kickerfish1

It's actually more of blue/purple color scheme. They are solid reels but I wouldn't pay too much for one. Probably worth $40-60.

Nice job with the tank test part 2. Good choices! Freiendly criticism should you use the powerworm trailer would be cut that one down some as well. Bigger fish should inhale it but smaller ones may just mess with the tail section. Keitech fat impacts and swing impacts have great swimming action as well.

Depends on the hair jig. Size of jig, materials used, and water temps play a part in the usage of a trailer. If I do use one generally it has little action.

Well the fishing season here is finally done. Temps forecasted in the 30s and 40s and lows in the 20s with snow. Decided to snap a few photos of the casting reels I finished the year with once I removed them from their respective rods. I will work on getting better pictures and lighting when I have more time. These were the "dirty dozen". Half Shimano and half Daiwa so there would be no hard feelings. Group shot of the chosen 12 The 50's For the Hawgtech boys! Some Alphas love! For the TDZ fans! Stealth mode! Team Shimano! Team Daiwa! I will do a photo update at a later date and also do combo photos with the rods. Fish slime to be added later though all have caught and reeled in fish. This will have to do for now.

Mono.

Yes sir, MSRP was right around there give or take.

The green tabs apply more brake force than the red ones. They come in the box with every VBS reel.

I have the same line spooled up on mine as well. It should work just fine for you too. Good luck with your on the water test! I fished today during some brutal 20-30 mph winds. Seven casting finesse hair jigs into that wind dead on it worked well.

The difference in price will come from the SV spool, frame materials being lighter, better and higher lbs of drag, and possibly a few other differences.

The mennace grub has sort of kicking action in a compact profile. The baits has action while using a lift and fall retrieve or a steady swim. Most beaver style baits like the RI beaver or SK rodent have minimal action. Their strengths lie in their bulk and profile of a large meal. They have minimal action which at times can be excellent especially in colder water. Another advantage is they offer very little wind resistance. The SK Eeliminator has very limited availabilty. I believe you can buy them from the manufacturer but that is about it. I loaded up with them last winter. The bait is very eel like and is comparable in action to sort of a magnum single tail grub.

Generally, for swimjigs I like Keitech Swing Impacts and Fat Impacts, GY Swim Senko with about 1/2 inch to an inch taken off the front portion of the bait, SK Rage Mennace Grub, SK Rage Grub, RI Little Dipper, and even the SK Rage Eliminator.

Nice video! Not the same trailers I would consider for a "swim jig" outside of the Kalins 5 inch grub but it does help folks see the action.

No problem and I apologize for asking (not trying to pick on you). It was more of a curiousity thing. I know some guys only toss swimbaits (opposite side of the spectrum), some only use casting year, and some only spinning. It sure would be fun to only have BFS gear but quite costly to do it right. Your stuff is top notch! Good luck with your search for more of an "all rounder"! Lots of good options out there with no need for special spools.

Nice catch John! Sort of an irrelevant question: Do you only BFS or do you use spinning and traditional sized casting year as well?

MB for versatility Dobyns for a few apps Loomis and the older Shimano Cumara and Cumulus

I will be getting one. I wonder if parts from the TDZ and original Zillions will be swapable. The spools probably won't be...

Call the Tackle Trap and ask for Brian.

Thanks for the replies.

Buy used from a reputable seller or wait for a Holiday Sale. Lots of $100 reels can be found for around $75.

Hate hearing these kind of things. Prayers to the family, his children, friends, and members here that knew him.

Get it from Siebert. The colors and quality will be unmatched. Mike will be seeing another order from me around the Holidays. Good guy to buy from!

Ordered a 2nd Exscence DC. It is the only reel I have a duplicate of. At this point I have yet to find a better performing and more fun to use reel. Have not sorted out its mate yet as the rod search will continue through the Holidays. The MB Levante is among the contenders...

Nice to see you back MB! Oh, and nice swimbait.

Nice fish Clayton!

Powerworms. Cheap, scented, good color options, proven by years in production.