GaterB

Tournament Pro's can be found for around the 150 mark and they are amazing reels that are well worth over 200...

Thanks for the tip Darren!

You may have turned me onto something here...if I end up pulling the trigger I'll definitely get back to you how I like it

I have a Quantum Smoke, Lew's Tournament Pro (basically the Tournament with a carbon fiber handle and a couple minor differences), and a Revo SX (3rd Gen). I have fished all three a good bit over the course of the last year, and have to recommend the Lew's. The Revo SX would come in a close second, and the Smoke third. Now, from what I have heard the Smoke is similar to the Energy, except for being a little easier to tune for casting than the Smoke and a little heavier (others please correct me if I am wrong). The Lew's is easy to set up for casting, buttery smooth, and has a smooth drag. The SX is a workhorse reel for me, and was used this summer in FL to haul big bass out of the grass down there. It is smooth as well, but sometimes I felt like I could feel the gears a little more. (the Lew's TP is in the same weight range but for some reason is much smoother IMO). While I do enjoy the Smoke, the ACS braking system still gives me trouble from time to time. Probably just user error, but I don't have that trouble with the Lew's or the Revo SX. I have used all three of these reels for multiple applications on different rods, so my recommendation is pretty well rounded I believe. If you could try them all out that would be best, because everyone is different when it comes to how reels fit in their hand, how they cast, and what rod you'll be using. I hope this helped a little and good luck!

What fly rod/reel would you all recommend for targeting big bream and panfish?

Thanks ill do that!

I recently moved to Gastonia, NC, and was wondering if there are any local bass clubs that are open to new members? I've been interested in joining one for a while, but knew I would soon be moving. Now that I'm in a stable location, I'd love to join a bass club.

Does anyone know where I can get a couple reels repaired/tuned up near Gastonia, North Carolina?

Good rods for a great price. Hauled big bass out of the grass with a 6'6" MH all summer down in FL.

Sorry about that I had some technical difficulty on my first attempt to reply lol

I'll throw it on 8-12 lb fluorocarbon in light to moderate cover, but have also used braid when there's a lot of grass present. Mono will work too, just won't sink like fluorocarbon, which means you have to wait longer for the weight of the lure and hook to sink. I like to let it sink to the bottom and twitch it sharply, trying to hop it more than pull it forward so that it falls temptingly back to the bottom in front of the fish. They usually hit it on the fall.

Weightless zoom super fluke jr or trick worm in some type of green color combo.Takes patience, but bass can't stand something falling naturally in front of them.

Thanks everyone!

Hey everyone. I have recently fallen in love with frog fishing. I have been using the spro bronzeye, pad crasher, and koppers live target frogs. I was wondering if anyone has opinions about which hollow bodied frogs offer the best hooks or hook up ratio? Two days ago the bass were destroying my live target frog, but I wasn't getting a good hook set. I use a heavy rod and 50-65 lb braid for frogging, and pause for the fish to take the frog before swinging, but still couldn't manage to hook up with as many as I would have liked. I know that I'm going to miss a few fish on the frog, but if there is a brand of frog that would give me a better chance at burying the hook a little better, I'd like to know about it! Thanks!

Like aavery2 said above braid is a good idea. I had the same problem with my pad crasher too. What helped me was trimming one of the legs at about a 45 degree angle so that about half of one of the skirts was longer than the other. Idk why but this seemed to help me. You're absolutely right in that walking a spook or Sammy isn't much different. However, there is a difference. For me it's a shorter motion. Just out of curiosity, do you walk the dog with your rod tip up or down? I've had more success walking frogs with a raised rod tip.

What braid works best for spinning reels? I'm having a lot of trouble with wind knots and line coming off of the spool on my spinning reel. I'm using powerpro 8# and its a nuisance. I've had to cut line and retie many times now and I'm fed up. Any advice?

Amber it is. Thanks again everyone!

Thanks!

What color polarized lenses give the best vision for anglers? I have really dark lenses in my Oakley Flak Jackets but early in the morning or in the evening they are basically useless. Will any other colors give me better vision in lower light conditions? Thanks.

Thanks everybody. Hopefully I can put each on the rod I'll be using and see what I like. The quality was what I needed feedback on, and it sounds like either is a good choice. Thanks again!

Hey everybody. I'm interested in the Gen. 3 Revos, but have little experience with them. I want a high speed reel (7:1), and like the look of the SX or the STX. Does anyone have any recommendations as to which is better/what you prefer? Main use will be frogging.

*** *** Black rods have been getting a ton of positive reviews here and on other sites. They offer a 6'7" MH that would probably fit the bill (no pun intended)

That's a steal! Glad you're liking baitcasting! Tight lines!

Pro Qualifiers are excellent reels. They're a steal at 80 bucks (i'd even argue they're a steal at their normal price of 100). If you're willing to spend a little more, like those above me have said Lew's is the way to go. Lew's Tournament Speed Spools can be had for 100, and if you can swing 50 bucks more, the Lew's Tournament Pro Speed Spool can be found for 150 and is a lighter reel (it has a carbon fiber handle). Weight doesn't matter to a lot of people, but if it does the Tourney Pro is definitely worth checking out.

Go to either and you can't go wrong with the Abu Garcia Black Max or Silver Max Combos. Both are quality beginning combos, and I believe come with Medium rods at 6'6" or 7' lengths.