Hogsticker

This is just me, but I think the 1st question you need to ask yourself is what are you looking for in a blank, and secondly how do you want the blank to behave. Some people like a super fast stiff tip rod for jig fishing, while others such as myself prefer something a little softer and more progressive. Do you fish braid or fluorocarbon? If you're going custom you may as well get it as dialed in to your style of fishing as possible. Some blanks that max out at 5/8 Oz according to ratings will actually fish lighter than advertised where 3/8 Oz is actually the sweet spot and vice versa. If you can answer these questions I as well as others can provide more specific options. What's the max limit you want to spend on the blank and build in general? My theory is on a bottom contact type of build keep the components and cosmetics minimal and functional and put more money into the blank if possible. For bottom contact I want to maximize the feel potential of the build, so I prefer a blank that doesn't have a lot of paint or finish on it. I know some will argue it doesn't matter, but in my hands it does. Some blanks are interesting in the way you can actually hear vibrations when you get a strike. A more raw product will amplify this. For that reason among others I prefer Phenix and MHX on budget friendly builds. Rainshadow has really stepped it up in the budget area with there upgraded Revelation line, formerly the RX7 which were impressive given the price.

Are you a tattoo artist? Kinda looks like a tat shop.

I tend to fish jerkbaits two ways, erratic and super erratic. I have a hard time slowing down and really need to focus in order to do so. Erratic I use 11 lb Sunline Defier. Super erratic I use 40 lb Seaguar Smackdown.

Yep yep. It's nice to know when you pick up a hitchhiker such as grass or a leaf.

Pretty much this. Majority of bait fish in my neck of the woods seem small. 78 seems to work better for finicky smallmouth. I prefer a medium power rod with a fairly deep flex and fast tip.

The whine and the fact that it clicks when a fish is taking line are pretty awesome. Something different for folks who want just that. The Chronarch D was one of the finest reels Shimano ever made, so the question is why wouldn't you want one?

Wraps are nice and tight, not huge and bulging. Full handle - my type of guy. 12 inches is a bit long for me though. I love the Rainshadow RX7 cranking blanks, they're very nice.

I've used just about all of them. Kahara quick lock snaps are the best I've used in terms of quality and function. Size 0 will cover all your cranking needs.

How about a medium fast. Shallow braid - medium moderate. Shallow nylon - medium fast. Just my train of thought. I also prefer graphite till I get deeper than 10 feet, then I like a composite rod.

I'll disagree on the stick to a Senko thinking. A wacky hooked finesse worm can out produce on highly pressured, lethargic fish rather often. Unfortunately you won't find that handy bulb area on most finesse worms, nor will a stick bait designed O ring fit on one. Use a smaller size 1 or 1/0 sharp hook. I prefer Owner. When a fish has completely taken this presentation just reel up similar to a drop shot. The Jackall flick shake worm is a great place to start, and it does shimmy on the fall. Most finesse worms don't, especially if they are under 5 inches in length. Use a weighted wacky head and base the weight on depth and how fast you want the bait to fall. Senkos are great producers, but when it's scary slow, I can always get a bite on a flick shake.

Close in terms of action, power, sensitivity, all of the above??

I turned my father in law onto these jigging for walleye. Nice alternative to the curly tail grub.

Well it turns out the new Zillion TW SV is made in Thailand. If this new Steez is as well it's official, I agree, Daiwa has lost it.

3d brakes have not been confirmed to the best of my knowledge. Folks on that other cite are swearing it will not have them. I'm not convinced.

I'm not gonna lie, I like my girls a little thick, but this reel is a bit to robust. It still gets to wide at the front from the picture posted above.

MSRP to be determined. Something tells me it ain't gonna be cheap. https://translate.google.com/translate?depth=2&nv=1&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=auto&tl=en&u=http://www.daiwaweb.com/jp/fishing/item/reel/bait_rl/steez_sv_tw/index.html

Well on a positive note, Mag Force 3D is back. I'll let you all form your own pre release opinions. It looks bigger (tall &wide) than I'd like, as does the new Zillion. Gonna let someone else play guinea pig.

I think Shimano is also releasing some new cranking rods in the Zodias line. I saw Dave Mercer using some in his facts of fishing show this morning. Maybe that's already been discussed, not sure. I noticed they have an Eva lick nut rather than the medal. Glass and graphite composite construction with a nice deep flex.

Here we go again. Knocking a reel before anyone has even laid a finger on it. For starters I think from this one isolated picture this reel looks incredible. People, the consumer are the one's who blew this T wing thing way out of proportion. All of my T3 variants have SV spools in them and they are incredible casting machines. No denying that. Wasn't the idea behind the T Wing to decrease line angles so you can can achieve the same cast regardless where your line guide was when you disengage the reel? If people were expecting to gain 20 yards on a cast the fault and disappointment is there own imo. Daiwa isn't ruining anything imo. If you don't want a T Wing Steez there are plenty of other Steez options readily available. I for one am looking forward to several Daiwa new releases this year. Alphas Air, Zillion SV TW and this. Haters gonna hate. Yes, I'm a fan boy

Owner ultra head round jig head. I'm a hook snob though. Love me some Owners

I would have no reservations about picking one of these up. I'm just holding out to see if the new Zillion SV TW is indeed a smaller platform than the Zillion TWS. It sounds good so far and it should be a killer reel. I'll wait till someone gets there hands on one before I make my decision.

I don't think there is any denying that top water is most fun. Mine being a popper. The anticipation, the heightened sense of everything that surrounds you, watching it all happen, it's just a kick in the pants. Combining the best of both worlds in terms of what I enjoy using and the level of productivity it brings, a paddle tail swimbait on a swim jig or swarming hornet takes the cake for me.

I started my daughter off with a small spinning reel. On the bank or far away from it while on the boat. Didn't take her long to get the hang of it. That was 5 years ago at the age of 6. Now it's finger on the line, flip the bail, and watch me hit that target. I still have to remind her to close the bail by hand. She doesn't seem to interested in casting gear. I wouldn't focus to much on the perfect rod and reel. They'll figure it out. It's much more stressful when you try to get it just perfect. Just relax, be patient, and show them how to have a good time. Circle hooks, Senkos, small cranks, little jigs and bobbers. Hopefully some fish to follow

Here is the 4th installment of Project T 2016.

This is the reel you want. I sure am looking forward to it! https://translate.google.com/translate?depth=2&nv=1&rurl=translate.google.com&sl=auto&tl=en&u=http://www.daiwaweb.com/jp/fishing/item/reel/bait_rl/zillion_sv_tw/index.html