poisonokie

no problem. I don't know if bps has them any more, but if they have any tatula model it will be pretty much identical in terms of profile. The only difference is the HD has a longer handle.

one of my lexas did this. It doesn't really bother me, though, so I just fish it. The drag is smooth and that's the important thing. I would like to know what the deal is, though.

Yeah, it's a bummer. It's rare, though. That's why I try to buy direct from amazon when I can, but I've found a few sellers that are great to deal with.

Daiwa Tatula 6101MXB

obviously I favor Daiwa, but which is better is completely subjective. They're both quality reels. I will say that as a novice baitcaster, you might prefer the Tatula because whether or not it actually casts further than reels with standard line guides, it definitely casts them easier. Also, it has a great braking mechanism which doesn't involve a centrifugal brake to jack with when you change baits. Just use more brake and spool tension than you think you need and you'll save yourself a lot of time picking out backlashes. It's good that you're focusing on heavier baits/line too, because both will surely make things easier in getting accustomed to casting with it.

http://tackletour.com/reviewdaiwatatularod.html

mh rods are usually rated up to an ounce.

You fishing braid or mono or what?

and it's not like I sent it back in anything but brand new condition. I didn't even spool it with line. Just mounted it to the rod and that's it.

You're just lucky you didn't have an issue with anything they sent you. If you have to deal with them, well you can't, because they won't answer you. I had a problem with a reel (a preference issue), let them know, sent it back, ordered another one which was actually more expensive, like an exchange, and they still charged a 20% restocking fee. I complained, but to no avail. I got to reading through their customer feedback and some of it is pretty dismal.

You're looking at ~$160 for that reel on amazon. Just steer clear of abcd sales. Sportsman's outfitters is a good seller to deal with. Those rods are also considerably less expensive on there, too. You could get the combo shipped for $300 or less.

I'm not as familiar with Shimano, but I think that typically a 200 has the same profile as a 100, just with a deeper spool. In that case I think you'd be thrilled with a tatula HD 200. Paired with the heavy tatula rod, that would be a killer, well balanced combo, even with the 80 lb braid.

as for the rod, perhaps a tatula 7'2" heavy. They also have great reviews and a faithful following. Check out the tackletour review.

welcome to bassresource! Sounds like you might want to look at a 300 size reel such as a Daiwa Lexa 300. They have outstanding reviews and are well within your price range. There is also a slick new HD version just outside your budget. They all come in any retrieve you might want and have various handle choice. Check amazon.

Amazon.com Steer clear of ABCD sales, though.

They never managed to sell me those. I do think new concept guides are a big improvement, along with the new ceramic rings, but I am too skeptical of micro guides. Not only because you can't use tried and true leader knots, but their overall durability seems lacking. That said, I did run into a problem trying to use long leaders with my t3 and tatulas, but I learned I don't need leaders that long, anyway.

I have a T3 1016 and felt the need to switch to an sv spool for finesse presentations. So while the ballistic model is probably great for 3/8 and up, I wouldn't buy it for a finesse reel. That said, I think they are excellent reels and you're getting a good deal. I second the alphas sv because although you can get an SV 1000 spool for the ballistic, it will be altogether about the same cost and won't be as light or effective.

GYCB Chikara crank/squarebill. I thought they would be great, what with the weight transfer system, but the casting distance is unimpressive and the action isn't very good at all, especially since if you retrieve any faster than a slow crawl it starts spiraling. It does make a dandy keychain, though!

you don't have to pay $170 for that Tatula. Shop around, brother.

owner twistlock hooks

If it's a cranking rod you want it to be tip heavy, anyway. I like my jig rods to balance at the reel clamp and have passed on lighter reels to achieve that. I agree that added weight is a negative, but then again if your setup is uncomfortable and causes wrist pain or fatigue, I'd say a little more weight is worth it. All my combos are ~3/4 lb or less so if i needed to balance one I really don't think it would affect me.

Excellent. Thanks, man. I agree with you about mod fast rods, especially with braid. That is why that ex fast jig rod I used to use is collecting dust now. l

I need some advice from someone who has used this rod. I'm not really interested in using it for cranking as my cranking rod will easily throw the lightest cranks I use. What I'm looking for is a rod to pretty much replace the spinning rod I use for weightless plastics, drop shots, mojo rigs, shakey heads, etc. Assuming I have a reel capable of casting light weights and use 20 lb braid mainline, do you think the action is fast enough and backbone powerful enough to fish it for this purpose effectively? I have the 711MHRB and found it perfect for t rigs and jigs with a similar setup. It fishes mod-fast, so I'm assuming the med light version is similar, but I don't know.

as for the reel, a Daiwa exceler can be had for something like $50. They're light and have a nice, smooth drag. I'd get a 2000 size on a 7' med light fast rod.

and get neon green or yellow braid for line watching