Silas

Sunline SX-1 12# on my 3 spinning outfits with 6# fluoro leader. But, I will soon get the SX-1 in HI Vis yellow as it will be much easier to see. I can barely see it now!!

Wow! Thanks for the heads up! I'm now running the 12# Sunline SX1 on 3 spinning outfits and with fluoro 6# leader. Casts great!! The yellow should be even better for line watching on the shaky heads and wackies!!

You need to fish with it a bit longer. It gets better. I know my 2 did. I thought about an upgrade in bearings but I realize it would not be worth the effort for the gain in THAT particular reel.

I think this phrase sums it up: "It's a good rod for the price." And the price should be $50. I have that rod and have yet to "favor" it. It would be the last rod in my arsenal of 20 set ups to use. I think its best use is to have it to furnish a fishing partner who didn't bring a rod. It is not particularly sensitive; it feels like a stick. It might be best used for pitching and flipping, as I've used it. I would have no sleepless nights over its breaking. Finally,.......you can do better. Unless you can get it for $30. Other opinions may vary. EVERY rod I have is better than the Diesel.

Like others have said....there are many variables here. A nice medium action or medium/light rod will go a long way with lighter baits....it simply loads better. Smaller diameter line often helps a bit. Reels with shallow light spools that are designed for lighter baits invariably do better: that's why people always mention the Curados, the Sols, the Steez, Pixy. These all cast baits well below 1/4 oz. And others have mentioned the condition of the reel: too much oil can limit the cast....a simple cleaning will improve it. Also, the way a person casts: the harder you sling it, the more likely it is to backlash, without the "educated" thumb. And one person said there are light baits.....say a "scum frog" that catch the wind and the spool will over run. Sort of like playing golf: many variables. But when you finally get them in sync, it can be wonderful.

I have several old Lew's BB1's.....in just about new condition. They are now sitting in boxes in the closet as I started trying the upper level reels. However, these reels are fantastic casters......especially with crankbaits. Seem to feel the crank much better than other reels.

Hi Dale, That's one of jigs that have the concave pit in the head to slow the fall. And, it has a little rubber "rattle keeper" band on the hook. They send 2 elongated plastic rattles with the bait. the part with the round ball tip is the part you slip UNDER the rubber band to make it rattle. You can choose to put no rattles on it, one or two. I've not fished with one of these but saw someone who was. Looks like it would be great in grass as it falls slower, thereby enabling you to work it slow and not have it sink into the weeds or mud. Maybe someone else can chime in on what's the best color. Now I'm going to have to order some!!

I have to agree with both ULG and Imbfisherman: The Shimano Cumara 7'2" older model is perfect for the Curado 50 and other small reels like the Daiwa Sol, the Pixy, and even the Steez. I find the sensitivity is excellent and the balance makes the outfit effortless to cast.. Keep your eyes peeled and one comes up now and then. Who knows, you may be able to snag a Cumulus, which I find is even better.

the free App, CATCHBOOK does all of that. I like that I can get a map of all the places that I have caught fish......also time, date, lure, weight, notes.

I totally agree! I have several pair of Costa's. One Blue Mirror, for Gulf fishing; one Green Mirror for freshwater, both are 580GLASS. And a 3rd pair of Amber in 580Polycarbonate. Definitely well worth the money. I did a LOT of research on sunglasses and talked to several eye doctors. Most cheap glasses do NOT protect against the different rays. A good analogy would be a comparision with motorcycle helmets. I've ridden for years and have found the extra money spent on a good helmet is well deserved.....so I went to Arai and Shoei. How much is your head worth? Just how much do you think your pair of eyes is worth? Going cheap is not really an option here.....for me.

I played around with the Gama Skip Gap hook the other day with flukes. It will NOT stop a Keitech Swing Impact 3.8 Fat from rolling and twisting. It WILL do pretty well with a Caffeine Shad, IF carefully reeled in. I love the hook since it holds close to the bait and is very light as to not weigh flukes down. Gotta do some more research. Disappointed that it also rolled with one of my favs......RI Little Dipper and Skinny Dipper.....also the Bitters Naked Swimmer. Only a keel weighted hook solved the problem.....used 1/16 weight and stabilized the fluke.....no line twist. On spinning or casting outfits.

Just received my Symetre 2500FJ a couple of days ago from American Legacy. They were on sale for $59.95 shipped!! Couldn't pass it up! I don't think they have any more.....must have been a run on them.

I like the Shimanos: have a Curado 100D, Scorpion 1000, Curado 200E5, Curado 50E, Calcutta GTB, Calcutta 200, Stradic 1000, 2 Sustains, and 2 Twinpowers. They have never failed me and are always reliable and enjoyable. Sort of fantastic "workhorses" with a little flair. Not much fiddling with them either. They will work well even if not set quite correctly. BUT...... I LOVE the Daiwas: started with the Daiwa Sol, and also a Sol 2000 spinning reel, 2 Pixies, 2 Alphas, 3 TDZ's , and 2 Steez. While the Shimanos are workhorses, the Daiwas are the Lamborghini's of reels for me. Ultra refined and smooth, and effortless. However......one DOES have to "fiddle" with them, but they are will worth the adjustments that make them so precise

Me, too, brother!! I leave the weekends to what I call "The Riders." They ride up and down the rivers and muddy up all of the banks.. And, the jet skis are out in force. I'm all for everyone enjoying the water. MY time is during the week......solitude and peaceful. I understand how "work" can get in the way of our loves. I substitute by heading out at 7 AM on weekend mornings for a 2 hour ride on my motorcycle through the twisty swamp roads. Most people that aren't fishing, are asleep then and I'll be back home before they wake up.

The Shimano Symetre 2500 FJ is on sale NOW at American Legacy.. Just got mine yesterday. A $100 reel for $59.95 shipped!!! Looks like a winner! But I have to agree; my Stradic FE is a smooooooth casting reel.

6# Yozuri Hybrid on Curado 50E, Steez 103, Daiwa Alpha 103. 6# Sunline Finesse FC on Airy Red Pixy.

Tstone is right about the Bitters Naked Swimmer! I've fished both the RI Skinny and Little Dipper and the Grass Pig. The Naked Swimmer outperforms all of them. A tad softer, more action in water with less effort. And, best.....2 packs for $5.00!! Smoking Shad color works best so far for me.

Curado 50E, saw a NIB Daiwa Sol a few days ago for $170!; Daiwa Alpha 103's, Pixy, Steez.

I have an Extreme casting and a Spinning. Had both for about 6 years. Very pleased! With that being said, I rarely use them anymore since I have gone "crazy" buying other rods just to try them out. They are now relegated to my brother using them when he comes with me. He loves them! I think I paid about $70 also, and would STILL consider them a good buy. I definitely prefer the Extremes I have to the Powel Diesel. And I know all of the raves about the *** 13 and I prefer the Extreme even over it....but that's only because my hand doesn't fit the short tapered grip well. I feel it is a real "sleeper" of a rod.

I agree that the 12# Yozuri Hybrid is a great choice for your baitcaster. And.....I think that 10# is even better. Check out the auctions and see if you can find a bulk roll. I would NOT choose Yozuri 6# on my spinners. I tried it and found the line had too much memory. It was OK but I really wanted more from my spinning rod setup. Try Sunline Super Natural Mono in 6# on spinner. Or a 12# braid and a fluoro leader. Or, if you want to go for the ultimate in MY opinion, the Sunline 6# Finesse FC. A little pricey but well worth it. Just use Yozuri for the backing.

I've had good results with a Space Monkey on a 1/8 oz Moaner Rage Rig hook. Fished it like the Rage Craw, but.....over lily pads. Works as well as the good ole Stanley Ribbit!!

Secret weapon!! Megabass SR-X Griffon.......Crack-Jungle color! Small and deadly. Expensive, too!

You wouldn't want to taste a Keitech Swing Impact Fat....trust me.

Best buy in my opinion for Crankbaits running medium depth is the Dobyns Champion 704CB Glass. List $249, but can be had on sale for $200. Or on forum for much less.....around $150. I also recommend the Dobyns Champion 764 CB Randy McAbee for cranks a little heavier, and if you prefer a little longer rod.

Just started using a Fluoro especially made for spinning reels: Sunline Finesse FC 6# test. So far I am very pleased with it. Have it on a small Daiwa Sol 2000. No issues at all but I've only fished it a couple of hours. There were good reviews so far. Put Yozuri 6# Hybrid on as backing, because it's very expensive.