kickerfish1

I haven't flushed them or really been inside the reel for that matter. I felt quite satisfied with the way it was from the factory but I am sure it may add some performance gains by doing so. There shouldn't be any negative affects of using a DC Reel in cold temps. I used mine in the fall with temps to about 40°. I can't wait to hear about your snow test in the yard. Try all the modes but for distance the very last adjustment on the dial labeled "min" should really bomb a casting plug or such. Also don't forget to use the SP mode without using your thumb at all. It took me a few casts to tell my brain "hey I don't need you". Distance on the SP mode was still quite acceptable.

Thanks for the replies so far. Mike I have a custom builder right now lined up but thanks for the offer. Seems like the one piece I am having the hardest time finding is a gloss black reel seat with some blank access under it. Something like you would find on the MB Orichi XX rods. Also what is the general consensus on jig/worm blanks around $100 and also those around $175. Looking for something that is black or dark grey in color, around 7 foot to 7"4 and preferably something that would be rated for 3/8 to 1 oz to possibly 1 1/2 oz baits. Looking hard at the Phenix Ultra MBX 7"3 Heavy Blank, Several Baston Blanks, a few of the Point Blank blanks.

I agree Logan! I added a 2nd one because of many of the reasons you noted above. One of mine is on a Gen 1 Cumara 7'2 jig rod and the other is likely going on a custom that I am having built. It would never be a true finesse caster as the weight is a bit much even if spool options existed. I would also like to see a few more gear ratios options especially one around 6:3.1 It would also be cool if they introduced a 2nd Gen Exscence DC with a magnesium frame like the Core 100 and see if they can get the weight closer to where the new Metanium DC is. I would pay few more $ for the weight saving to help balance on lighter or shorter rods. These are probably the best performing and most enjoyable reels around $250 that not many are using or talking about. For all the die hard Chronarch D guys out there and the crazy prices those reels are going for, why not get one of these new for less, with X-Ship, faster gear ratio, DC controls, and the clicking drag.

Is that a lone Shimano among those Daiwas? (Referring to the reel on the top left)... Nice collection

Hmmm.... While I generally agree with and appreciate most of your posts and respect the heck out of your fishing accomplishments (DD bass caught), I don't think this type of thread is going to fly. It will probably get to the point where people are taking shots at each other. I am not going to claim I am better than anyone but my strengths are jigs, plastics, and drops shots. Weaknesses are crankbaits and deep cranking.

When the money is there you may want to try to buy used but in excellent shape. Shimano has discontinued the Stradic FJ in favor of the FK. The FJ is one of the best reels I have used. They we're being discounted for well under $150. You could try posting a wanted to buy add in the flea market to see if there are any to be had. I have seen them sell for under $140 in excellent to mint condition. The Saros is a great reel too but not quite as a nice as a Stradic. You should be able to get one for about $125. As a Shimano fan I would suggest staying away from the under $100 options due to the binding issues.

Rooting for Clemson but the front 7 for Bama is as good as I have seen in quite some time. A mobile QB should also cause some fits for Bama if Clemson can use their aggresivness and overpursuit against them.

I don't believe there is a best choice. Really depends upon how you fish them. Braid would be optimal for areas of shallow and dense weed growth. Fishing deep in wood or rocks flourocarbon would be good. If it was also used as your topwater combo mono would be just fine. I have also used copolly but this year I will be going back to mono.

Congrats on your new acquisition! I am sure you will like the reel and its fun factor. I got mine from Digitaka as noted in my post but also note that they are currently shut down due to the Japanese Holidays and your reel will likely ship on the 7th or 8th. Once shipped it will literally take 3-4 business days to arrive. Just use the tracking number they provide in the shipping email to track it using EMS traking in Japan. The package will require you or someone to be home to accept it and likely sign. In the event you are not home or miss the delivery person you can pick it up at your local post office or reschedule your delivery.

I have not used any of the new "I" series reels though I have fondled them at local shop. A few guys I know have fished the I series extensively and have nothing but positive things to say about them but I have not used them. I am planning on adding a 13 Met XG and 70 Series Curado I prior to spring. What were you wanting one for primarily? Fun, Technique Specific, All around use? The only possible negatives are the weight of the reel and gear ratio.

If you haven't read these reviews here are 2 good perspectives of the reel: http://forums.tackletour.com/viewtopic.php?f=65&t=49170 http://www.tackletour.com/reviewshimanoexsencedc.html I purchased one once the price went down to about $250. After using it for several months I decided to buy a 2nd from Digitaka. The frame is basically that of a Core 100 or Chronarch D. The features are outstanding. It has clicking drag feaure while fighting fish, all DC system adjusments are external so there is no need to open the reel, and it palms well. You can cast with the wind and against just as easily by choosing the appropriate mode. It won't backlash on ya if you choose the right settings for your conditions. Casting distance is as good or better than any reel I own. For niche techniques they would excel at frogs, jigs, plastics, or burning reaction baits. They are quite powerful and incredibly smooth. They may not be great for techniques requiring low IPT as there isn't any other compatable gears from my understanding. It needs no mods and is probably the most fun reel I have ever fished.

Pretty fond of the Northstar hidden weight spinnerbaits!

I like and use both but probably favor the jig most of the time. I have caught numbers and size on both though I believe the basic texas rig has accounted for a few more bigger fish though that could be because I have been fishing them longer.

Good, used as a jig trailer, C-rig, T-rig, rage rigged mostly.

Yes, for many of the reasons stated in this thread. -I am not sponsored so I spend my money where I choose -I have the attention span of a 2 year old and get bored with one brand easily -Closeout prices and big sales make it intriguing to try new brands and models -I prefer to match rods and reels aesthetically -Too many good manufacturers in the marketplace. If this wasn't true there would only be a few companies left in business -Unless you see if the grass is greener you will never know what you might be missing Now I could probably figure a 3 or 5 brand rotation that I could use but I just don't see it happening. As far as reels go I am more grounded to Shimano and Daiwa.

I have several but my favorite would be the MB EMTF with. Scorpion 1000XT with upgrades and 12# sunline sniper.

Jig fishing can be as simple or complex as you make it. I think a brush head is pretty universal for most types of bottom composition.

This appears to be the binding issue found in a lot of Shimanos low to mid level spinning reels. To be honest for parts and labor plus shipping you could probably just save for something nicer. I had it happen in one of mine and it went to Shimano for service work and is perfect now.

I fish mine on a stupid rod!

Going to have a custom rod built. I am wanting some suggestions for places to look at for sourcing components. I am envisioning a black and gold themed rod with carbon and foam used in the build. Have never had a rod built from the ground up so I would appreciate any feedback on the component websites. I have looked a bit on Mudhole but I assume there are plenty more. Thanks for the input!

Plus Mike at DVT will offer discounts to members which may help negate the shipping charges. They guy is very knowledgeable and won't sell you anything you don't need.

Just got an Apple IPad mini 2 with Retina display. Outstanding product with very fast operating speed, picture, and battery life. The difference lies in the storage space within this series. I bought the model with very low storage space new for $195

My go to bait is the LC 100sp pointer. I will adjust smaller if needed. In the fall baitfish will be bigger than in the spring.