FishTank

As usual, RW is correct. Just thought I would poke a little fun. I wish I could be that lucky. Those reels are simply amazing.

I saw this on Tackle Tour. Maybe this has something to do with it? http://www.tackletour.com/news2007shimanofishingtour1-30-07.html

5 Shimano Calais DCs. ;D ;D ;D You asked I thought RW would be all over this one.

I ended up getting a Daiwa Zillion because of this. I like my old Curado but the new 200 size feels a little large. I just liked the way the Zillion felt when I palmed it, so no harm done. I hope BPS can find a solid reason for their customers as to why Shimano backed out on this event (besides money).

I like Sufix but PowerPro is my favorite.

I went to BPS today and purchased a Zillion burner and Loomis MBR844C for frogs and heavy coverage. I loaded the Zillion with 50lb PowerPro. I hope it was a good choice but the water is still frozen in my part of the world. Can't wait until spring.

I want to hear if something I heard today at BPS today is true. This is what I heard, "Shimano will not be participating in the yearly reel donation program at Bass Pro Shop." This will mean no discount on Shimano reels for donating a gentley used reel to a good cause.

I have one thing to add to this thread and that is I do believe that advertising adds alot to the price. IMHO, Bass Pro Shop advertises more than any other company. I get about 8 catalogs a year (I cherish all of them), numerous emails, and they sponsor everything from a Nascar team to every boat on the water. Just something to think about when you purchase some of their branded equipment. Again, this is just an opinion.

Thanks again to all for the replies. I listened and got the MBR844C IMX Loomis. This seems to be the rod everyone has suggested, even the salesman at BPS. Seems to be a perfect fit. Just in case I also looked at a St.Croix 7'' H Legend Tournament, MBR844C GLX and believe it or not a BCR864 Senko rod. All fine rods but the IMX had the best balance and feel. This forum is just the best, thanks.

I am heading to BPS tomorrow to pick up my yearly round of fishing stuff and I am still undecided as to which rod would be the best fit for either a Shimano Curado 7:1 or a Daiwa Zillion 7.7:1. I will be using this set up to fish in heavy cover with mainly buzz baits and frogs. Thanks for any advice.

If you don't care for the Stradic, you might try a Quantum Energy Pti in either the 20 or the 30 size. I have two of the Pti 20's and so far, they have been perfect.

I have a 7' M Johnny Morris Signature Series casting rod, it is a fine rod and a good value but it pales in comparison to my G. Loomis rods. Yes, it does have an excelent reel seat and maybe the best guides out there but it is no were near close to the sensitivity of a Loomis GLX or IMX. The action is totally different. It is more of a moderate-fast rod. I find that this rod does well with lighter crank baits but not so well with jigs and senko type baits. I have tried buddy's extreme and tourney special and I thought they were also good rods for the money. It would be hard to find a rod of the same quality at the same price but I would not compare them to higher dollar rods. Bottom line, I guess, is one needs to fish both and find what fits that persons fishing style, comfort level, and wallet.

I have taken several sniffs of Berkley Powerbaits and the odor is nonexistant compared to Chompers and Gambler baits. Remember it's ok to sniff, just don't inhale. ;D

I am a big Shimano fan but I think I am going to jump the fence and buy a Zillion tomorrow. Of course I may change my mind and get a Curado, again. Overall, hands down, Shimano is the best.

The 5' senko has to be my favorite. I yet to find a color that I can't catch a fish with.

My best deals last year were: 1. Shimano Calcutta 251 $35 2. Shimano Curado 201 BSF $45 3. Quantum Energy PTi-20 $80 4. Zoom 6in lizards, any color, $1 per pack BaitMonkey was happy :) I also forgot to mention that my reels were brand new and not displays. They just happened to be on clearence.

I almost purchased a capricorn baitcaster last year at Dick's when it was on clearence but it fell apart when the salesman was spooling the reel. I had never seen a reel have the handle and side plate fall off when it was being spooled and this is after I had looked at it and turned the crank several times. After that experience, I don't think I would recommend the baitcaster capricorn but the spinning reels have worked well for the people whom I know that own them. It may have something to do with the baitcaster being a Dicks exclusive. Is the spinning version an exclusive branded reel or is it widely available?

Power Pro has been awesome line for me, especially in the 50lb test. I never have had issue, other than the 20lb tieing into a spool on a spinning reel. This was easily fixed with a little bit of mono backing on the next refill.

Would it be safe to say, I need a 7' heavy, fast action rod? I have been wanting to fish a pond that is infested with lilly pads. So l'll need something that will be able to pull some big fish out of some thick cover. Any other ideas would be great but I think Redlinerobert may have picked a good winner. Thanks again.

I tend to lose one about every other trip. I think I have purchased about 10 Silver Rapala DT 6's last year. On a good note I only lost 2 Lucky Craft lures last year. I don't know why, but I tend to snag less LC's than anything else. Maybe something in the back of my mind is saying, "Are you crazy,that's a $15 lure you're fishing with!!! Pay attention to what you're doing!"

I made up my mind to get the high speed Daiwa Zillion. I will be using it for topwater (frogs, buzzbaits,etc.), jerkbaits and lipless cranks. Any suggestions on a rod (length and power)? I am kind of partial to St. Croix and Loomis but would like to here opinions on whatever?

Congrats Colts. Is there any doubt about Manning? He is simply the greatest.

Pizza, beer and Plasma. Go Colts

Zoom finesse worm for me as well.

Thanks for the suggestion Raul and RW but I have a Sustain 2500 and believe it or not, it has an IPT of 33". ;D I am really looking for a baitcaster. I have been using the Sustain for this purpose but I have become more comfortable with a baitcaster and besides the Baitmonkey keeps hounding me. I have been considering a Daiwa Zillion, Quantum Tour Edition Pt and (of course) the Shimano Curado but I am intersted in reading opinions on whatever reel that you guys suggest.