MontclairDave

Great info Sam, this will be a huge help with any reel I decide to get. Much appreciated!

That’s great! Yeah, I’ve read to use mono at first to keep backlashes manageable. I’d be great to go straight to braid since that’s primarily the line I’ll be using, with and without a leader. What BC reel did you choose for your son?

x2 Tackle Advisors is by far the best non-biased source for reel reviews and repair tips. His video on the Fuego is what decided me on getting that reel, along with the BG. Great stuff.

Getting a new baitcaster and eyeing the Shimano SLX DC. Why DC? Because I’m new to baistcasting and I want to shorten the learning curve after a bad initial (non-DC) BC experience a few years back (use error I am sure). But I’ve read the posts that say learning how to thumb a non-DC reel, in the long run, will ensure the best long-term experience with baistcasting. So here’s my question: why not get the DC, use its braking system to at least get comfortable with baistcasting on the 4 setting, and when I get a bit more comfortable with it, start lowering the setting and practicing more thumb control? Will the experience/learning I’d gain doing that help me when I switch to a non-DC reel? (Not sure I want to incur the extra expense of DC reels every time I add a BC setup for different applications.) Thanks!

That’s a funky Amazon listing, specs on reel aren’t very specific. I’d suggest the 3000 model, details below, but it’s not in stock. I got mine at a local tackle shop. https://www.jandh.com/products/daiwa-fglt3000d-c-fuego-lt-spinning-reels.html eBay probably has them.

Daiwa BG is best $100 reel I’ve bought so far, and it will do double duty in fresh and salt. Also, no love for Daiwa Fuego spinner? Just got the 3000 this spring and caught a ton of LMB out of my kayak on it. Very light reel, smooth as butter. Nasci definitely on my list to try next.

x2 on the Avid 68MXF for Senkos, for me no issues with grip. Super sensitive rod, great tip for precise casting and enough backbone for light cover but if you get into thick lily pads or hydrilla and you don’t plane the fish out of there quickly, you may be underpowered.

Yup sorry the MH.

Anyone have any experience with this power/length Zodias? What baits does it handle well; and can you throw a small hollow-bodied frog and/or buzz toad on it? Thanks!

Do you think the action/tip of the 704 is significantly different than the 734? I’ve fished 7’ rods out of the kayak and they’re fine. A bit worried the extra length might be an issue; but not sure, since I’ve never thrown one that long (from a kayak at least).

Trying to resurrect this thread because Dobyns Sierra rods are on sale on TW. Thinking of the 734 or even better the 704 since I am fishing out of a kayak. Have you (or anyone) thrown small frogs and/or toads on the 734 in any of the Dobyns lineups? Will eventually get a frog-specific rod but not to start with. Gary Dobyns recommended the 734 to me in an email, as an all-around rod, but said he never recommends a 4 power for frogging. But he likely throws frogs in much heavier cover than me. I’ll be hitting weed lines and light Lilly pads mostly.

Just found this on ALX website: this rod sounds like the real deal from lots of online reviews. Lots of other models from their various lines also on sale.

Ok thanks!

I don’t get how the TW Black Friday sale works. When I google it, a version of their home page with a big Black Friday ad appears but when I click on the ad, no email linking to the $20 off sale is sent to my inbox. Do they juSt apply the $20 off at checkout?

Just came across a site called Tactical Wholesale, has Tatula MH 7’2” Regular for $93. That regular action in Japanese rods translates to a moderate fast which, if you believe Tim Allen, is the magic action for swimbaits and other reaction baits... https://www.tacticalwholesalers.com/Rods-Casting_c_2305.html

Not sure, just wanted to know if I could extend it to other baits I use a lot, like Keitechs and other paddle tails and also spinnerbaits. but pretty sure the Dobyns 704 will be the next rod I get for that...seems to be a good all around choice.

The 704 CB Glass...do you use that only for cranking or for other applications?

St. Croix Cyber Monday deal just came through my email box....first time they’re doing this, apparently. No sales listed yet, just a teaser, but sounds promising. http://mailchi.mp/stcroixrods/the-latest-special-offerings-from-st-croix-rods-zh1ouhewrx-2077493?e=e5a1f0c9f5

Saw this on Sierra Trading for about $90 (MSR $169, but available elsewhere for $109.) Anyone have any experience with this rod? Already got Mojo Bass MH F 6’10” as my first casting rod, paired with Tatula type R, but a buddy just gave me his backup baitcasting reel (green Curado) so of course I need another rod! Dobyns 704 was my first choice but the mojo was too good a price to pass up...still kinda leaning towards the 704 for just $20 or $30 more... thanks! Wright & McGill Skeet Reese Victory Pro Carbon Series Casting Rod - 1-Piece, 7’, Fast 10-20 lb line, 1/4-3/4 oz Item #289JY

Well, changed my mind! At $70 (retails for $130), I couldn’t resist the NIB Mojo Bass. New version with SC III seems more sensitive that the older versions based on reviews I’ve seen, so hopefully it will serve me well. Plus I’m sure there will be a Tatula in my future! Thanks again for all the feedback.

Thanks so much for the advice. Gonna hit the buy button on that Tatula today. I hear you about the spring chicken thing. I used to surf cast all night long during the spring and fall striper runs along the NY and NJ coast and then work all day the next day. Just don’t have that in me any more. Fresh water fishing definitely more my style these days!

By the way do you think the 6’10 MHF size and power is the Tatula model to get as my first casting rod? I’d like my first to be versatile and function as an all-round rod for awhile, at least until I can get the scratch together for a 2nd casting rod. Jet.com only has the 6’10 on sale...but Sportsman’s Outfitters has a few more...

Ebay had a MH that’s now gone but there’s a Medium still available: https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F112628842179 Nice! I may be pulling the trigger on that one myself...

Wow. Went to sleep planning on buying one of these when there were eight left and boom they were gone! That shows the buying power of this site I think! Too bad...this was a sweet deal.

Well, that would be the Dobyns, which has a great rep for customer service, and the Fenwick, from ffo.com, which I've never bought from but I've read is a good site. The St. Croix is fleabay (nuff said) Customer service definitely a consideration, thanks! The mojo looks like the newer model although hard to tell in the photo. Yeah, that Tatula was definitely on my list. And my reel is a Tatula, for whatever that's worth in terms of rod/reel matching. It's a tough one...by the way couldn't find the Tat rod on jet.com, only had the Tat XT which I think is a different animal...