FishTank

Those look good. The packaging and label look the same but the bearings I received I don't believe were greased. I did not remove the seals though. Back then I would have soaked them in either acetone or simple green and would have used TSI 321 for oil. I will need to dig deeper into my Daiwa reels to see what they have in them. This new Tatula BFS reel is the first one I have had issues with out of the box. Personally, I was getting my bearings from Boca but as of late I think they changed suppliers. The last pair I bought were not as good as the previous. I have also tried Hedgehogs and ZPI as well. I come to find it easier and better to order from the reel companies themselves. I just buy what they put in their higher end reels. For example, I put the newer Antares spool bearings in my buddy's old Curado B's and they worked extremely well. Here is a pic of the bearings Daiwa took out just in case. The new ones are darker in color.

What gave you the impression that it was an all around use rod? The Mojo line has, if I counted correctly, 21 different models. It could be said that those models are unique but I'm sure there are many that could be used for multiple techniques. If you purchased a glass rod for crankbaits, it's probably going to be geared towards crankbaits but you can try it with whatever and see how it goes. In general, a 7' MH Fast is a good multi purpose rod. Again, the model number on your rod would help.

Is this where you ordered from? https://store.shopping.yahoo.co.jp/bb-store/ddr1030zz2.html?sc_i=shopping-smartphone-web-result-item-rsltlst-title If so, I tried them a few years ago. I ordered several of the sizes I needed for some of my buddies reels and my purchase was a bust. Only a few were good. Some were dry while others were oiled but most of them clicked when spun. Also, you are correct about them being used in Daiwa factories. I purchased a Tatula BF70 BFS reel that had bad spool bearings right out of the box. I was asked by the shop I purchased it from to send it Daiwa for them to repair. They then let me exchange it for another reel (Shimano Curado BFS). For whatever reason Daiwa sent the repaired reel back to me instead of the shop. So I called them to see what they fixed and they told me that the factory bearings are some times different from the part bearings they use and that they have had an on going issue with this. Long story short, I was able to keep the repaired reel for free and it works like a totally different reel. It's awesome. When I have time I will post a pic of the bearings they sent back.

I speed crank all the time. It just depends on the lure and the reel. It seems to work better in colder water. I can't really say why but it catches fish. With that said, 40 degrees is my cut off for fishing.

I use fluorocarbon for both buzzbaits and spinnerbaits. Currently I'm using 14lb Seaguar R18 Limited. It's similar to Tatsu. I have had much better success with this line when throwing things like spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, bladeded jigs, and swim jigs compared to mono. I am not a fan of straight braid on buzzbaits and spinnerbaits. For example, in my last tournament my fishing partner was throwing both those baits on braid. He caught two fish all day and lost several that would have put us in the money. Myself, I caught nine, 4 keepers, and lost two little ones. Another factor though in our tournament was the wind. With braid, it was a nightmare. His line was all over the place. His buzzbait was never exactly going the right way and his spinnerbait was getting thrown back and hook sets were questionable.

Seaguar, Sunline, and YGK.

I don't know what they see but a lot of the baits that I have been catching fish on the past few years have some sort of blue in it. Not sure what it is about them but a bait with some blue in it has been a common theme to the fish I catch. It doesn't matter if it's soft plastic or hard baits.

I had several spools in my cart. They were half off but when I checked out they went to 25% off. Then for whatever reason it took an additional 25% off everything else that was already half price. So I got some really good deals in the end. I wanted to get more but several of the items only had one in stock. Plus I really didn't need any of it.

Owner makes a treble that has the hooks set at different angles. The idea is that if you place the hook on there correctly, it will ride between the bait but this only during the retrieve. Most rash comes from storage, bouncing around in a boat or fighting fish.

Here was my order from Baitwrx. They have a lot of good stuff half price or better.

One of the best lipless baits out there, if not the best. So what makes it great. First the sound, it's just different from everything else, glass and brass beads. Next, the head design, it goes through the water with a tighter wobble. Lucky Craft's other lipless have a different head, similar to a Rattle Trap. Finally, colors. Ghost Minnow and American Shad are my favorites. With all that said, my favorite lipless is still the original XCaliber One Knocker. I wish they still made it. Caught a ton of fish them. Tried the remake. Its just not the same.

https://bait-wrx.com/ All I'm saying...... Better hurry.

12lb FC. Either Sniper or Invizx.

I've bought Tatsu multiple times from Amazon but only in 200yds filler spools. I can confirm it's legit and you can also take whatever AJay says to the bank. 👍

Another thought and I have only seen this once, check the schematic to make sure all the parts are in with the level wind. There is usually a small thin washer. If it's missing, it can cause some issues.

Check the paw in the level wind. When worn, it will make less contact, causing some noise and a rough retrieve. When the reel is flipped, it will be fully engaged and feel normal.

@Shinmothy What Steez model is it?

Braid? Also, doesn't the new Steez SV come without any cast control mechanism (knob)?

These are all fishing tools. Each has their own specific job to do. But seriously, I'd like to think I use the right lines for my specific needs. Each type of line has its good qualities and bad but put the right line with correct rod and baits and you can increase your chances of success. It's not rocket science but we try hard to make it that way.

The Alphas is also a small reel. It's about the size of the SLX. If you want a full sized reel from Daiwa, you might look at the Steez A II. It's close in size to the old school Curado 200s. The Steez is a great reel and a work horse. The Zillion would also be a good one but it is smaller in size than the Steez.

Way more than your budget but the Megabass P5 Criffhanger Thrilling fits the bill. It's 6' long Its a little stiff but pretty versatile and sensitive. I use mine for small swimbaits, small jigs, light Texas Rigs, Ned Rigs, poppers and the occasional BFS crankbait. It's kind of powerhouse in a small package. I like using it in tight spots when I'm creak fishing for smallmouth or on my kayak when I'm bunched up in a cove. But for anything else, I'm going to a different rod. You can sometimes find this rod for around $300 at a few different JDM sites.

Have you tried looking into getting covered under St.Croix's warranty program? I think they have a 5 year warranty.

Those look good. Who makes them? You mentioned it being late in the season. Where I'm at, this is prime time crankbait season. Those look like some winners.

I haven't used 4lb in a long time but I use to use XL or BPS" mono for my kids set ups. I never had an issue with them. For myself, I like 5lb or 6lb fluorocarbon. I use 5lb Sunline Invisible on BFS gear and 6lb Seaguar Invizx on one spinning setup. I do run the Invizx under warm water before fishing it. It helps avoid that initial release of it being tightly wound. I also use 6lb Runcl Power Fluoro. It's actually smaller in diameter than some 4lb. It's similar to PLine Fluoroclear but maybe a little better. I've been pleased with it so far.

I use to throw a white jig from Strike King with rattles in fall with a Yamamoto Grub that was sort of white (blue silver maybe) but that gave way to a white/blue/silver swim jig with a White Flash Keitech. I don't throw this a lot. It's my kind of go to when a crankbait or a senko isn't working.