Dreamchaser

No idea what this air rotation is. Having now fished the old Tatula and new CT models. One thing going for the older model is that the t-wing is bigger so when you tie on a leader between braid and fluro), the knot goes through the older/larger t-wing better than the smaller/new one. Otherwise, the other advantage of the older one is the weight - which is better for tip heavy rods to balance things out. Overall, both good. I see these as differences not definitive one is better than other.

Welcome...I'm across the hills and you're also very close to Lafayette as well. I fish Chabot and Lafayette by renting a boat and putting a trolling motor on it. Something to consider if you've not looked into it. These reservoirs are great places to learn and they hold big fish! I've personally caught 5lbs fish and buddies have caught 6-8lbs LM.

Just picked up a Tatula CTs and impression is it's MARGINALLY smaller and MARGINALLY lighter. I've not fished it yet so will report back actually fishing impressions. So far when thumbing the line release, i prefer the larger profile of the older version. Otherwise, the newer does thumb smaller MARGINALLY. Prices of the old Tatula is going back up as people sell out of old stock. If buying now, worth getting whatever is cheapest. Not sure you NEED to get the new CT. Real benefit is the 8.1 ratio which was only available in the type r version in the old tatulas. You can save on that and just get the normal tatula CT with 8.1/ And since it's smaller the drag star seems less strong vs old? I'm sure I'm imaging it but again, very minor differences. Hope this is helpful.

hi everyone, I'm in NorCal around the East Bay/Walnut Creek area. Been fishing mostly my local reservoirs on rented jon boats using a trolling motor. This year I would like to step it up and get onto the back of some bass boats and try out the delta, berryessa and clear lake etc. I've found Fish Sniffer and posted on their hitchickers forum. Is there other places i could try to put myself out there? I am in my early 40's, family man, super relaxed, don't drink and more than willing to chip in my share of expenses. I've been fishing since young but haven't been doing so in the last decade since living in big cities for work. Since moving to NorCal I am getting back into it and loving it. I don't know my way around backing a boat yet but I'm a fast learner. Anybody feeling generous please give me a ping on 415 961 two-four-zero-nine. With notice I can often take Friday's off and weekend of course. cheers!

Seems slightly lower only - but i wonder how it feels in hand. By these photos it doesn't feel like it's significantly smaller. But thank you for pix.

Thanks Rippin. Any chance of a side profile shot? especially the height? what's your impression?

I only have experience with the Tatulas. How do the Alpha SV105 or Fuego compare? Seems like with the Tatula's now smaller in profile, people are comparing them with the more finese Daiwas? Welcome any thoughts as I'm on the look out for a new reel. I mostly bank fish and sometimes rent a boat in my local reservoirs here in North Cali. I have Dobyns rod exclusively, 2 cranks 704c/705c, 2 general purpose '4' power rods FR734/DX744. Welcome any recommendations.

Any reviews comparing old and new yet? I have the existing type r and normal ones and on most rods, it's non issue. On my Dobyns Fury 734 i find it a touch big/heavy with that combo. No issue with my Dobyns Champion & Extreme rods. At $50 more than the current version's discounted price, I'll be interested in trying.

hey, JBricker, thanks for your reply. I certainly will try to hit Lake Chabot more this year since everytime i catch something, it's decent size vs Lafayette. I have trolling motor so renting a boat works for me. That said, this year I would like to venture further or try something different. With kids I don't get to get out much but if i want to plan to do a special trip, where would you suggest? I've heard of Berryessa and Clear Lake etc but unless i pay for a guide i won't have boat. As for the Delta, I could consider looking into a personal tube of some sort, which spot a long the Delta is good/near me? I usually only have 4-5 hours to fish so as to not be away too long. On some days, i could try all day and fish 6-7 but rare i get to go out all day. Any suggestions welcomed! Is this what you mean by u shaped tube?

Welcome. Im not far from Delta but without a boat not worked out how I could fish it. Also, i hear it's tricky since have to learn the tides? Chabot is not far from me. Hoping to fish it more this year.

Ah. I was planning to use my trolling motor battery but seems various 12v options would work. I like the power tool idea

I was eyeing on a basic Lowrance but randomly stumbled on a 2 month old Raymarine Dragonfly 4 Pro. Should be here soon but seems I may have lucked out going with Raymarine. Has sonar, downscan, GPS and colour. Pretty much all I need. And even allows you to connect via wifi to an iPad for bigger display. This is my first FF, I don't even have my own boat and I have lots to learn. Can't wait!

I've been looking too. Fish Hunter seems most promising to me except it's Bluetooth like others have mentioned. For those that are serious about these, Find Hunger now has a 3D version - looks like basic down imaging? i think overkill for what we need? $200 http://www.amazon.com/FishHunter-Directonal-3D-Portable-Finder/dp/B016CZ6UQO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449890457&sr=8-1&keywords=fish+hunter+3d If anyone interested in buying one to share near San Francisco East Bay, please send me a PM. I would love to try it for a few months on my local pond. Here's some reviews comparing the different units http://www.bluetoothfishfinder.com/home http://fishfinderhq.com/best-portable-fish-finder-reviews/ http://www.fishfindersource.com/category/portable-fish-finders/ https://wiki.ezvid.com/best-hand-fish-finders

Hey FuglyMonkie - welcome! pretty impressive if you've only started fishing and have caught 5-6lbs! Where are you fishing?

hi guys, East bay here too. I've met up with Zeth a few times and he's an amazing teacher. I'm new to SF (a year) and bass fishing (since this summer - 4 months) so still learning lots. I'm mostly a bank fisherman but have been on boats 1-2 times and it's been fun. I've been mostly catching largemouths and my personal best so far is nearly 4lbs although I've caught various 2-3lbs though. I'm close to San Pablo and Lafayette Reservoirs. If anyone of you guys fancy meeting up, please send me a PM. I'll be up for meeting other folks and learning.

Hi. Im new to SF and new to bass fishing so if people don't mind I would love to join if timing permits. I'm near San Pablo Reservoir/east bay and heard good things about Delta & Clear Lake.