FishTank

Are there specific rods you are interested in? Often times when it comes to high end rods, the reviews are kind of subjective. To maximize some rods potential, you need the right reel, line and often times the specific lure the rod is made for. Also, the more a rod company claims (Favorite for example), the more it is all just fluff and window dressing so an in-depth review can be meaningless.

Good thought but I am not a fan of the Winn Grips. I tend to like the old Shimano septon knobs or something like them. I have tried them and worked on few reels with them. I get the sense that they become slick over time but I can not completely confirm that. I dont mind the flatter knobs that Lews uses. I think they have them on the BB1. Also the ones on BB1 pro might not be bad but have not fished them.

For the $10 I paid for it, it's not worth the effort or the postage. But don't worry, I will get some use out of it. On the other hand...It would be nice for them to send a new reel. I will see how it goes the rest of the year and maybe call them this fall when my fishing slows down. Thanks for the thought....

That is correct sort of and not really meaning to be funny but...... Things are being held at customs due to lack of inspection and delivery options. This has been an ongoing issues with parts we need at my place of employment. It has been easier to get them through Canada and Mexico. International loads, LTL, and even DHL have been questionable when it comes to getting things from China, Taiwan, and Thailand.

After using it about 6 times or so, it's starting to feel rough intermittently and casting slowly decreases the more I use it through out the day. Also, the breaking has become intermittent as well. I can generally use my thumb to avoid this so not a big deal. At first there was no issues with this reel but in a short span of time it has started to go down hill. Don't get me wrong though, it's still a decent reel just seems like it's not made to last. I have also taken this reel apart and re-lubed it. This did improve things but it still has the above issues. For the money though, it still brings in fish.

I have tried both and no mater what, I feel like am a getting taken advantage of. The weird thing is that some RX's are cheaper without my insurance so I always ask just in case. Good example of this is a guy I work with was tested for Covid-19. He was told it would be over $3000 at the emergency room if they used his insurance, $400 without and there was no difference in the test or the lab they used. He did test positive and the treatment was way cheaper with insurance than without. He came back to work after being off for about month and is now fine but he was lucky he got the right person at the hospital to handle his billing. In the end he said none of it makes any sense.

I have seen this done years ago.... An old guy that fished some of the small strip pits my father fished made all his own lures from wood. He would whittle different shapes from a block of wood, put hooks on it and fish the thing. His favorited was a chrome painted peanut he made. That thing was a fish magnet.

My local Cabela's is the same. They have been getting a limited supply of fishing stuff. When I asked they said the stuff is either sitting in California and can't get through customs or there's just a limited supply due to production shortages.

I have been using Mister Twister's and the Berkley Power Grub in any bright color for crappie and GYCB 4' Grub in green pumpkin for bass.

I found one in a clearance bin at DSG for $12 (?) and I had a coupon. Made it about $10 and so far so good. It works just ok but for $10, you can't beat it .

6.3:1 would be my choice. You can use it for just about anything.

I sort break down pricing this way..... 1. Get R Done 2. Fishing Fun 3. Fishing Pleasure Do I catch more fish with high end stuff? Sometimes. It may give me an extra edge here and there but the cost compared to the results are not always justified but the fun is most of time. I feel that once you have a few set ups that are getting fish in, you can grow and expand at your own pace. Save money, look for sales, be in control of the bait monkey (sort of). Most importantly, be patient with your money. For example....If you can save up $200, let's say in a year, for a reel, that means can save up $400 in two years (if life lets you). Fish what you have for a few years, be happy, and get what you want when the time is right.

With Big Game, yes. I use to use it and with the line conditioner, Big Game was much more manageable.

I have about 15+ set ups and a variety of brands but Shimano and Daiwa have been the most consistent and most fun reels I have owned.

I have a guy that is sort of local that will get me Loomis rods at a discount. Not sure how he does it but I think I am getting what he calls the "Professional's Discount". Not a pro for sure but I appreciate the idea and the good prices.

I have a couple Calcutta 251's. They are pretty much bullet proof. I think I could pass them on to my grandkids.

I used this stuff years ago. It was OK until it wasn't. What you are getting seems normal. I am not a fan of this line in general. The best advice I can give is, once you have reached your end with this line go to something else.

12lb Invizx has worked for me. I also like 13lb Sunline Defier.

LOL, if any of the guys we fish with could collect a sponsorship check like the ones you mentioned, we would be fishing them to. We do have a variety of fishermen though, from guys with $100,000 boats to guys with jon boats. We do have guys that are sponsored by Pure Fishing, Duckett, Aftco, and others but none of that stuff is in my future. I'm in it for the fun and the bragging rights. ??

Order JDM on Ebay. I picked up a new Steez for $365 last year and it has been fantastic.

As a Shimano guy, if you want to branch out beyond Shimano, try Daiwa first. Steez, Zillion, Tatula, Alpha > you can't really go wrong. I have tried a few Lew's reels and they just didn't do it for me but they do have a loyal following for some. And then I started to ask around at our last tournament. "Who fishes Lew's reels?" Well... Not many and no one I asked at the weigh-in fishes them exclusively. One quote from a guy that use to fish them, "I got rid of them and kept the free T-shirt".

I have been fishing for several years now and have not seen any of my rods damaged by exposure but my fishing partner's old G. Loomis GL2 rods are starting to do funky things. The have become more flexible and the cork is pretty much shot. They still catch fish but I have been trying to get him to move on and get new. He seems to like what he likes.

I have some of all three. I have the 844C IMX, 844C GLX, 803C GLX, 783C GLX, 903C IMX CBR, 803S NRX and the 853C NRX. The NRX is the most sensitive by far but my favorite is the 783 GLX. The 843C Conquest is next on my list. Maybe next year. Will you catch more fish with a GLX or an NRX.... Maybe, it just depends how fish and what you fish but there's something to be said for > "If it ain't broke, don't fix it".

My two cents.... the new IMX is slightly more sensitive than the old but the new GLX is not the same rod it use to be. I can't explain it. Still a great rod though.

I have had no issues with this line. I don't know if Seaguar reformulated it this year but I have a 200 yard spool of 20lb and it looks different (obviously the diameter is bigger). The 20lb seems to have a heavier coating or shine to it. I would post a picture but it really doesn't show up that well. On the water, both lines are fine and have worked well for me.