kickerfish1

I guess that proves there isn't a set in stone policy on how to deal with issues like this. Rather issues like this are handled differently depending upon "who" get when you call in.

I figured I would catch a bit of grief over that . However, having line on them is the first step in the right direction. With an extended holiday weekend and a forecast that is calling for milder temps, I should be able to add slime!

Sunline FX2 or Samurai are my favorite braided lines but may not fit every component you are looking for especially price.

Here is part two of my latest custom build acquisitions as the other was posted a few nights ago. I chose a modded Core 50mg7 to pair with a MHX Hi Mod MBR 843. Fugi alconite guides with black and red thread wrap helped dress it up. The foregrip piece was soureced from Matagi and all other parts were from Mudhole except one piece from GetBitOutdoors. Between the foam grips is a red and black carbon tube and there are red winding checks throughout. It turned out pretty sharp and perfect for the core. Will be using this for weightless plastics and smaller jigs and such.

Thanks for remembering to update this thread. So many times folks ask for opinions or have issues but never give any updates. Glad it all worked out!

A quick look through Google images shows both silver and black spools for the Citica G series reels. It appears the same for the Curado G as well. Not sure what to tell you on if the spool you have is stock vs something someone swapped. My gut tells me it is a stock spool.

It would also be worth considering the Tatula CT. Smaller frame and easier to palm. Prices are about the same as well. Most of the gripes about the original Tatula were the frame being uncomfortable to palm and a few isolated incidents of bad "T-Wings" The CT model should solve both of these issues.

Sharp looking outfit

I don't think you would see much of a difference swapping the Curado/Chronarch 200e spool in the Citica. They are pretty much the same weight just different colors. Also since they share the same platform many parts are interchangeable. I have fished a lot of reels, and for $80 there isn't a reel I would pick over the Citica E.

Good reels to mess with though the spool options are slim. Here is one I modded if you want an idea. Paired with a Dobyns 705cb Champion rod. This one received the Hawgtech treatment.

I was aware of the resin issue but thought that given the time that has passed between then and now they may have entertained the idea again. With all the folks onboard with their rods from staffers to joes alike, there should be plenty of brand loyal guys and plenty of word of mouth chatter. If they launched a Zayta at $400 -450 that would be a more reasonable price than what other companies have put their high end rods at. Oh well, they probably did market sampling or some other statistical test to see if they think they would profit enough for such a rod line. Maybe in the future we will see something...

The full handle options on a sub $200 rod will be nice. They look pretty sharp and should be a good seller. I am wondering why Dobyns hasn't launched a $400+ rod yet? Seems like the Fury/Savvy/Sierra will all be at price points separated by only a few $. They will probably sell a good number of Sierra rods but I am wondering if they abandoned the idea of Zayta series rods or is it still something in the works?

Just for clarity sake Mike gives you several hook options. The standard Mustad Ultra Point hook, the Owner Deep throat hook, and the Owner Round bend. As you noted the Dredge features the Owner Deep Throat Hook. These are great hooks and have very good hook up ratios. As a matter of fact all 3 types of hook have good hook up ratios for me. The key is making sure the weed guard is not too stiff and collapses like it should. I probably have a few hundred jigs built on Owner Deep Throat Hooks. A few other jig companies use them or have used them in the past but Siebert is one of the only companies using them regularly.

Not for me and not for most of the waters I have fished. Generally bluegill, a much more natural silver/flake bait fish color, and some variation of green pumpkin (For example GP/Blue or GP/Candy). White is good on some of the lakes I fish but it isn't a "go to" or even a top 3 for me most of the time.

Just receive the rod today after a fairly long wait. Custom Curado 50e and a MHX Spin jig 842 but trimmed to 6'10. Dedicated jerkbait and small topwater outfit. Reel seat was sourced from Matagi in what is called vintage green which is sort of mettalic green marble color. Perfect match for the reel! Fuji alconite guides with green and gold trim work. Full cork handle and gold winding checks.

I agree about adding a trailer to add some extra weight. Also make certain it is one that is somewhat heavier and aerodynamic. Add something that is full of action like a rage craw and try casting it into the wind and your reel will likely look like a likely destination for eagle and her chicks. I like the small beaver style baits like the SK baby rodent or the RI smallie beaver for example when trying to add weight and bulk to a jig (the trade off is that these types have less action and are better for neutral fish or colder water). The smaller beaver style trailers have good mass/weight to them and are very aerodynamic to cast.

Just a few more tidbits. Without knowing what reel he has I would suggest that he tightens up the cast control cap up enough to eliminate side to side play in the spool. If he has magnetic brakes he should set them toward the max setting (usually the highest number on the dial or the max setting). For centrifugal breaks he needs to make sure at least half of the pins are engaged to start. Once he gets comfortable with the reel he can start backing of the brakes and loosening it up some. Also I would suggest having him learn on mono like Big Game 12 # because it is cheap and easy to replace if he has to cut it due to a backlash. The other piece of advice that helps dealing with regular backlashes is to cast out the reel a reasonable distance. Then strip additional line of the reel and place a small piece of black electrical tape on the spool. The tape will prevent any future backlashes from going any further minimizes lost line and time picking out backlashes. When he gets it figured out more and becomes comfortable with the reel he can then buy a spool a braid in the size he feels he needs. I would probably opt for something that it is around 10 -12 # diameter for most applications.

I used to customize the heck out of my reels but now I have scaled back some. Like Rippn' I have a TDZ that I have more in parts and internal upgrades than I have for the reel. TDZ 100m - Mint - Bought when these were selling for more $ years ago. - Price $250 Abec 7 bearings - $25 Carbontex drag - $10 6:3.1 gears - $30 Supertune/polish of internals/pro cleaning- $30 RCS 90 mm swept CF handle - $120 Blue RCS knobs - $30 Blue swept drag star/cast control cap - $35 Total price of everything exceeds $500. Does the reel look incredible?... absolutely. Does it perform that much better than what it did before the upgrades were done? Yes, but not that much better.

Should work fine especially for burning them. A slower more powerful ratio would be better if you are using heavy Colorado bladed spinnerbaits fished slow and deeper.

Looks sharp. Nice upgrade!

Well you never answered the question of budget so I will assume you are talking about under $200. Look at the Alphas platform from Daiwa and the 50 series from Shimano (Many can be found from a $125 on up). You will find all the aftermarket parts, handles, spools etc. They both have several gear options as well. Most any reel can have aftermarket bearings, handles, and carbontex drag updates done. Site sponsor DVT or any other reputable tech could supertune and polish your reels internals and do a thorough cleaning of everything inside your reel. If price isn't much a concern get a Steez or a TDZ/Zillion...

Whenever I think I have my arsenal complete, some company has introduce a new rod or reel. Sometimes a great deal shows up somewhere that is too good pass up. My arsenal is probably best described as a work in progress as things change several times a year. Pieces sold and pieces added. Through trial and error along with plenty of research, I will try to find the right combinations that fit for my style and the lakes I fish.

Stellar collection LMB!

Might we worth looking at the new Met MGL. From what I understand they are much more capable of casting light lures than the 13 model. I just received mine yesterday and plan on fishing it within the next few weeks. Price is right about $325 from Japan.

Surely someone has bought something fishing related today. MB, are you sure you didn't buy another Trick Darter?