FishTank

Maybe the in the improved clinch knot would work? http://www.berkley-fishing.com/Berkley-ae-how-to-tie-the-improved-clinch-knot.html

The older Abu Garcia Ike rods. There is an 8' H mod/fast for around $100. Might fit the bill. http://www.abugarcia.com/abugarcia-rods-casting-rods/abu-garcia-ike-signature-casting-rod/1373583.html#gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6o7Upfar3QIVBw5pCh2yVQC7EAAYASAAEgLO3_D_BwE&kwid=299364928739x45364077783x934188169&start=1

Love mine so far. Which one did you end up getting? Also, that reel looks pretty cool with the rod. You often see a lot a hype surrounding specific rods and/or brands. I like mine so much that I wonder why this series of rods did not get all the fan fair that others do. In in end, it doesn't matter much. I just feel lucky to have found the one I have.

Either one of the Stradics would be fine. I would take the rod to a shop and mount both on your rod just see which one you like.

My thoughts.... Shimano Curado 7'6'' MH ModerateFast and Revo Winch.

I have an old Calcutta 251 that I use for big cranks and swim baits but I don't tend to through them very often. I would love to pull the trigger on the 100 size Conquest. It is a work horse reel disguised as a work of art.

I have the Gen 4. I liked the Gen 2 but when I looked at the Gen 3, it just felt weird in hand.

I was out today and the crankbait bite was on. Not a fan of fast reels for crankbaits but I will plug the Revo Winch. I still can't put it together in my head how smooth the reel is on the retrieve and how easy it is to control bigger fish. So far I have been very impressed with this reel for it's intended purpose.

I had a C4 years ago and by my own misuse, it rusted. If I had taken care of it, it would still be working today. It was a great reel that would cast anything above 1/4oz a country mile. I use to put tape on my thumb to keep the line from smoking my fingers on long casts. On the other hand, as reels have progressed, I do like low profile reels but I think both types have their place. Also, if I were to buy another round reel, I would probably get a Shimano Calcutta again. Not to say that the C4 is not a great reel, I have liked the Calcutta 251 I purchased years ago better.

I have a couple of the St. Croix Avids and love them. They are great rods. Are the twice the rod of the Compre? Probably not but definitely a step up in sensitivity and quality.

I try but most of the good ones have closed that are near to me. The best I have around is DSG and that is not saying much. My hope is that someone will open a new shop.

Is it anything like this? http://www.tackletour.com/articlebearings301pg4.html

Jerkbaits and spinner baits. Maybe some topwater.

I am going to take a guess and say that the guy at the store likes Shimano and didn't know that it had stainless steel ball bearings which is corrosion resistant but not rust proof. Shimano claims to have ARB, SARB, and RSARB = Anti rust bearing, Shielded anti rust bearing, and removable shield anti rust bearing. Here is a little info and more than you will ever need to know about bearings and corrosion. http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=13.0 Bottom line, if you get water inside a bearing and don't do proper maintenance, in time, it's toast.

My guess.... One way roller clutch (aka anti-reverse bearing) is toast.

Penn makes a few affordable saltwater rods that will cast that thing. The Mariner and the Rampage come to mind. The can go for around $40-$65 depending on the size.

The last two times I purchased it, 6lb and 15lb. I had trouble with the line breaking sometimes in the spool or a knot just randomly failing. It still felt and looked the same and pretty much behaved the same. I can't explain it but it was enough for me to look to a new line to put on a few of my reels. I have some older 10lb on a bulk spool that I have no issues with.

Senkos> 5in any dark color Zoom lizards Venom Tubes> when I can find them Any creature bait >just for the fun of it

I picked up an ExOfficio Air Strip Shirt from Sierra Trading Post. With coupons and some bonus bucks I got it for $25. It's nice but maybe a little too nice for getting fish guts and sweat all on it. The original price was $90. I think for the price after looking around, I couldn't go wrong. I will definitely be looking into a few of the above suggestions, especially Orvis since we have an Orvis store near by.

I looked at the current Ike rods and they are clearanced out a few places. They seem ok but they are kind of ugly looking (not that it matters). I picked up the reel for $144 on Amazon and the Ike rods can be had for around $100, not a bad combo for under $250. A new rod for me will have to wait. I have spent my budget for this year. Right now, I am using an old Shimano Crucial Crankbait rod. Works great so far. I like the feel of the Winch better with this rod than I did the Curado G6 I had on it. I do how ever like the Curado and will be putting it on a G. Loomis GLX 783C.

Picked up a Abu Garcia Winch (left hand model) for $144 on Amazon. Great reel for the money.

I have been throwing them on a G.Loomis 844c IMX with a High Speed Daiwa Zillion and 12lb Mono.

I have the Loon and Bone color. Both have been a lot of fun to fish. Not the biggest producers for me when it comes to topwater but still a lot of fun and a well made bait.

I fished a buddies new Winch last week and was sold.... So the bait monkey got me. This reel is one of the best I have ever used. It's unique in its feel and power. I had the original Premier and STX. Both did not work out for me. The Winch on the other hand hit's the nail on the head on pretty much all accounts. The drag is, well, perfect. The break system is also the best I have used. The retrieve is smooth and is great for crankbaits but not as smooth as a Shimano Calais (ya that's an old $400 reel). Casting is above average but not the best I have used. It's a little larger than most baitcasters but it's not uncomfortable and still palms well. The only down side.... the build seems a little cheap feeling but it is no way a thing to turn me away from it. If you add up all the things this reels does for under $200, it may be the best bang for the buck I have ever used, only time will tell. The five pounder below was brought in with ease.

I took it out today for a few minutes and it was just awesome. It's sort of addictive. I paired mine with an older Shimano Chronarch 51e.