HazeRVA

Good point, no sense in wasting the stuff thats on there now. Uni/Uni for braid to braid as well?

Oh man, thanks for the offer! We don't really get up that way too much, though.

Makes total sense. Thanks!

Just got my Fuego CT, spooled it with some leftover 15lb Spiderwire braid. The spool isn't full, which I assumed would be the case. Have 150 yards of 15lb PowerPro braid on the way, this won't fill the spool either so I figured I'd go with some mono backer. This will be the first time using a backer, and only my second baitcaster so very little experience with how full 150 yards will make it. I'm positive I'm overthinking this, but it's what I do. How full should I make the spool with mono to be able to put the whole 150 yards of braid on? Should I even put the whole 150 yards on? Thanks for the help guys!

Thanks @BaitFinesse I'll definitely check out Ray's!

@BaitFinesse hahahaha, yep! Was actually just about to post in the Show your Stuff thread. Bought the Fuego CT because I didn't want to spend too much on a reel. Now ya'll have me ready to place an order with Hedgehog for red accent parts that cost more than the reel! And I may or may not have placed an order for that Vermillion Red PowerPro braid.....

Humble beginnings Abu Garcia Vengeance 6'9" MHF / Abu Ultra Max 6.4:1 My son's Lew's American Hero Spinning combo Abu Garcia Vendetta 7' MHF / Daiwa Fuego CT 8.1:1

Just to bring some closure, I picked up the 7' MHF Abu Garcia Vendetta today to go with the Fuego CT. Got it for $54 at DSG. Came down to that and the Lew's Carbon fire. Really liked the Winn grip on the Lew's but the reel seat lock nut felt really loose, much preferred the lock nut on the Vendetta. Sweet looking combo too! Thanks for the help everyone. Now to get her on the water!

Thanks again man! I suck at making decisions haha

Anyone know about the Lew's Carbon Fire DSG exclusive rod? On sale for $50 and I can get another $20 off that. Anything else I should be looking at in the $50-$60 range?

Thank you for posting that! Cannot for the life of me find where I saw the Aird X was 2 piece. I know about the pictures but I swear I read it somewhere. Anyway...that's the lead dog I think so far.

Thanks! Yeah I think the Aird X is where I'm leaning if I can get over the mental block about it being 2 piece. If not, I like my Vengeance so may go with the 7' version.

Exactly! Gonna go grab that Fuego and keep looking at rods. Edit: Fuego CT purchased!

See, I have really been looking at the Assassin for a while now, but am a little scared to pull the trigger, which is why I looked at the Fuego (since a lot of the threads here point to the Fuego instead). I am not sure about the longevity of the KastKing stuff, so felt like the Fuego was a safer bet, might not be as nice from the getgo but a little more security in the longevity. I haven't looked too much at the Stealth as the Assassin is only a few bucks more and have read about the Stealth being a bit larger.

Thanks guys! I really appreciate all the input! Now I see the Fuego 100 in 7.3:1 for $10 more...would that be a better buy vs. the Fuego CT 8.1:1? I have looked at KastKing Perigee II, in the past so that is another option. Won't be ordering the rod until next week so still looking for recommendations.

Hey guys! Been lurking for a little while, reading and learning. I have recently gotten back into fishing. Have always used spinning gear, but used my cousin's Lews Mach 2 combo and really liked baitcasting. Went out and bought myself the DSG Exclusive Abu Garcia UltraMax combo. Looks to be a rebranded BlackMax with a 6'9" Vengeance Rod. Really been enjoying it so far, especially considering I only paid $35 after coupons and rebate. Well now I want another rod/reel setup. Still want something for all around use, not ready to specialize yet (I don't think), still trying to learn the different techniques. I am eyeballing the Daiwa Fuego CT I have read good things about on here. First question is, is 8.1:1 too fast for general use? Thats the only left hand version on sale currently. After the coupon it'll be $54 which is right in my wheelhouse. Second question is, which rod at the same price point would you recommend? Have been looking at the Daiwa Aird X, not sure if I want the 7' H, 7' MH, or 7'3 MH though. Also, is 2 piece an issue? A little leery about it at the moment after casting the top half of my son's Lews American Hero Spinning rod into the lake (got it back though). Anyway, think that is all for now. Thanks for the help and being such a great source of info!