Arv

I agree, 30 yards isnt bad. But when I can sling the rest of my reels much farther than that I feel like there is much to be desired from this reel.

I have not tried that. I may check that out soon.

I'm leaning pretty hard towards getting DVT to check it out. My bday is coming up soon so that might wind up being a present to myself or from my girlfriend. Thanks for all advice from everyone!

I would say a jig for all the reasons mentioned above, but if I had to choose, It would be a toss up between a trick worm and a senko.

I think its good to have your fall back confidence baits. When all else fails I either throw a senko or a drop shot. I know I'll catch fish on those. With that said, I never liked lipless crankbaits until just recently. I never understood how so many people claimed they were such a clutch lure, until I realized I never really tried fishing them on a consistent basis. They are now quickly becoming one of my conficence baits as well, even more so than a spinnerbait. I'm often guilty of trying something one time, not catching anything on it and giving it up for something I like. I think being persisent and having some patience and learning a new technique is crucial to becoming a more complete fisher. It may make the difference between a good day on the water and getting skunked.

Great advice here. If you want more specifics, about rod and reel selection, a lot gets into personal preference but I think most will say that a 7'-ish MH/F rod will cover the majority of applications you can throw. I would also say, if you are someone that likes to throw a lot of bottom contact presentations (jigs, T-rigs, etc.) I would put as much money as I can afford into that rod. Being able to discern the differences in structure and cover under the water can be huge in fishing those types of presentations. As far as gear ratios go, all of my reels are 6:1. You might want a 7:1 for fast moving applications or situations where you'd need to pick up slack quickly. 5:1 are usually used for cranking, although I think you will hear a lot of people that us 6:1 for cranking as well. If you give us some more info on what you would like your 3 set ups to be used for and price ranges on the remaining gear we can probably help more. The Revo S is definitely a good place to start if you ask me. I have a gen1 and 2 and I think they are solid reels.

Are you SURE your head wouldn't fit?

Haha, not a stupid question. You never know who you're talking to on the internet. But yes. I've messed around with the brakes, cast control, drag, different line, different rods and different weight lures. Unless theres something I'm missing with the brakes, because it is an extrenally adjustable micro ACS deal that I'm not used to, but I've turned all those settings too and same result unless I turn them all the way off.

Thanks for the advice guys! Junkyard, its the silver/grey and blue one. I really like how it feels and its super light so I'm bummed it won't cast worth anything. Hopefully that will change here soon.

I posted a while back on here about a Quantum Catalyst that I bought a little less than a year ago. My issue with this reel is that it is brand new and I can only get maybe 20-30 yards of casting distance (unless I free spool it in which case I tend to backlash pretty quick). The consensus then was to ship the reel back under warranty and get a new one. Soon after I moved and misplaced/forgot about the reel and just recently found it. I also recently read several places about reels coming over lubed and that affecting the casting performance. Could this be the issue? I would rather not deal with trying to exchange it, if possible, and also wouldn't mind learning some more about reel upkeep. What do you guys think? Thanks in advance.

I don't fish frogs much but I use a MH/F Veritas with 50# Braid.

I use 50# but I use that rod for other applications. I also use 16# fluoro and 12# hybrid. Just depends on the cover or what else I have tied on.

Not as impressive as most of what I've seen, but I did catch a 4lb-ish flathead on a 1/4oz home-made jig

Lews TP or a 50e chronarch or curado from Shimano

Its a toss up IMO. I think you would be happy with either.

The G series isn't bad by any means IMO. I just like the E series more.

get that E

Senko, all day.

Yup, any one should be fine. Definitely like the 50 size Shimano reels though.

16# Sunline Sniper does great for me. Personally, I have more confidence on FC for some reason.

x2 on the Dobyns Champ or higher. At the 150 - 200 I'd look at a Powell, Phenix or Duckett. Cant speak about a Fitzgerald.

Squarebill or Lipless. Depends on the cover and what presentation you plan on using.

100 - BPS Pro Qualifier 120-130 - Abu Garcia Revo S, Shimano Citica 150 - Lews Tournament SS Any of the above mentioned reels (Tournament Pro, Curado, etc.) that can be found in your price range would also be a great buy and probably where I would put my money if I could find them cheap.

Dobyns Champ 702c, Curado 51e, 10# Sunline Sniper. I've liked the Yum Punkin'Ed heads at 1/4oz with a Zoom Trick Worm. Still can't believe I haven't gotten a bottle of JJ's with all good things said about their product. I like dragging the rig along the bottom slowly, single hopping it every once in a while and when I run into cover, I stay and shake it a few times, hop it over and shake a few more times.

I use lh. Thats me though. Go with what is comfortable for you.