Cgrinder

I just put my Citica 201G6 back together and two things seem off. 1) Small amount of back and forth play in the handle, even with the drag locked down. This leads me to number two. 2) With the drag locked down, line comes out a little too easily. I know the Citica doesn't have strong drag, but I don't think I should be able to pull line out with it clicked down all the way. I followed the schematic and didn't have any major catastrophes in the process. Does anyone have any ideas before I take it apart again?

3 brakes on. Magnets off or barely on, below 1.

I'm really into the gen 2 Cumaras. I love the stupid truncated handle. I don't know why. They can be had for less than $200. If you're set on Dobyns, you can get a good deal on a Champion on flea bay.

That might be a Bandit.

I want to say that Cabela's had some in store last time I was in there. They definitely had sub warts, unsure if they were the perch or bluegill. Happen to have a local Cabela's store?

No, it's crap. Mail it to me, I'll dispose of it for you. Thanks. Now for serious answer! Straight braid is fine. I fish leaderless green Power Pro in sort of clear water and it works out. If you start with straight braid and you don't feel confident, try it with a leader. The leader/no leader might matter more to anglers than fish.

In his defense, my glasses were a tad cloudy. Water misting off the spool while casting and such.

I would fill the spool first, but if you're still having issues after that, I would swap the MH for a Medium. I feel you on the drought thing. It's been a tough summer. The nice thing about Senkos is that they can be a do-nothing bait. Cast it out, let it sit, sip beer, wait for fish, reel it in if no fish come and try again.

That is a great idea!

Big worms and brush hogs are good choices. I also like a trick worm. Then again, trick worm is my answer to everything.

Does the rod feel like it is loading during the cast or remaining stiff? A MH Veritas is a stiff stick, in my opinion. 10 lb. mono should be fine, but 8 lb. Stren sounds better. Fill the spool, stopping at just 1/8" under the lip. An underfilled spool can be murder on distance. You also might want to consider fishing the Senko weightless, but that's a different thread.

Just swimming them? I've been meaning to try those.

His first "problem" wasn't a problem. I doubt this one is, either.

Tighten the drag all the way down and see if the play goes away. Also, continue to buy things on the internet. Paying retail is for suckers.

Do you have a Dsg around somewhere? There is one here that carries Ikas.

Curado 50e should run you $150 - $180. 51e is harder to come by. NIB chronarch 50/51e can be had for $180 shipped, so there's always that.

Dick's should have St. Croix Triumph rods. I have a ML 7' that is very good. $80 too.

Trick worms usually.

If the KVD bait is the Sexy Dawg, I have the gold bluegill pattern. Some days, the bass and pike just hammer it. Nice loud rattle and it walks well. I've seen many pictures of bass caught on Mirrolures. They're a good choice for walking bait variety.

This thread came in very handy today. I had a good two-pounder who tried his best to swallow a 3/0 Gammy. Got it out with lots of swearing but very little blood and no visible damage. How long is too long to keep a bass out of water? I got him back in and he swam off, but it was longer than a sixty second ordeal.

Possibly. I've been running a MH 7'1" *** which carries a Citica G6 with 50 lb. braid on it. It does T rigs, frogs, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, walkers, and lipless cranks very well, and weightless flukes, dingers, and Senkos reasonably well. I think if I went down to 30 lb or so, it would handle the weightless baits better. I also think the *** Black is on the softer side on MH, especially compared to a St. Croix or Veritas. I feel that it helps in the "all-around rod" department. I will add that I don't drop shot or use shakey heads, though I should.

It is *probably* worth the extra money, but at this point, it is all speculation.

x2 Thanks for the chuckle.

Also Shimano is excluded from most (not all) % off sales.

It's very hard to beat Booyah. Soft, good hooks, and $6.