kickerfish1

Don't get me wrong, I cringe a bit every time I have a rod on its way or ship one out. It is even worse when the rod being shipped is a custom. Should something happen it is not something that can be re-ordered and had in a week. You have to start the build process again while salvaging whatever components from the broken rod can be used. I just don't like the rods that the local BPS and Cabelas carry to buy them local...

I have ordered most of my rods online. Sure there is always a chance of a rod getting damaged or broke while in transit but for the amount of rods shipped vs the number broke I am sure the broken rods are less than 1%.

I would say get the Core while you can as they have been discontinued and as years pass it will become more difficult to find them. They MG7 is the preferred 100 series Core while the 6:2.1 is usually a 2nd choice. The Break systems are different between the Core and CI4. The Core has a better frame quality frame IMO. The only drawback is the Core will have a very slightly larger frame (Chronarch D if you are familiar with this reel) for comparison. I have slowly been adding more Shimano VBS reels to my arsenal as of late. I just think they were made from better materials, were easy to maintain, don't require periodic oiling to keep them quiet, and were made in Japan so the quality is there.

I haven't had bad customer service from any rod or reel manufacturer that I have used. Have had some from lure companies though.

Shimano for me as well. Currenty I have over 25 Shimano Casting and Spinning reels from the $60 or over $400. I have had some ok Quantum reels and some that went bad within a year. The Quantums were reels between $60 - $100 and made back in the 90s through early 2000s. I am not sure how their newer offerings compare, but judging by the lack of user feedback on them I am guessing the reels may not be much better. Outside of the guys that are sponsored by Quantum, I just don't see or here much chatter about them. Very rarely is this ever a worthwhile upgrade IMO. The stock bearings in quality reels like the Stradic and above simply need bearing maintenance done on the stock bearings. Aftermarket bearings usually help with start up of the spool and some finesse bearings may help with casting light weight lures. In some of my Shimano reels a flushed and relubed stock bearing will out distance an Abec 5 or 7 not to mention they are very quiet. I have been more selective on upgraded bearings in my reels. Only replacing bad or damaged bearings or in cases where I am wanting a somewhat finesse oriented reel. In some reels improved distance can be gained but in others there won't be. Seems like each reel varies in just how much it benefits from a bearing upgrade IMO.

Bake at 350 until golden brown!

That should help balance out all the reels you have been buying lately. Gotta have a mate for everyone!

Yep, hopefully all is well once you use it. Honestly with the blazing fast gears and the longer handle stock on the XG, there isn't much that it needs other than proper maintenance.

That's odd that you mention that it is bit noisy. Do you think the bearings were oiled with enough oil? Mine is super silent on the cast but I have not flushed and relubed the bearings. Maybe the reel will settle in with time. If not put another tiny drop on each bearing and see if that helps.

Hard to tell how fat it is with that view. Would like to see a "belly shot" if you have one. In the spring of this year there was a very large SMB caught in SD that was around 19.5 inches but weighed over 7 pounds. It had a massive belly on it. As far as a guess for the weight of your fish I would say 4.5 - 5.5 would seem reasonable. If it looked like it swallowed a grape fruit than 6ish may not be out of the question. At any rate a great fish for anywhere.

If you are referring to the 2016 Stradic Ci4+ I HIGHLY DOUBT you will find it for that price anywhere. Now the prior CI4+ you can probably find fairly easily for $175. The orginal CI4 I have seen go as low as $150 but that is used with some cosmetic wear. Buying used would be your only option to secure the reel at $150 IMO

Thanks,...Not sure if I have any reels I am looking to sell at the moment. Maybe I will have some fore sale over the winter!

When I am shipping 1 reel I am using a small box that I can fit the reel in as well as the original box. I like to pack the reel in bubble wrap and then put it in the original box. Then I put the reel box in the box I am going to ship it in and add any wadded up paper or what not to make it snug. The box is taped up really good to ensure it stays together while in transit. I have a ton of smaller boxes on hand from buying reels or a small shipment of tackle from online venders like TW. I have used packs of soft plastic baits to act as filler before. Not only does it add padding but it gives the buyer a nice little gift as a Thank You.

Do you have more photos you can post or link to the photos?

We like long stories! Can you share some of the details and what you paid out of pocket

After reading the title I was hoping it would be about collection all the happy meal toys. What a disappointment.

Glad you like the rod. I have 4 customs now and they are blast. From picking the components, to see pics of the build progress, to the final product and finally fishing it is well worth the wait.

For a senko knockoff they are actually pretty good baits IMO. Not quite as heavy and they tend to put more salt on outside and in the package than actually in the bait like the senko which is probably why they weigh less. I like them as cheaper alternative and also like the price you pay for a generous quantity.

I think I paid around $285 for a 50MG7 when I found a dealer having a sale so I think you got a pretty good deal on that one considering it is NIB. I have had the reel for a good 3 or 4 years and it is one of my favorite reels. Very light, lots of tuning options, palms well, and the casting adjustments are very user friendly. The reel comes stock with a very high quality bearing that would be similar to an Abec7 or Abec9 so you don't need to upgrade the bearings. Out of the box the reel is a winner but if you prefer a longer handle you may want to look at something around 85-90mm

Many do not like St Croix casting rods due to the fact that a Medium is more like other companies MH, a MH is more like a Heavy, and so on. Their spinning rods seem to be rated more within other manufactures rods for the most part but still slightly heavier/more powerful. If the rod felt good to you and the price is good I would give them another shot. Your only other option is to try to find a local shop that carries the River Runner so you can compare the two. I would also Google both rods heavily as you will probably find some posts in some kind of panfish forums or general fishing forums. They may mention what weights they feel the rod excels at...

I am not a St Croix guy but between those two I would pick the NEW Mojo.

Thanks. That will suffice until winter sets in.

Goose - Any chance you would consider typing up one of your reviews of the new MGL? Perhaps a comparison of it against the 13 Met and Met DC? I am assuming it has received your highest approval rating (casts baits and reels in fish)? When you have the time and have enough experience with the reel I would like to know what you think of it especially compared to other Met variations. Congrats on getting the MGL Jon. I am sure you will like it. I know I have been enjoying mine.

If you are fishing Erie (not a typical lake) I would take the advice of a guy that has fished it before like JFranco. Sounds like the key is step up the weight of the sinker to nearly double what most use. For my lakes here and the ones I frequent in the Midwest, I use 3/16 and 1/4 for about everything. If I was in a situation with great wind, current, or depth, I would opt for a 3/8oz. If it was me I would buy some in weights from 3/8 to 3/4 and take the 1/4oz weights you have with you just in case. May want to be over prepared than under. Good luck with your trip!