new2BC4bass

to the forum. Lots of excellent information here. You my be interested in reading some of the tackle reviews, fishing articles and watching a few videos. Just click on the menu icon on the upper left. I have only recently learned of the Enigma name. Tried looking for some reviews. I did learn the rods and reels have a no question asked lifetime warranty. Of course that won't matter much if you don't like the gear. Not sure where the review I read came from. I no longer pay attention to Amazon reviews. Worthless at best for the most part. I am going to assume you have a spinning reel. There are a several good options at most any price point. I have no idea if Enigma is one of them. Low cost: Trion or Revros LT are a couple good options. Little higher: The Daiwa BG is a great reel. Not the lightest, tho. Shimano NASCI. Pflueger President is highly regarded. I've read the new models aren't as good as the older models. No idea. Mine is an older model. Just keeps on tickin. I have a very old Penn 430SS (very small reel) that was my first 'good' reel. Still have and like it.

Good to know. I am trying Fins because of your earlier recommendations. I have it in Pink, Yellow and Blue, in Windtamer, Original PRT and 40G. EDIT: My first braid was Sufix Performance. I liked it just fine, but it did turn a palish green/white after awhile. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a low cost alternative.

Yup. A very slippery slope. Took me about 10 years to work up to a used Steez reel. Now have four....all used naturally. And they had to be exceptional deals. Too expensive for my budget otherwise. Similar to rods. A few Helium 3 and Zolos. Even a Witch Doctor and Orochii XX. Again used. Even used there are many rods beyond my budget. Would love a GLX MBR, but........... Absolutely have no need for another rod or reel, but still haunt the For Sale forums. Dang Bait Monkey. Wish we weren't such good buddies.

Just bring your checkbook/credit card with you.

I have a feeling finding a 6'6" HF at any price range is going to be a tough find. I have an older Cabela's XMLTiC 66JW which is a 6'6" MH rated 3/8-2 oz. 12-25 lb. line with plastic still on the handle. I don't know if you could talk me into selling it as I hate parting with any rod or reel once in my possession. I prefer the newer model I bought at the same time with the normal MH rating of 1/4-1 oz. Tip is definitely a larger diameter on the older model. These were purchased several years ago. It didn't take me long to prefer longer casting rods. Still prefer shorter spinning rods.

That kind of looks like my basement.

I own at least one rod from each of those companies, but not in any of the models you are looking at. Therefore I can't give you any useful advice. I have read reviews of them all. From what I've read I'd say they are all good options at their respective price points. I feel that Falcon hasn't gotten the recognition it deserves in the past few years. I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that they have resorted to having several models made overseas in order to stay competitive. Something that most companies are doing in every industry. One reviewer felt the Lowrider fished like some $250 rods. Considering you can get one for $100 from Sportsman's Warehouse, I'd be very tempted to go with this model. To be honest if I were considering the Sierra, I think I'd opt for the Falcon Expert for $20 more (list price). And I do really like my one Dobyns.

I also have a 6'10" HF in both Tour and SuperLite models. Like this Tour a lot as well. Bought both at ridiculously low closeout prices. Haven't used the SuperLite yet. That is embarrassing considering how long ago that was.

No experience with the SX model, but really like my OG Helios. Lot of rod for the money. I know I will get laughed at for this, but I also like my older Quantum Tour Edition.

Don't keep us hanging. What reel was it? I ordered reels from a company in Alabama. Don't know if they were shipping them or having them dropped shipped from manufacturer. Delivery was supposed to be between 11-6 to 11-16. Latest update is 11-17 to 11-20. Would need my laptop at home to give date of shipment. EDIT: Shipped 11-3. So over 2 weeks and still a no show. EDIT2: Reels arrived today. Took 17 days to reach here from Moulton, Alabama. Think they came by mule train. And the mules were lame.

Wow! Those swimbaits weigh more than a lot of bass I catch. Have known for 35 plus years that I am living in the wrong area of the country.

A blow-up as soon as the lure hits the water can be rather exciting. And your mind isn't always in the right place when it happens since it isn't something you normally would expect. I'd probably flip over one of the less stable kayaks. Which would create even more excitement since I can't swim.

And it is a whopping $10.05 off right now. You don't see much on this series. I have seen it mentioned here a couple times. Posters thought highly of the rod. Would love to try one, but have reached a point...both financially and in number of rods...that I can't justify buying more. Even to myself.

I know micro guides were the new fad a few years ago, but I personally prefer standard size. Some of my rods have micro guides. Not all are the same size as Lead Head stated. Some look like they would have a hard time passing 25# Fluorocarbon line.

No experience with Star rods (or fishing heavy lures), but there are plenty of boys in Florida that like them. Reviews are good. Might want to take a look at the Stellar Lite 7'6" H or 8' H both rated for 5/8-3 oz.

I'd start with a left hand retrieve. That is what I did after growing up using left hand for my spinning reels. However, I would advise eventually learning to use right hand retrieve as well. Has a couple benefits. One being some reels only come in right hand retrieve. A second reason being to give your rod arm (and wrist) a rest during a long day of fishing. You don't have to learn to cast left handed, but it has advantages as well.

I've tried P-Line CX twice. Not had good luck with it so won't be going for a third try. It does handle well. CXX is a tough line, but a bit too much memory for a spinning reel. Also large diameter for its size. I personally wouldn't use any heavier than 6# CXX on a spinning reel. I like Neon Tangerine Siege. As already stated, Elite handles very well, but is a bit stretchy. Both have larger diameters so you could drop down in strength. I've got 3000 yard spools of 8# and 12# AN40. Nice line. Not tried Ande, but as you said, it gets good reviews. Are you willing to use a co-polymer? McCoy Mean Green is said to handle very well, but again, large diameter for strength.

It is pretty. Never heard of the brand. Sorry.

How can you say this and call yourself an enthusiast? On a serious note, thanks for the update.

Try a search using "Tatula casting rod" Many threads discussing this line of rods.

Only been out once with mine. The owner of ALX rods has posted that he keeps 5 Toadface rods on his boat because the Toadface is that versatile.

I've caught larger fish on 8# mono than any Largemouth or Smallmouth will ever reach so nothing wrong with 10#. I've caught a 10# fish on 4# Berkley XL. Don't even look at the size saltwater guys catch on light lines. There are a lot of good knots. Search Online. An Improved Clinch Knot will work fine. Caught tons of fish using one. Then I found the Uni Knot and have used it every since. Don't forget to wet the knot before tightening. Especially with Fluorocarbon as the heat from tightening the knot will weaken it. Welcome to the sport and best of luck. There is more to learn than you can in a lifetime of fishing.

I believe it is a typing error. SLX is a Shimano reel. STX is an Abu reel. But I knew what you meant. Can't help, tho, as I've never handled an SLX. They do get positive comments for their price range.

What rod is it? Years ago I got an Omen for cheap because the seller cast with one hand and the rod wasn't conducive for that. Good thing I am a two-handed caster. Grip wasn't only thin, but tapered smaller at the rear. I tried a one hand cast with it.............once. Once was enough. Almost threw the rod along with the lure. BTW, I don't need to be fishing for a hand to go to sleep. Happens when I am in bed sleeping.