lmbfisherman

What he said and it is still one of my favorites to use. I have 7 E series 4 Chronarch 200s, 1 Chronarch 50, 1 Curado 200 and Curado 50. I use them all the time. They keep their value too!

The E all the way.

That price range is definitely out of reach for me, I'll probably still purchase GLXs and continue my hunt for my first NRX.

There are wayyy too many variables. If you need specific help I think you should kind of give more details about where you are and what the body of water is..etc.

Bring out your live bait setup with a worm, see what species of fish you can catch. Learn the forage, look around your settings. Do they have crawfish? insects? frogs? I wouldn't give up. Since you are in Maine, when you say pickerel do you mean pickerel or some people up north mean "walleye". Which drives me nuts because they are two different fish! Anyway, if it is pickerel it maybe just like my local pond. Well sort of, the pike population has exponentially grown the past 2 years and the bass seem to be driven off and being dominated. I have days where I catch 10 pike and catch only 1 bass. It is possible that the pickerel is the dominant predator in that pond. There probably is bass, but you probably weed through the dominant predator.

I actually find that whole phrase annoying. Like seriously? Especially when there are so many other variables when casting a reel. It wasn't the reel folks. Forget about what rod, line and lure size was used. Anyway, I don't care about distance in most of my fishing...I care about accuracy way more. The times I want to throw something "a country mile" is to do that with a crank bait or maybe a Carolina rig once in awhile. That is it, when I'm throwing a spinnerbait I'm throwing it for accuracy, not throwing it just so I can bomb it and fish it through non productive waters.

I've never fished one, but I definitely say it is a better rod than the previous GL2 (feeling, weight etc). One rod I wish I could've spent the money elsewhere. Like others have stated better rods in that price range. I prefer the Zodias over the E6X, I always find myself picking those up. There is however the MBR that Hulkster keeps raving about, I really want to feel one of those. I think it would be a perfect all around bank/pond rod from reading his posts. I'm looking for one of those.

Radawg welcome to the forums. You will probably get better or more answers if you started your own thread. Just a quick overview for me, all Shimano spinnings reels have been great for me. That just my personal experience and they in general will work well. But for me now, the Stradic is the lowest I will go. Just because I'm spoiled now like that, after buying my first FJ. Guess what I'm saying is, if you want to go higher end and be spoiled do it. If not the NASCI will work fine.

Even though I haven't owned one myself, but I would recommend the Tatula if you just want one reel with updated technology. However, I own 3 PQs and they are just awesome work horse reels. If you bought 2 of them, you then would have an excuse to get another rod. What I'm trying to say is, there are pros and cons but I'm sure either will be fine.

Swimbaits, deep diving. Ranks and possibly a rig?

I still can't find one locally. I want to hold one before purchasing! But you keep raving about it everywhere. Might not be able to hold back.

Sounds exciting.

Uh who puts on 20 lb floro on a Curado 70 or even 50 size reels and cast it out? If I put 20 lb on a 70 it would only be used as a pitching and flipping setup. So silly. I put 30 lb braid on mine, more than efficient for me to use for jigs and plastics without worrying about spooling my reel. You have to use common sense. FYI I fought big cats and pike with no issues about spooling my reel either.

I saw the PQ is on sale for 49.99 that's a killer deal for one. In my opinion good reel at regular price, even sweeter at half price. If I was starting my arsenal these would be good work horse reels on a budget! I might get one, to see if it is decent enough. Vanish scared me but I hear decent reviews for 100%.

Yes 6" weightless definitely fine. Good luck with finding a new Spinning Combo!

I would use 3/8 oz to 1/2 oz jigs on your current rig. As for a senko, if you are talking weightless or weighted? If weightless I wouldn't go below a 5" senko. If you are adding 1/8 oz or 1/4 oz weight than you can use a smaller senko.

Good idea, that will solve your light bait issues.

That was the first thing that crossed my mind! A white Curado! I'm not bashing though, it looks nice.

Really wasn't impressed, I'll never go below a Crucial with Shimano anyway. Well that is what most of the other fisherman will buy, nothing wrong with it though.

HA! I'm still trying to understand if this is still a real question.

What is the rod brand? I don't recall seeing it. Anyway, in general you want to stay within that range but optimally the mid range is usually the sweet spot. Trying to cast anything lighter with that setup is going to be bad, you will need a lighter powered rod. I'd recommend seeing you are new (going by what you're asking here) that you get a spinning rod combo for lighter lures (Medium Power). Your current rod will not handle light lures. Usually my MH rods I do not like to go close to minimum weight as they are usually too stiff to load the rod. My suggestion if you want to do it on a baitcaster would be to get a lighter power rod that can handle lighter lures. But usually that would be a costly venture as the reel would need be able to handle it too. I'm also getting a sense that you want to just use one combo, which isn't a bad thing it just means you will be limited and will always have trouble going lighter period. My advice is stick closer to the 3/8 oz to 1/2 oz lures for your lightest.

I'm trying to understand what you are asking. Are you asking is all JDM more expensive? No not really with the exchange rate being decent. You can by high end reels from Shimano for 300 and under. You can go for a Scorpion 70 (JDM Version of Curado 70) for 160 which is cheaper than the Curado 70 (199). It just depends on what you are looking for. Certainly there are more expensive ones like the Steez and Antares.

Ok, maybe I missed something but what is the lure rating on your rod? and what is the weight of the lure you are using? Your rod lure rating and power/action is the most important part of the equation in my experience.

All my bass fishing spinning reels have braid on them. They range from 10 to 20lb, I will tie leader on it depending on what I'm using it for.

Didn't we just have a thread about this? My vote is for Big Game. I have used all three and Big Game is still the best bang for the buck.