EvanT123

The screw is on the handle side

It's a screw at the top of the reel. Back the screw off and twist the other side up and down keep your thumb on the spool so that doesn't pop out. It takes a few times but then becomes easy

Nice fish!!

Awesome the lake trout look tasty too!!

I've bought from the same seller and have had pretty good success with smallmouth using that size.

My first baitcast reel was the orra s basically A scaled down version of the S. after some trial and error plus lots of YouTube videos; I pretty much have it down. I don't think you can go wrong with cent brakes.

X2

S centrifugal breaks set 2-3 adjust the tension knob and your set.

Get something with centrifugal breaks and a aluminum frame.

Don't quote me but I believe 12 is just used as a guideline. One of the benefits of a baitcaster is the ability to use heavier line and more if it. In my opinion it's better to start with a heavier line like trike be big game 15 till you get the hang of it and then you can downsize. Currently I'm using 12 on my two bait casters yo zuri and trilene big game. What I think is important is to stay within the line rating of your rod and adjust accordingly to the type of cover your fishing. Also a good rule of thumb is to spool the baitcaster till there is about and 1/8 inch of the spool showing. Hope this helps.

Done go warriors!!

I feel your pain. All summer i worked top water cranks an t rigs and caught fish any way and everyday. For the last month it's been real tough and I have slowed down and realized you need to change spots especially for smallies and patience counts. Instead of looking for that top water explosion u wait for that bottom bite and that patience might help you in the long run

Today I was fishing the river (Mohawk) and just snagged a tube and tied on a drop shot. I threw it out and 10 seconds later a boater that spots crew teams flew by picked up my line and spooled my reel in 10 seconds. I was then left standing there thinking I don't understand just happened. Anyone has any similar experiences?

I've been using yo-zuri 12 for a while now with no issues. I'm not even using line conditioner. You can get 600 yard spools for cheap on flea bay. I'm actually thinking of going down to 10 bc it's so manageable.

Thanks but I had the lighting shock. Didn't really feel comfortable in my hand.

Was thinking about picking up a 66 or 7 med/fast for flukes,spinners and other top waters. Anyone have any experience with these rods ? Or make any recommendations for something in a similar price range?

X2. Try a 10 inch worm

Older curados or chronarch a depending on the models and conditions are still going for anywhere between 60-200 bucks on eBay. Depending on what you have and the condition you could finance new reels or stick with what you have. There is a guy on here DVT that will clean them up for you at 18 bucks a pop. I would imagine your best bet would be upgrading a rods.

Just to add another point. I had a post the other day about shimano and got some borderline comments and it made me realize. I fish everyday so nice gear is a plus and almost a necessity bc if I'm doing it everyday or hours on end I want to be comfortable. At the same time I have friends that don't fish much nearly as much and still catch fish. Point is if fishing is something your passionate about and do a lot nice gear is very helpful and brands and models aside where all here to enjoy the great outdoors and catch big FISH!!

I think best is subjective depending on factors such as hand size, rod it's mounted on, casting ability, daily conditions one fishes, tackle/technique applications. Most of all you can't go wrong with a brand name in the 200 range.

Ditto on the orra sx and you can find them on flea bay for less than 99.

Hey guys I know a topic got a little nasty the other day but I have to write this. After reading tons of topics and posts on here and all I heard was shimano. I bought one a chronarch 200e7 and all I have to say is wow. I'm not one to follow trends or buy expensive crap just because. Heck I enjoy generic cereal and cheap clothes but I can't help but get the feeling that like my dads 92 BMW sure there are better cars out there with more gadgets and gizmos but nothing rides better. I love Abu and will probably get a new S but now I understand the hype. It's ergonomic and after removing the grease it's like butter. For anyone that was wondering try it!!

Shimano sellus are nice rods right at the 50 dollar mark.

Fast or slow maybe a twitch twitch maybe not. Fishing flukes is basically my favorite way to fish. You gotta try different methods and let the fish tell you.