fin

I'm just guessing, but it was more likely a glitch with the people that run the website and the clueless chat CSR. If you go to their website now and click on the big button at the top that says "SHOP", it takes you to their apparel department, with no obvious way to get to the fishing department. There used to be a button at the top of the front page that allowed you to choose a department. Now it's down at the bottom of the front page. I guess they want to sell more apparel. It's probably easier to make money on that stuff.

You must not have read the whole thread. There is no good source saying they have been discontinued, and they are still listed on the site. Academy's web site is a mess and they keep messing it up with updates. Used to be a good site.

Where did you read that? They're still selling squarebills and every other type of lure.

So now Bass Pro Shops has the "Summit XT" on sale for $35 ("50% off"). I was considering getting one, thinking it was a better reel than the President, but when I look for a parts diagram, it's not listed on Pflueger's site. What is this thing? Not being listed on Pflueger's site makes me very wary.

Just my luck. I bought a Pflueger President Friday 25% off ($45). It looks like BPS is charging shipping though. I can't tell without creating an account.

Isn't buying an additional piece of equipment what fishing is all about? Seriously though, I already have a couple micrometers for work, so it didn't cost me anything. And it's not really extra work, labeling everything could be considered extra work. Some people wouldn't want labels on their high-dollar rods, they might like this option. It's not for everybody, but then labeling is not for everybody either.

I agree with several here that have recommended the glomitts, but I go with a cheapo fleece version. I paid $7 for some at Walmart, similar to these. They're not "waterproof", but they don't really get wet since they're polyester. You can also Scotchguard them. The mitten part folds back quick and easy and sticks in place with Velcro. I've tried the waterproof fishing gloves with finger tabs, and they keep your hands warm and dry, but they are very awkward and hard to remove and store. My glomitts easily wad up and fit in my jacket pocket. To me, heaters are like going back inside and warming up. Good for emergencies, but you just feel colder afterward. Nothing I've tried is perfect, but the glomitts work best for me. Try some cheap ones first and then maybe buy some more expensive ones later if you like how they work.

You don't have to go to store, it should be shown anywhere you buy it online, but if not, go to the manufacturer's site. I'm not familiar with Cabela's site. On Amazon, you scroll down the page and there should be a chart showing the different sizes with all the specs.

I wouldn't want to put masking tape on my rods. If you're going to use tape, I'd either use color coding electrical tape or a good quality labeling tape that doesn't leave a residue, like this stuff. I'd just keep a little micrometer handy to check weight of line. You should be able to tell type of line. Do you really care what brand it is at that point? You can google 'fishing line thickness guide' to find a chart to print and keep in your boat. After a while, you'll learn the thickness. This micrometer operates with just one hand, and it's tiny. I've got one and really like it. Made by Mitutoyo.

Yeah, I just ordered a Pflueger President to replace a Shimano Sienna 2500, and I had to order a 3000 in the Pflueger size to match what I had. It's kind of confusing. It can affect the max drag and weight of the reel. Compare the specs between the two - you might want to return it.

What I want to know is where y'all are fishing with 4-5 foot lures. I don't know if I want to catch anything that big.

Yeah, what I meant to say was I don't use a snap with topwater. I used to use the no-slip mono knot a lot, which is a loop knot. I'm not so sure if I like it with a popr, but I can see why some folks like that. I've seen some jerkbaits and crankbaits run sideways if they don't have enough weight on the front. A heavier front hook can compensate for it.

Finally ordered President from Dick's. Also went ahead and got another Berkley Cherrywood rod while they were 25% off. Cheap rods, but very sensitive. I wanted to get two reels, but I think I'll wait a while and see how I like this one first. Thanks to everyone!

Some deep-diving cranks have a recessed eye, and it can be tough to get snaps down in there. I remove all of my split rings except for those with the recessed eye, but obviously it's not absolutely necessary. Except for topwater lures or very small suspending lures. On topwater, it can make a difference in action, and suspending lures can sink.

Well the Diawa from Dick's is not an option anymore. I was going to get it with their 25% off sale, but all they had was the 2000 size, and that may be gone by now - it was showing they only had one in stock. Right now I'm leaning towards getting a President from Dick's for $45 and a Trion from Amazon for $27. It's weird, the Trion is cheaper at Amazon not on sale, than it is with 25% off at Dick's.

I'm seeing same price in both places. I've been trying to figure out how to find the sales, and I just found the "Latest Sale" thread, so that helps. Friday will probably be the day I buy something. I don't mind spending more for something I know is going to last longer. It's hard to tell though, some things cost more but aren't any better, they just have an extra bell or whistle.

I'm not having luck with that. Braid is all I use anymore, with a mono or fluoro leader. Thanks for the testament. It says it's on sale, but I put one in my cart yesterday at Amazon and it's the same price. I noticed the old style Lady Presidents are on clearance from the Pflueger site for $33 (down from $60). It's a mauve color, doesn't really look pink in the picture. 9.9 ounces though, that's the heaviest one I've seen. Sharky is 9.2, Pfluegers and Diawa are 8.8/8.6. My fishing buddies would have a field day with me fishing with a pink reel though. lol

Either that Trion is an amazing reel, or you need to get out fishing more often. Just kidding. If you haven’t oiled & greased that thing in 10 years without a problem, that’s a good testimony. I’m sure the Sedona is a fine reel, but it’s $70 and Shimanos in the lower price range don’t go on sale. They are the same price everywhere, basically. And the parts diagram looks almost exactly like the Sienna. It’s got the same shaft built into the frame, with no bushing or bearing between it and the oscillating gear. Maybe the frame is built of a stronger material, but it’s out of my price range anyway. How do you keep an eye out for Amazon coupons? I haven't bought much fishing gear from them other than some braid. Do they email coupons? Look somewhere online? Should I put a Sharky III in my Amazon cart?

Point taken on the bearing count. Manufacturing materials and design are just, if not more, important. For example, the Sienna’s oscillating gear rides on a shaft that is part of the frame. That shaft has worn to the point of failure on both my Siennas. You can’t replace or repair the frame, so designing that part to wear instead of the gear is planned obsolescence. It’s hard/impossible for the customer to foresee that when making the original purchase. I like Shimano a lot, I just think they’ve decided to put their quality focus more on the higher end of their line, like the Stradics. Going from 4 bearings down to 2 in the Siennas is not likely the result of advances in technology. They kept the price the same, but reduced their manufacturing expense. Thanks for your input, and also to everyone else who has replied so far.

I’ve had two Siennas that I’ve used almost daily for four years, doing maintenance myself, and I loved them, but they’re worn out. The new style Siennas only have two bearings, so I’m considering (in no particular order): Pflueger Trion Pflueger President (really more than I want to spend) Daiwa RG-AB KastKing Sharky II I’ve read good stuff about all of these. Is there anything else decent in this price range? Any Black Friday deals?