MUSLENUTZ

So I ordered the new Vanford 2500, hoping it’s going to balance nicely on this rod. For those who have this rod, what are you using for your reel and how is the balance? I’m thinking it may be a hair tip heavy with the 2500, yet it’s going to be super light regardless. To be honest, after a few hours of fishing I’m pretty dead no matter what I’m throwing. I do fish almost everyday, but my body ain’t what it used to be. Especially bank fishing with multiple rods, backpack, hiking thru brush and starting to look like fluke master lately doesn’t help ?. I have switched from cold beers to bourbon on the water though. Cheers!

Stick to 30lb braid and on setting 2. I only use 1 when I flip and pitch and you have to thumb it. To be honest, just always have your thumb over it and use it like a standard baitcaster. You will get better casts if your looking for distance that way. It’s ok to have a little slop and wobble. Don’t aim for perfection unless you want auto brakes and zero backlash. I use it like a hybrid. It’s only going to hurt your arms and your distance if you set it where there is no side to side at all. Just what has worked for me.

I love using a baitcaster. I’m precise and much more accurate than spinning. Unfortunately most of my catches just happen on a cheap ass ugly stick with 8lb test and a Shakespeare reel. Pull 4-5lbers thru the grass and much more fun to reel in.

I think you’re not understanding that people buy reels for different applications. Maybe marketing for you, but it comes down to value for me and the actual specs of the two reels which is more than just drag. I take it you haven’t read the specs maybe until... well now. If I’m on the water fishing stripers, LM, SM, CP etc... on a boat, on the shore, from a dock or from a tree. I’ll take the extra drag buddy. If you think people use 6-8 line on these reels on the east coast, I would say it’s pretty subjective.

I use an Alberto knot. Super easy to tie, super quick and super strong. I run a leader length depending how much water I’m fishing. Sometimes I’ll go into the braid, never have issues. But it will hinder your distance and could cause issues with braid. All depends on what you use for test. Usually I’ll keep it 5 inches out of the reel. Maybe 8-10ft, generally I want to use one leader all day or have enough for leverage when I’m snagged so I don’t lose the lure. I tried all the traditional ways people say, this works perfect for me. 30lb braid on a DC reel. 10-15lb fluro leader.

Preordered the 2500, way more drag than the 2000. Can’t wait to pair it with the Expride.

I’d rather spend the most I can and have the rod n reel for longer without issues. I’m not one who needs to upg or buy new that often. There is only so much you can change and I find success is more geared towards the person than the gear. The product lasting and performing the longest is what I’m paying for along with the best performance and weight for the comfort of my body and day on the water I can get.

I love having great stuff available. I like different brands and variety in life. We are lucky to have great products available to us. There will always be fan boys, but you’re going to get what you pay for.

Alberto is my knot. Sounds like we have the same thoughts here. Thanks a lot.

I never do a backing on my baitcaster. Just put it on, lay down the tape, no slipping, no unevenness on the spool and it lasts usually a season or two. How about on spinning? I feel like backing might not be an issue with the spool. Do you use or not?

I found my sweet spot with braid on my baitcaster. I find that 30lb power pro just works the best for me on all levels of management and performance from what I’ve tried with different brands and test size. Only downfall is the green thumb. I just purchased a 2500 size reel. Ive never had any braid spooled for spinning. What brands and test size is going to give me the comparable experience that I’ve had with the above? Using for light plastics for the most part, but always around brush. Also does anyone use straight braid on spinning without a leader?

Yes preorder. Every site seems to have them up. I got the 2500 size.

When your Birthday falls on the same year as icast every year. You just tell the wife what you want. I have no need for anything else so why not. She just ordered me the new Vanford 2500 and a nice 7 ft mf Expride. It will go to good use?

No one knows what it means, but it's provocative ... it gets the people going!

She’s gonna look pretty on the Expride

I’m going to add with plastics, I feel like I need extra power as well on the hook set. I’m just curious of the proper way, to me this has been the way I learned. Unless the rod isn’t in my hand, tight lines!

Guys this is what I do, tell me if I’m doing something wrong. Baitcaster, drag set with a little give but not much (moderate tension). Set the hook with pop and just reel her in. I usually never have to loosen the drag unless I’m pulling in 3lb plus or grass. Running 30 lb braid and 10-15lb fluro leader. I’m usually fishing heavy cover from the shore. I thumb the bc tight, then set the hook. On spinning, I pretty much do the same thing but with a bit less tension. I want to be able to set the hook and then decrease tension to support a lighter line. Usually running straight fluro 6-10lb. I brace the spool with finger and thumb, set the hook. I use drag to tire the fish or simply manage the line tension if needed. Ive had people tell me that you should keep the drag pretty loose, set the hook and continue to wear them down. That makes no sense to me when setting a hook. How do you differ with your reels and technique? I feel I’m doing it the best way, but perhaps I’m wrong.

Appreciate it I wish! Honestly I have to give someone a list for a bday gift. I keep changing because I don’t need many rods. Some of the problem is stock and being able to hold them. Plus so much stuff is sold out. Bottom, line when I buy stuff I like to have it last for a while especially when I’m spending cash. I don’t see myself having more than 2 bc and I’ll replace my spinning set up in time. Maybe a frog rod at some point but I rely on you guys and YouTube. In my neck of the woods you have big box bs. Mostly salt in my area being on the coast. So yeah I can’t make up my mind lol I guess you need to go more by the ratings. My 734 is a heavy but more like a mh.

At some point I’m going to get one and pair it with a stradic. I’ve heard so much about the two. I don’t know if I could use an sv on a shimano rod lol. I figure medium stick to get a little more distance out of it and to have a bit more fun on the fight. The Daiwa is a M MH?

I have a Dobyns 734c with a Curado DC and had an Avid X with a Curado K. Microguide issues with braid and I was bombing casts about 30ft further with the dc. I think the avid x would be great from what I hear about this Reel. Curious about the Ehrler too. I’d love to handle them but lots of local shops are sold out. Thanks for your feedback. Good call on the sales. Bday coming up. I think the 7 speed reel and that rod are sold out many places. I’m in no rush. Going to hit Tackle Supply Depot near my house and try to feel something in my hands. Appreciate the feedback.

Basically replacing the spinning set up for lighter applications and finesse to carry two rods most of the time. I’ll still have spinning in the car. Looking to cast and flip light T-rigs 1/8-1/4, senkos, flukes, whackeys, neds, light shakeys etc on the sv... I’ll prob run straight fluro 8-10lb. Want to be able to do 3/16-5/8ths give or take. Thinking 6’8 to 7 ft. Thinking Avid X or Dobyns 703 Champion. Or your other suggestions. Thoughts here ? Don’t know much about the Brent Ehrler Rods but I’ve heard good things. I’m open around $250 or so.

I’m willing to spend a little more. Prob $200-$300. What reel do you have on it. Thanks for the feedback, helpful for the future.

Exactly what I do. Plus, the places I fish. They race for the grass to lose the hook. My 734 c and Dc are no match once I hook one. It’s actually never a fair fight.

Thoughts on retrieve speed for plastics. Only ever using a 7 speed, sometimes slowing down is more work. Not sure how much a 6 speed would present better for worms.

Typo there. Definitely the 70 over 200. never heard of a 71? I need to look at G Loomis. I’m considering Shimano Expride if I can find one and Dobyns Champ. In the price range I could easily go loomis as they are highly recommended. Thanks for the suggestion.