new2BC4bass

Finding reviews on this rod is like looking for hen's teeth. Haven't been using spinning gear for some time, but looking to downsize lures locally in hopes of actually catching a few fish. Considered the 7'1" MLF as ratings are nearly identical, but am assuming the M-XF should have a bit more power while the tip is fully capable of handling the same weight lures. Probably be trying a wide variety of lures, but looking to start with small finesse worms. As an aside, I am looking to move to Florida so I figured that was another good reason to go Medium power over a ML.

I personally prefer the smaller sizes as I use lighter lines on spinninng and see no reason to spool over 220 yards of line. Could always lay a base down with some of the many 12# lines I use on BC reels. On the other hand, it wasn't all that long ago that I read an article by a professional that all he uses is 4000 size reels for the benefits of line management. Take your pick. Make your own decision after getting some personal experience on what makes you happy. All of us like spending someone else's money and will continue to give our opinions.

I put Fins 5# Windtamer on my BG1500, but the 6#/8# line is for finesse spools to try on my Ace Hawk Double C602UL/L. Plan on using this rod to learn on before graduating to a Light/ML BFS casting rod.

When I first asked about using braid, it was suggested 40# or larger. Went 40#. And, yeah, I read all the time about success with much lighter. Even have successfully fished 30# that came on a used reel....once I got all the tight spots removed. Have pulled a 14 foot Gheenoe with 2 of us in it over to where I was snagged on lily pads, and continued to successfully fish with the reel without having to pull off a bunch of line first. BUT I keep the line snug on the reel at all times. I actually have some 8# and 6# braid to try on a Light/UltraLight casting rod. That should be fun!

No. Probably can get some for around $10. Last time I sent reels out for cleaning and upgrading, the bearings ran $32 and $34. Sounded like bearings weren't the only item you were thinking of upgrading which is why I mentioned the possibility of doubling the original price of the reel. Also bearings may or may not give you a significant increase in performance. I've seen some claims that sure didn't match my results. Going from poor bearings to good ones are obviously going to show the greatest improvement. I get about the same distance as before (maybe a bit better), but it is done easier. I usually can also lower my brake settings after a tune which is also a gain.

Left or right hand? I was going to suggest the Quantum Icon. Search for threads on this reel and read the posts from PhishLI on the surprising build and quality of these $120 reels. BUT no longer available at the $40 or so I paid for mine. Best I could find is $60 for a LH model at the Vandam Warehouse. You missed your chance this time. Used reels can be a great option. Try $65 (in excellent condition) for a $250 reel. Of course it helps to know what you are looking at. This was an older blue model Patriarch XT. My third one. Highly under-rated reels. Try to find deals on the less popular reels (but still of quality). Pflueger and Okuma fit this profile. Unfortunately from what I've been seeing it is more a seller's market right now. Love closeouts! Do the work yourself, and it should save you money over finding new reels to buy. But don't even think that upgrading such a reel will improve its resale value when you do decide that you can afford to upgrade to new reels. You most likely will be doubling the original cost of those reels with no hope of getting a higher return on your investment.

I have weight ranges in mind (just my opinion) for various power categories. Obviously I look at the rod's lure rating, but as it constantly gets pointed out that often isn't all that accurate either. So what is a guy to do? Buy lots of rods, naturally, and find out yourself the weights that work best on it. I'm working my way through a few.

Just because the SV spool works well with lighter lures doesn't mean it has a problem with what is considered normal weight lures. Use and enjoy it. Personally I throw a lot of 3/8-1/2 oz. lures on mine.

Thanks, my friend. And, yes, you are still a friend even if you are a bad influence.

Looking at getting a new Tatula spinning rod. I see some places it says 2018. Is this the latest model, or is there a 2020? Is there a way to tell the different year via model number listed on the rod? EX: TTU610MXS Would anything in this model number change if it was redesigned in 2021?

Dang you Phish! Broke down and ordered one. Should have when they were a little cheaper. You are a bad influence.

My kind of deal. Can't beat that deal with a 10 foot stick.

Picked up a new model Mojo Bass to look at. Only one I saw in store. Dick's Sporting Goods. Had price of the older model. I had no St. Croix rods so I said to self, "Self, what the heck." I'm saving some. Rang up $75 at checkout.

Plenty. See what I can remember. I know I've forgotten my cost on several items, but know I saved big. 6' MH Lightning casting rod $17 Walmart closeout Daiwa Procaster 100HN for above rod. $30 on closeout ($70 reel) and under-priced at MSRP Curado 51E $98 shipped ($200 reel) Pinnacle Primmus (2) $104.10 (around $220/$230 reel) love them 6'6 MHF Cielo OG spinning rod $75 shipped ($300 rod) KVD Smoke S3 $100 for $180 reel Pflueger sale 2 Supreme XT & a Patriarch ($60/$80 for $150?/$200 reels) Icons $40 for $120 reel several Fenwick Smallmouth (mostly casting) rods (new) for less than $80 ($130 list) worth more Several OG Tatula casting rods (new). Most expensive (my cost) $100 Abu Fantasista Regista 7’ MF casting (new) rod $500 rod for less than $173 Abu Fantasista Regista 6’10” MLF spinning (new) rod. Don't remember my cost, but for sure less than $180 couple used Shamans at just over 50% savings of new price New Quantum Tour Edition and Superlite casting rods (around $60 & $80 for $200 & $220 rods) The Bait Monkey gets me, but I make him pay for it.

Review for you. It was a $210 reel back in Feb. 2002. http://tackletour.com/reviewdaiwatdx.html I have a TD-X 100HSDF and TD-X 103HL and 3 other TD-X models.

WHAT??? Guys here aren't a bad influence. Go over to that other forum where $600-$1000 rods are the norm. And you would still have to invest another $300 or so into that Metanium to make it worthwhile to use.

What are you looking to spend on the spinning rod? When I got back into fishing, I went almost exclusively baitcasting. Live in a highly pressured area, and wanting to try a new spinning outfit. Hoping downsizing baits will increase catch. A recent thread on another forum has me seriously looking at a Tatula. Either the 7'1" MLF or the 6'10" M-XF. Lure rating is the same and line rating nearly so. Both said to fish above price and quite sensitive. A gentleman bought both, and felt the 6'10" M-XF was a bit more versatile.....for him. I'm honestly thinking of getting the M-XF. Would have already ordered it, but waiting to see how my coordination progresses since my brain surgery.

I am so envious of you, my friend! Very pretty fish. Wow. Bet it's bigger than I am used to seeing in this area. Congrats, and hoping you catch many more.

Thanks. I do remember reading it the first time, but enjoyed reading it again. Only solidifies my desires for a couple more Falcons.

Can't wait to hear more from you on the rod. Thanks.

A very good rod from what people have to say about it. Think I will have to dig out my Smallmouth 6'9" M-EF and give it a shot. Another under-rated line that died out too quickly. Probably because it was closer to a $200 rod than a $130 rod. My opinion, only.

Thanks to all of you for the feedback. I've been letting the Bait Monkey push the urge on me to buy a couple more rods. I like my older Falcons and want to score a couple more. Originally was considering both in the Lowrider line. Read they fish above price point. Looking at the Amistad and Head Turner. Currently thinking Head Turner Expert/Amistad Lowrider so I can try both lines. Probably use the Head Turner more often, thus the Expert choice. I bought Fast action rods when I got back into fishing as they get the majority of 'all-around' title. After getting a few OG Tatulas with a Regular action, I have come to like that action a lot.

Man! What a bummer. Venting is good for the soul. Or else mine is already black. My first Revo was a Gen1 STXL which is still a fine reel. Picked up a Gen1 and Gen2 Premier. Haven't used the Gen2 yet, but got to say I like the STX better than the more expensive Premier.....the little that I have used the Premier so far. BTW, my posts are generally longer than that even without venting. You are among friends here so let it all out.

Like to know the answer myself. I've always used whatever came with the lure. Not a huge fan of split rings as it makes it harder for me to get line tied where I think it should be. But...what do I know?