Panfish Bill

What is the difference between the two? Is one stronger than the other? Has anyone had experience with one or both? I just found where the SBX is being sold for nearly half price. Has me a bit worried unless that is a normal thing to do with a new'ish product. Finding the Guide Select ones is getting hard too.

An online retailer just emailed me suggesting the more expensive swimbait rod over the XH Citrix. Are they just trying to sell me a more expensive rod or are they correct? I am excited I have finally found a solid but cheap reel (paid $111 for it out the door, not bad for the Komodo SS platform!) now I just need everything else.

I just got a Okuma Citrix 350 reel. I am trying to match a rod with it. The XH of both have exact same specs except one has more guides. I want to cast 3 - 6 oz swimbaits. I have not found any reviews of the Citrix rod (not to be confused with Citrix travel rod!). Anyone ever use the XH Citrix rod? Should I match the bling of my reel or just go with the Swimbait rod?

The more I read about this reel the more I don't want it lol... Guess I should just continue to save for a Komodo SS.

Is this like a version of a Okuma Komodo SS without the stainless parts and clicker? Can it be used as a starter swimbait reel? I was told people use them for frogging and it may not be able to handle heavy weight lures like what I want to use?

That is good advice!

I just had a popular company literally tell me they are to lazy and broke to do something that most all other reel manufacturers are doing. Should I avoid talking about that on my YouTube page? Someday I hope to get sponsors so talking about that email could look bad and prevent me from getting any? What's even more funny is I am about to buy one of their reels anyway. I just think their email was really bad PR. I will not mention the company for now.

Wait for the Okuma Komodo SS series to release? Is there a reason not to use a low profile 300/400 series reel?

Thanks!

Thanks for the replies! Lots of good stuff here. I will have to continue saving for now. In the mean time I came up with an idea. Use what I have. That includes making my own swim bait. All at no cost while I save for the bigger reels since I have everything I need to do so. I will make videos of this adventure if I catch anything. Well under $100! As for Muskie rods used as a a swim bait rod how about an Okuma EVx matched with the Okuma Komodo SS? That is really throwing the $100 budget out the window lol!

I do agree with that. Skimping anywhere could create a hole in the water to throw money at (lost bait, lost fish, or worse!).

Thanks for the advice! Still well above what I was thinking of paying for a starter combo! I will have to check out Academy more often and see what they have. However... I have been drooling over the new Okuma Komodo SS series baitcasters. Maybe I should just wait and save up for one lol. This Abu I have is a 5600 BCX on a 6'6" MH Abu rod. 1 1/4 oz max rod. Not really up to spec for a 2 oz swimbait. I have considered taking it to my local side of road tackle dealer. May be able to trade it for something else lol.

I have a China made Abu 5000 or 4000. It's an older reel/rod combo. Short rod though (6'6" Abu rod, m or mh I forgot). It was a trade and I have never used it. I also have a Sweden made Abu 5500C3 on one of my catfish rigs. Having a side button to cast with is a bit of a pain but it is underpowered for what I use it for lol. Maybe I can get away with the China Abu and a rod and hope for the best? I will have to get exact name of that combo when I get home. I only mentioned 50 lb braid because it's 12 lb diameter. Most bass reels I have seen, like a pro max, show 12 lb as max line.

I want to start using big 2 oz swim baits for Bass, Stripers, and the occasional Muskie. Is there a good entry combo anyone would suggest around the $100 mark anywhere? From what I read you need at least a 7 foot mh rod with moderate action tip. The reels suggested are always the expensive ones while most bass reels could accept 50 lb braid just fine (12lb mono diameter). The casting of said braid would be another story. I am not ready for a $200 rod and $200 reel lol!

Hello all! I am a new Youtube fisherman that has fished here in East TN my entire life. Figured I would register here as I have some specific Bass fishing questions. I usually fish for trophy catfish.