FishTank

You should check out the Kistler Hunt BFS series. The 7' hits that Goldilock's Zone as a kind of do all rod..... stiff tip, soft in the middle, short but powerful handle and really good sensitivity. Another one, a fuzz lighter, is the Megabass P5 Siglett. It has a stinger tip, carbon I think. Fun rod but not one where you are pulling fish from cover or putting a big hook set on them.

I use to feel that about their reels as well, especially with the Steez A. But the SV TW and each Steez (including the new Zillions) afterwards, have been fantastic. There are exceptions and production duds I'm sure but overall I have been pleased with the Daiwas I have. With the A II and the Zillion SV TW, they cast so well I have to be careful or I will end up in a tree or on the bank. There are two reels based on what I wanted to use them for that I wish I would have bought Shimanos..... the Millionaire CT and the Silver Wolf. I wanted to throw some mid sized BFS baits on these, even though they are capable, the new Shimano Calcutta BFS and the Aldebaren BFS have handled that type of fishing way better.

The Daiwa Minions are excited.

Tis the season. I caught 2 keepers in my tournament this past weekend on Elgey Bone. I had to replace my old one in that color. The paint finally got all chewed off. Nothing like that fresh out of the box and reeling them in feeling. Great bait.

I forgot about that one. I think they touted it as a Shap Rap rod.

I have the 802C NRX+ JWR paired with a Steez CT and I would consider this almost a BFS rod. I think if they came out with a rod and just put BFS on it, it would sell. Maybe it's just a path they don't want to go down at this point. Besides, there are several offerings from Shimano labeled BFS but they run similar in weight range, which is just a guide to me, as the 842C and the 802C.

What weight lures do you want to throw?

Digitaka just clipped me for around $300. I picked up a Calcutta Conquest 101, some jigs and a glide bait. It was $325 regular price for the reel, I had a 5% off coupon and some points. The Conquest runs $600 USD. I couldn't pass it up.

Sorry, every time I see one of these things this guy comes to mind. My kids loved the show. It's one of those things I can't unsee. Good idea though.

Should be a great combo and that is a good price.

None so far. I have only needed to order a few parts for an older 2012 Antares. I got them from Plat. Only downside might be no warranty. Digitaka is great to work with though. I have not ordered from Japan Tackle. You might also look at Japan Lure Shop.

What do you intend to use it for? I have been overly satisfied with the older Steez SV TW. I don't see much difference between the two, except the spool and the color. The Steez CT, on the other hand, is a step up to me from the SV. I like limited edition stuff but after reading everything I could find on the 21 Steez limited, I decided to pass. Take this video for what it's worth but it does have some good info.

In the JDM market, it looks like Megabass has come out with a new Orochi line of rods called the X10. I have not heard of anyone owning one of these yet but they look like a good series of rods. They do cost about the same as the P5 rods in Japan. I don't know if they will make it to the US anytime soon.

Hog farmers A-rigs are all I use now. They just work better for me. I am no expert at this rig but I do like Keitech Fat Impacts and the easy shiner , 4in or smaller. I like fishing it in deeper water, off of points or across them.

Clear water and blue bird sky's usually equals light line, light gear, finesse baits and long casts. I go with anything that I can put in front of them and keep still.... jerkbaits, wacky senkos, shaky head, drop shot, or maybe a BFS crank or minnow.

I have had good luck with the 6XD. Outside of the hook quality being not so good, this bait has been solid for me. But on the other hand, any other bait from SK, including the Red Eye Shad, has been questionable for me. Out of the ones I have purchased and the tons my buddy buys, I might see 1 in 3 that run the way I like. I think someone is sleeping at the test tank. One thing though, painting has come a long way over the years. It is a work of art that we fisherman often take for granted.

I have the Siglett as well. I wouldn't trade it in. It's really designed for top water and treble hook baits. I have used it for the same Keitech jig as you and that jig, no matter what rod you use, is difficult to set the hook on a good sized bass. Also, the hook can bend out on a more powerful rod with these little jigs. I also have the Criffhanger and the Six Eleven. Both of these rods are about double the power of the Siglett. I would look into the Kistler Hunt BFS or the Dobyns Sierra Ulta-Finesse 700C. Both of these, all though different, will do the job.

I have Simple Green or Simple Orange and the Lucas Oli Reel Cleaner for general cleaning. I soak bearings, if needed, in acetone or the Simple Orange. For the most part, I use Bantam oil on most of the reel, Shimano Drag grease on the gears, and TSI 321 on the bearings.

YGK Super Jigman X4. Thin, strong, casts well and cuts through salad.

I have 2 K's and no issues so far. They are just like they were when I bought them, solid and smooth.

Square bills, both big and small.

This Zillion HD gets my vote. I have it on a 895 NRX+ . Killer set up but almost too powerful for most fish I catch.

The 3700 Terminal Tackle and 3700 Deep.

Like others have stated, cold weather can effect the grease but it has been my experience that it is generally not gears or grease that causes this. This may not be the case with your reels but usually it's the pinion support bearing that rests in the frame. I have two 2012 Antares and one of the 70As, I also have the Bantam MGL. Only one of these has ever developed this issue. I have also seen this on multiple reels I have worked on over the years. What I find is either the bearing has never been oiled or the bearing is bad possibly from having the cast control smashed all the down for an extended period of time.

I use the 873C for all the things you mentioned in the new rod you're after. I would step up to the 904C and use it for your 1/2 to 3/4oz jigs. They make for a good one two punch.