new2BC4bass

There is at least one member on here with several of the original Concept A reels. I have one. I was surprised at how good it felt when I mounted it on my RX7 Rainshadow. Normally I don't notice stuff like that. It did take me a bit longer than normal to get dialed in. Straight from box. The gentleman I am thinking of cleaned his before using and said he had no problem quickly dialing his in. Another member mentioned that the Gen 2 reels are an improvement over the originals. You should try a search. I get pretty good distance now that mine is dialed in. Maybe it would improve with a good cleaning. The original has a long handle. Has larger than normal cork knobs, but it didn't take me long to get used to (and like) them.

I've been saying the same thing. Also have a couple new rods and reels that need to be put into action. Maybe this year I'll make it happen. Agree with most every post although I hope to try 6# or even 4# on a casting reel this year. Got a Light power rod that I want to see how light a lure I can learn to cast.

Why not? It's his crappie rod.

Very nice review. Pretty fish. I'm a fan of the 3DBs.

As already stated the area he will be fishing in will determine length. A 7 footer won't do him much good if he barely has room to swing a 6 footer. I didn't know better back before the Internet and used a Lightning 6' ML spinning rod for everything. Mostly fished from shore, but occasionally we rented a boat. Wish I had known back them that my 6' ML was the wrong tool.

Slight problem with your choice of reels. The handles are on the wrong side!

I am not lucky enough to live where I can fish year round. "Next year" for me won't be until at least March....maybe later depending on the weather temps. I am a bit too old to enjoy putting up with the cold anymore.

Nice! I envy you. I haven't done anything to get ready for next year.

Had no plans, but recently received a 220yd. spool of 20# Sufix Advance Fluorocarbon which I plan on using on a skipping rod...or two...once I learn. Got a few Strike King KVD 1.5 Squarebills at the same time. Yesterday I picked up 2 Storm Arashi 5 Silent Squarebills for $3.99 at Ollies. Figured they had to be in the $6-$7 price range. Checked when I got home and TW sells them for $9.29. Going back tonight and buy the remaining 3-4 they had left. Don't care what color they are. Have managed not to buy any rods or reels in several months. Hopefully I can maintain that attitude. But I really would like a Tatula Elite Long Cast or Coastal TW (or both). So far I've managed to resist the urge.

PhishLI, did you buy the reel? Would be interested in your take on the reel if you did.

Well.....13 setups is not enough to fill the rod compartments on your boat. You need a few more setups. At least twice as many.

Hey! I managed to do that 55-60 years ago on my Mitchell 300. I have 10# Sufix on one reel and 5# Fins on another. I haven't used a spinning reel enough since getting back into fishing to get a wind knot. I do manually close the bail now. Usually hold the line with my free hand while winding up slack after a cast to keep it snug on the spool.

3 minute spin time proves very little.

Same here.

I love both reels.

Thanks Fastbee. I will be sure to try my Tatula 7' MHR. Rally like the OG Tatulas. I've only been out once with my SVS braked reel. Not as easy to set up as my older Shimano reels so I will not be using that reel to learn on.

That is ultimately my goal. I just want to start with a combination that will help minimize backlashes. I will not use the fluorocarbon I ordered. Cheap mono to learn. Nice big parking lot nearby. Was going to order some practice plugs, but maybe 1/2 oz. bank sinkers will be sufficient.

I've handled maybe 5 rods in store before buying. Pretty much do the same thing you do. I depend heavily on opinions (and reviews) of users on fishing forums. Forget Amazon reviews. Not all Online reviewers can be believed either. There is one site where I have read quite a few rod and reel reviews. Don't believe I have ever read a negative comment on any rod or reel. Lowers the believe-ability in my opinion. I want to know the good and the bad.

Short answer is 'Yes'. There are several threads on fishing light lures with a baitcast reel. Someone will be along shortly to give a few suggestions. I am only good down to #5 Shad Raps. Lures lighter than that are going to require a lot more practice on my end.

Let's forget the reels for the time being. What rods do you guys favor?

I don't keep track of my time on the water, but can guarantee I spent less than 24 hours on the water last year. Which is why I have several rods and reels that haven't been used by me yet. Sorry about your wife. Mine has Alzheimer's. Emergency room doctor knew it for 4-1/2 years before I did. Wouldn't have found out then if she hadn't had a really bad spell. How doctors and hospitals can keep something like that from the patient's spouse is beyond me.

I like this knot! Looks like it is super easy to tie. Something I need at my age.

I liked the tip about keeping your upper arm next to your body. Also not to wimp out on the cast. He also suggested an Extra Fast rod. I have two. An OG Powell 7'2" and a Helium 3 7'1" in MH and a H-EF Witch Doctor.

Shin's Knot maybe.

Thanks. I've watched videos of the first two. Fish the Moment kind of contradicts other videos and "How to Skip" articles I seen. He suggested 7' to 7' 6" rod and a jig/beaver lure whereas pretty much everyone else said jigs are harder to skip and a beginner should start with something like a Senko. I've seen the idea of starting on concrete before, but ATM don't know of a place with concrete where I could practice. Would a paved parking lot work?