a greatly reduced price. It is a great way to get a reel that new sells beyond your budget. Probably my best buy was an older blue Patriarch XT in very good condition for $65...a $250 reel.

But the rod is WHITE!

I think the old greenie Curados had something like 5 bearings. Many are still going strong today. Great workhorse reels. I never even consider the number of bearings a reel has when I go to buy one.

Some people like to stick with one brand figuring that it gives them the benefit of knowing what to expect for power and action at a given listing. I am like you. I have rods from many companies based on reviews and feedback from members here and other forums. Personally I like trying different gear. Which is why my reels also have different names on them.

A hardy to the forum. Can't help with your rod choices. You are way out of my budget range. I'm sure someone will suggest custom rods if you are willing to pay that kind of money. Best to know exactly what you want if going that way. In most cases I have usually gone for versatile production rods with a few technique specific rods such as frog, crankbait and Ned Rig thrown in. There are so many good rods today that choosing a few is pretty darn tough. But...hey...researching new gear is at least half the fun even if it can get confusing as all get out. Especially now that a lot of us won't be getting out for a few months. This is the Bait Monkey's favorite time of the year. I've already bought myself 3 unneeded reels and one rod that I may or may not need. And winter is just getting started.

So..................if your feet are as big.................you must be the famous Sasquatch.

I think it may have been mentioned on TackleTour's reviews of flourocarbon lines.

CT? Because the original Tatulas (including Type R) are a bit larger than the CT. So everyone says. I have never handled a CT. Size of the originals doesn't bother me.

You are missing the point entirely. 85 yards isn't nearly enough when you are making 100 yard casts.