new2BC4bass

FANTASTIC!!! Great video. 8-) Just what I wanted to see. It solidified what I was already thinking from previous replies. Hope to have both the forward and back cast in my repertoire by this fishing season.

Clockwise seems counter intuitive. Searched for a video, but couldn't find one. Do you perchance have a link to a video? Easier for me to understand from watching, then from the written word. Thanks for your reply. Edit: Do you mean the lure is not already on the water, but at the end of your rod? So you would basically be making an underhand cast?

I've read a time or two where a poster mentioned roll casting with a baitcasting outfit. TT also mentioned it while reviewing the Steez reel. How is this achieved? I know the basics of roll casting with a flyrod, but never heard of it before in relation to any other kind of fishing. I don't understand how it can be accomplished since it is the weight of the fly line that does the casting for you (with a bit of help from the rod, natch ).

I feel for you Brian. Excellent points. Wish you the best of luck getting back to work. I work in manufacturing. Need I say more? I was salaried when hired in 1985. Based on 47.5 hour weeks. I was switched to hourly (not at my request) when I gave my 2-weeks notice 4 years ago. Stayed, and didn't say anything about working hourly because it worked to my advantage given the hours I always worked. First 2 months last year we were cut to 45 hours, then 40 hours after that. Last year was a 25% cut in pay for me. Had been working 50-55 hours. Haven't had a raise since Dec. 2000, or it would have been a higher percentage. It was a bigger cut for several other people as they had been working 60 plus hours a week. Several people were laid off last year. When it was mentioned to the plant manager that maybe salary personnel should take a pay cut, he said "No.", he would lay off more people first. They are still being paid for 47.5 hours, yet work only 40, and often less. Plant manager spends most of his day on the phone. Handling company business? No. Think he does something else on the side. He handles that while at work, and the rest of the time BSs. We are told how bad it makes them feel to lay off someone, and it is necessary for us to work less hours to keep the company afloat. I can understand that. What I can't understand is why the powers that be (making much more money than the rest of us) feel that THEY shouldn't also take a pay cut to help the company. It is the same way with politicians. They vote themselves a raise, but freeze SS benefits. Now who do you think can afford to stay at the same pay level? Millionaire politicians, or the Average Joe just trying to survive? End of rant! Edit: Before any of you say "You must make good money to be able to take a 25% cut in pay.", or "At least you are still working.", let me say this. I took out over 50% of my available 401k funds last year when I totaled my car. Had plans of buying a new car, and replacing rugs in my home. Instead I bought a 5 yr. old car (made in USA) and replaced one rug only. Rest of the money went out monthly to keep up with bills. (Paid off the only credit card I had.) That money is gone. What good is having a job if you still have to choose between paying your mortgage or paying utilities, food, gas, etc.? Look out for your future? He$$ I'm just trying to survive in the present. As are many other Americans. My heart goes out to them.

Thanks, Raul. So it's not the reel I'm looking for using on my UL outfit. Problem is I doubt you can ever have enough reels. ;D May have to buy it anyway if it is still available when I get the funds. However, I want to pick up a Revo STX first for hauling bass out of the pads and grass. This 200 BSF will probably be gone by then. :'(

I hadn't considered going outside to practice in the snow. Now that you've planted the idea, I'll be giving it a try myself. Just bought my first decent casting outfit. The reel will be back from getting a super tune by Monday. Rod should be here by the end of next week. I was wondering how I was going to wait until the snow melted in order to try them out. You just solved my dilema! ;D ;D Thanks.

What I've learned so far is the SF stands for 'Super Free'. E is their latest series. B's were out in 2001, at least. I'm still researching for a reel to use with light line and lures. There is one of these for sale at what may be a good price. Anyone know what a 200 BSF in good shape is worth? Would it work as part of a light lure/line outfit? Any other information greatly appreciated. Gear ratio?, etc. Thanks.

What is it? ;D ;D I see one for sale at what appears to be a good price, but I can't find a review of the reel. Or much else besides a couple for sale on ebay. Can I assume it is a Curado? When were they made? How's the drag? Will it fish 1/4 oz. and under lures? Quality? Gear ratio? ETC. ETC. Thanks in advance.

My biggest fish so far was a 35 lb. carp on 8 pound test that had been on the reel for several years. My fishing equipment has been sitting idle for 25 years. Just went and tried to beak line on one of them. Nope. I wouldn't worry about it.

Depends on the size of the swimbait, I guess. A Musky can get pretty big. I'd think if it is a Musky rod it would be quite stout. Too stout for the type of fishing I do, but maybe okay for how you fish.

Thanks guys. I think I will start with a 7' MH with Fast action for my first all-around rod. Notice I didn't say first rod! I couldn't pass up an Airrus Ultra XL UXLC701MH at the price I found on another forum even tho the shorter butt is missing. Don't know If this would be considered an all-around rod or not, or if it would be considered more of a cranking rod. Will let you give me that information. ;D Still want the Compre, but it is going to have to wait. I am hoping to invest in another reel in a couple weeks. One of the Revo models with a heavier drag than my Fuego has. Then I will be looking for that all-around rod! lc[tt][/tt]

Nice to hear from a couple Floridians. Thanks for the advice. Need to do a bit of research. Have to re-familiarize myself with Carolina rigs. Don't recall using one before, but do remember reading how to use them years ago. Have seen the term 'shakeyhead' used, but no idea what it is. More research. Ain't the Internet a wonderful thing ;D ;D

If my daughter repays me some $$ tomorrow, I would opt for the C3. Not likely to see it at this sale price anytime soon. I can always get the Compre later. Maybe someone would lose their mind, and put them on sale for about $30 off! ;D

I'm still in a quandary! ;D ;D Sure wish I could get both. Nothing like testing rods yourself. Finances may dictate my decision anyway. Opting for either rod this week would be cutting $$ a bit too close unless some money due me arrives by tomorrow. Not likely. Also the wife needs a couple items that can't wait. Funny how her needs have to come before my toys! NOT. :'( :'( Anyone know a good divorce lawyer around this part of the country? Hehe.

I see TW has the Okuma on sale for $110. This is a $150 or more rod. Can anyone give me a comparison of the 2 rods? Sale is for one more day, I think. Okuma advertising sounds good. TT's article on handling them at a show a couple years ago was positive, but of course that is no where near as good as actually fishing with them.

After rereading your questions, I would have to say I am very satisfied with what I have read about Shimano when it comes to their warranties. Need to check into Airrus warranty. Still 'no' to the rest of the questions. Was just perusing TW. Today's deals include the Okuma Concept C3 casting rods for $110. Normal price is $150 or more. This sounds like a very good deal. Anyone have experience with the Okuma rod? Can someone compare it to the Compre for me?

Size? Color? Neither important?

Getting a baitcasting outfit put together for LM bass fishing in Florida when I visit relation there. All my current tackle is geared to ultra light fishing. We've mostly been fishing the shorelines the past couple times I went down (lily pads, cattails, etc.). I'm sure my bro-in-law would be open to other methods if we can produce the occasional nice fish. I want to take my own lures (and a new rod...or 2 ) next time. Worms are a must. He uses the largest, but what do you think about dropping down to the 7-8 inch size? Will they work as well? I also want to try Senkos. Never used them before. I've only tried jigs a few times when fishing in NY State for rock bass. Florida lakes are pretty shallow. At least where we fish. Are jigs even an option? What other lure types would be good? Which crankbaits? Swimbaits an option? Buzzbaits? Spinners? I can't take a tackle store with me. ;D ;D Nor can I afford to buy a lot. I'd like to take a few proven lures of several types to try. Don't be bashful. Tell me the best way to fish your chosen lures. Or point me to articles I can read online.

Unfortunately, "NO" is the answer to all your questions which is why I rely heavily on the advise from those with experience using the equipment I am looking at purchasing. I had the same problem with another of my hobbies. I spent a few thousand dollars on air rifles, and was only disappointed once, and then only because the seller was less than truthful about the guns accuracy and trigger.

Yes, that is an option I have been considering lately because of the reading I have been doing here. In fact the 7' model may very well replace the 6' 6" model as my first choice. Distance has been an important factor in much of the fishing I have done in Florida.

This question has to have been asked umpteen times! My searching attempt turned up zilch. Apologize for asking it again. I am putting together my first baitcasting outfit for LM bass. It needs to be as close to a do-it-all rod as I can get to start out. Will be used at the start for fishing in Florida on small lakes. My brother-in-law likes to fish the lilies, Hydrilla, etc. near shoreline with unweighted 10-11 inch plastic worms rigged weedless and #11 Rapalas. I'd like to be a little more versatile. Picked up a Fuego from TW. I had narrowed my rod search to the Airrus Co-Matrix 457 or Compre both in the 6' 6" MH Fast models. I asked on another forum which would be best. One gentleman replied in his opinion the Airrus is outdated and the Compre was a better rod with better resale value. (Not an issue for me.) A second reply also went with the Compre. I was convinced since the TT review said it was comparable to a rod costing twice as much. Since then I have seen a little written about the Lamiglass Excel and the Falcon Bucoo. I was wondering if the Compre would be considered a much better rod than either of these? Going by the reviews I've read so far, I think the Compre is still the better rod. As an aside, the Airrus rod was reviewed a year earlier than the Compre rod. It received a higher score from them than the Compre although they stated the Compree was as good as rods costing twice as much. I have a habit of going down the road less trod. Although the Compre probably will be my first rod, I really want that Airrus before it becomes discontinued. Unfortunately it went from an $89 rod when tested to a $129 rod now. $30 isn't much alone, but add $100 to it, and it becomes a little harder for me to consider given my current budget. Plus I have to remember that all my previous fishing was geared towards ultralight. I have to invest in some tackle for LM bass. That $30 would give me a start for tackle purchases.

Do you need left or right hand reel? TW has Daiwa Fuego left hand reels for $145. This is a $229 reel. I wanted the Revo STX for its drag, but couldn't find one for less than MSRP ($199.99). Above my budget. Couldn't pass on the Fuego. It went out today for a super tune, baco7 bearings, and Carbontex drag upgrade. Budget went all to he$$. :'( :'( On the other hand, I am expecting an already excellent reel (per reviews) to become a great little reel. ;D ;D The rod I am planning on getting for it happens to be the same Compre you are looking at unless someone can convince me the 7' model is better as an all around rod. This is basically my first entry into the baitcasting world, and is going to be used for LM bass.

Having read the Zebco review, all I can say is it sure sounds like a much better spincast reel than any I've ever tried. I started on a Mitchell 300. Well not exactly true. Used a cane pole and line the first year. I know I had a few tangles, but the years have dimmed those memories to almost non-existent. Actually had more tangles the few times I did try a spincast reel. I would get the most trouble free reel you can afford for your son. Makes fishing much more pleasurable for both of you. We need all the youngsters we can get joining our ranks. I'm sure he will be thrilled with his new toy. Errr, I mean fishing tool.

There is a pretty big price difference in your list. I can't help you decide, but maybe I can help you insert enough information so that someone else can help you make that decision. I think you should mention the type of fishing you plan on using it for. Possibly name the rod also as I have read that some rods, such as the Vandettas, are tuned for certain reels. What type of water will you be fishing? I recently got a Daiwa Fuego because I couldn't pass up a $229 reel for $145. ;D What I really wanted was the STX you mentioned because of how I will initially be fishing with it. I wanted this reel primarily for its drag. I fish with my bother-in-law in lily pads and Hydrilla. I wanted the power of the STX drag system for hauling the fish out of that environment. It wasn't until I received the Daiwa that I found the STX for $130. A 2009 model, but that doesn't bother me. Before that all I could find was the MSRP of $199. You don't appear to have the budget constraint I have. Add a paragraph or two describing your fishing methods, and I think you will get a lot more replies. Good luck with your decision. From the research I've been doing lately I'd have to say you couldn't go wrong with any of the reels you've listed. I personally am just getting back into fishing, and want to go the baitcasting route. I'd be interested in what some of the more experience gentlemen (and ladies?) on here have to say about comparing the attributes of the reels you listed.