Hogsticker

Handle knobs are very simple to change with a huge selection to choose from as long as they are not rivetted on. They don't really sway my purchasing decisions, but short, cheap looking handle drive me bonkers

I've been in the same boat. Fast action lost me to many fish, mod fast didn't recover quickly enough. Granted, actions differ between brands. I'm gonna try a Champion 635C. The 4 power on the longer graphite crankin rods was to slow, so I'm hoping the shorter heavier powered rod will be the ticket. In the mean time I feel I've found the perfect blend with the Cumara xfast reaction rods..1st gen. The problem is the shortest 6'9 rods are a bit long for jerks. I also want to get my hands on the new Fenwick HMG 6'6 fast. These rods are priced right

Sunline Defier is unlike any other mono on the market. I cut off a 3 foot section, bent and stretched the crap out of it, and it still dangled straight and limp. Yes its expensive, but for the thinner diameter and headache free usage, it is worth its weight in gold in my book

I pick the Tatula over the Ballistic 10 times out of 10. I would pick the T3 over the Tatula Type R 10 times out of 10. The T3 provides a unique one of a kind casting experience making it a joy to fish with. The Zaion material doesn't concern me the least. I have small hands and the T3 palms like a dream. Lesser expensive reels made with cheaper composite materials are more of a valid concern. I think the regular Tatula for moving baits and the T3 for any light to medium plastic jig work are pretty good.

Can't believe nobody has mentioned these yet. Dry Creek tubes are the best I have used, followed by Chompers and Yum vibra tubes

Fenwick elite tech smallmouth 6'10 med heavy, moderate fast will handle all those baits quite nicely.

I work nights so sleep.....but it is so worth it

Cultiva Zip N' Ziggy - But keep it on the down low

The Ballistic is not worth retail prices IMO. They can be had for much lower prices. With a few upgrades this reel gets pretty good and still costs less than retail. I really enjoy using the T3 platform, however not all share these feelings.

That's fishing my friend, all part of the experience I say. As for the line, SS8 frayed way to much for me. Every time I would cut it to retie it was a hot mess. I can only imagine as soon as that stuff slid along the tree it began to fray and came unraveled right away. The worst 8 strand I have tried. If you want a good 8 strand I suggest 832, but I still find the good ole 4 strand Performance Braid to hold up to abrasion better. The 8 strands may handle a touch better but I think they become weaker quicker. Sufix has never let me down

The rod would be impossible for me to choose, but the reel would be an easy choice. Daiwa T3 MX. I enjoy every cast I make with it

I'm generally backwards on everything, but an xfast rod with braid for jerks is a no go for me. I've lost far to many fish like that. I do use mono on my fast set up

The rods are debatable, but as someone mentioned recoil guides are a love, hate thing. As for the reel, I'd pick the Chronarch all day long.

I'm gonna take a stab here and bet that they are very similar to the BPS carbonlite rods. All Lews rods remind me of BPS rods the way they are described.

I agree with everything except the spinning gear part, ha - ha

A phone book works perfect! That's how I do it. Just keep the drag in the middle and don't use to many pages so the braid won't dig. I always run the line off my spool down to the backing behind my boat to get it just right.

I could say it's just the opposite for me, but I know it's not that the bait isn't effective, it's because I don't use it enough for it to become effective.

IMO a typical xtra fast is to tight to work a jerk. With a typical fast or even some moderate fast you can work the bait at any level. Pull it fast and hard the lure responds by doing the same. Pull it light and soft same result. With an extra fast either way you pull gives you pretty close to the same reults. If you have an opportunity to fish clear shallow water, try it and watch the bait. If you're gonna use it I would suggest mono or fluoro. I prefer braid on a moderate fast because I can make the lure do whatever I want to gauge the fishes mood. Then let do the rod go to work once I hook into that 4 pound smallie. The tips on Shimanos are a little softer, so you may be okay.

Hmmm, I think I will answer like this. If you fish a lot, yes the Core is worth the green. If you fish say weekends, not so much. If you simply enjoy using higher end gear that feels a little more refined you will enjoy the Core. Is it a night and day difference - not really, but the Core will add a little more and do everything a little better. As mentioned, the line pick up is a big one. It is totally up to the user to make this decision, so I see a mixed bag moving forward.

This is possibility #1. I'm going to agree to disagree about problem #2, the rod. I feel like a dedicated frog or swimbait rod should a flex somewhere between a moderate fast and fast. A stiff as nails, stout extra fast tip makes it easier for a fish to throw a bait once they get to the surface. The rod needs to flex and do the work to control the jumps and surges of bigger fish commonly associated with frogging

The lightest weight I can get away with. Up to 15 feet with no current or wind, if I could detect and stay on bottom with 3/16 or 1/4 that would be my choice

The drag star and handle will fit, however you will need to source a handle collar for the Fuego to accept the swept handle. The drag star will not work with the stock straight Fuego handle. You can get a handle collar from the Tackletrap. The cast control cap will not fit. It is to big. Spools can be swapped as well.

The only non metal spinning reel I have found that doesn't make some odd noise is a Fuego. Pick up a couple stradic fj reels and save a few bucks. Just my 2 cents. If weight is an issue I would look at the pflueger supreme xt of patriarch magnesium reels, though I've seen a few of those that make some odd noises as well.

Reel looks nice to palm. Almost as small as a 50. What issues did you encounter with the Helios if you don't mind me asking?

Do you have one that you put the septon 2 knobs on? I'd like to see some pics! I'm waiting to order a Helios Air. I've never owned an Okuma, however have almost pulled the trigger on a Helios more than once. The Air is the most stunning reel I have ever seen aside from some of the Steez variants. Never purchased outside Simano / Daiwa, so this will be a 1st. As far as line capacity is concerned, this I actually prefer. The spool on the Air looks very, very light! 120 yards of 12 lb. test is more than I will ever need for bass fishing. I hate casting without a full spool anyhow as distance decreases.