Eric 26

Just got back from the local pond, caught four on a coffee tube. This was the biggest one.

That’s awesome ???

As one who owns low to mid priced gear (my top of the line rod is a Okuma tcs with a Daiwa Tatula 100 reel) I think this sums it up pretty well. My father taught me from a young age buy the best you can afford and base the best on your expected usage. That advice served me well when I was a carpenter buying occidental leather tool pouches that would last many years compared to some other brands. My original Stilleto titanium hammer was a pricy purchase when they first came out $80.00 ? but it’s still with me after many years of work,stopped working as a carpenter after the 2008/2009 economic fallout.

Isn’t he the character on “The Blacklist” ?

I’ve been very happy with Suffix advance mono on both spinning and bait cast reels. I have 10 lb on both.

Three of my favorite rods are the Wright & McGill Brent Chapman signature series rods. Paid $70.00 for my spinning rod $50.00 for my first baitcast rod and $40.00 for my second baitcast rod. Came across the 7’-0” casting rod and still kicking myself for not grabbing it as a backup ?

I own both a 2000 & 1000 size Carbon X reel and find them to be built above their price. Interested to hear your opinion after you receive and use them for a bit.

You got me thinking about a couple spinning reels I have. Neither are fancy, don’t know or care about the age of either. My brother passed them on to me about 25 years ago as I was getting back into fishing after a bit of a hiatus. I still enjoy breaking them out and they both still catch fish in spite of their looks. Also not sure if you’ve seen the post “So you guys like the old stuff” started by bulldog 1935 but it’s a good one?. Lastly that’s some beautiful gear you guys have there, can’t wait to see the Ryobi.

I have the last model Lews TP1 med-hvy model. Although I don’t throw chatterbaits on it crank baits only, the reviews made mention of it being a chatterbait rod as per Lews. The new tp1 x has the same specs at 7’-3” for $99.99. I realize it’s graphite but the action is perfect for me. I throw my chatterbaits on a bps cranking stick (last years model split grips) and I couldn’t be happier 7’-3” hvy, The new model has full grips also $79.99-$99.99. Also search Lews David Frits crank bait rod I’m pretty sure their are some members here who use them.

Reach out to bass pro and see what they offer.

I have a Royal Legend 2, and agree with everything said so far it’s a bit finicky to adjust and not the most consistent once adjusted but hey for $35.00 shipped to my door it was worth it to me.

It would be cool to see some pictures if possible.

As someone who is not the most mechanically proficient,I can build a deck but definitely not tear down a reel?. I would suggest you #1 make sure you have plenty of time to complete your tear down cleaning/service, #2 start with a cheaper reel if possible (yard sale find?) in case things don’t go as planned and #3 be mindful of small parts (springs especially) as they like to go flying and are easy to lose. Not trying to scare you out of doing the work but I learned it’s not for me at least years ago on thankfully a cheaper Daiwa, although at the time I was pretty upset at myself and didn’t really have much of an opportunity (money) to replace said reel. Lastly take advantage of the offers to help these generous members are giving.

I own a couple different ultralight rods from 5’-6” to my latest I bought last year a 6’-8” ultra light bps panfish elite rod which is definitely a moderate action rod. I find my two favorites are my earlier posted St. Croix premier and a All Star 6’4” light power fast action rod I bought around 13 years ago, it’s marked as a drop shot rod intended for small mouth fishing was how it was marketed. I cannot remember the series off the top of my head but it is my absolute favorite for panfish and I usually have a road runner in 1/16 oz tied on no body which I then dress with a 1”-3” gulp alive minnow or a tube or a curly tail grub. These two rods are light enough to enjoy any panfish but can handle any bass that swims in the retention ponds I fish.

I’m using a st Croix premier 6’-6” light power fast action for crappie cranks and couldn’t be happier. Soft enough tip with a good backbone. Caught these guys on a creme mini rat l trap.

If I was in the market for another reel I’d jump on this offer. I’m really having a hard time holding the bait monkey back ?

I’ve used and still do to this day 2 of the cheapest reels on the market, a Kast king royal legend 2 and a piscifun Spark. While they work for what I use them for I would definitely say my Tatula CT is way more enjoyable and user friendly. I’m fortunate in that I own a Abu Revo X along with a bps carbonlite 2.0 and all of them are heads and shoulders better than my 2 cheap reels but as PhishLi pointed out there is no baitcast reel that doesn’t require you controlling it. But in my opinion yes the $100.00 reels are definitely going to be easier to work with as far as adjusting and holding the adjustments for lure weight ranges.

I’m certainly no expert barely an enthusiast, but I’m really enjoying my Daiwa Tatula’s,a Fuego is the same without T-wing. Also really enjoy my Shimano SLX. When set properly minimum backlashes and right there in your price point.

“Happy Wife = Happy Life”

Hoping your wife is and will be ok ??

Just prepped my 2006 bps bionic blade 5’-6” ultralight spinning rod last night, I have the 6’-6” med power spinning rod also. I also purchased a panfish pro rod last year which I’m really happy with. I feel for the price they are well built.

As far as I was told the biggest difference between the carbonlite and lfs is the braking system, bps being dual braking and Lews magnetic only. That was before the dual pinion Lews is currently using.

I also caught a great deal when I bought mine at the spring classic I believe 3 years ago? I paid $120.00 for the combo. I’m pretty sure you’re referring to the pro qualifier baitcast reel which receives a ton of praise for its price point. I also purchased a carbonlite 2.0 spinning reel last year and really enjoy it. I believe the bait casters are Doyo the Carbonlite 2.0 spinning reel I bought I believe is made by Daiwa.

I have a carbonlite 2.0 7’-0” med power fast action combo and it’s one my favorites, it handles my 3/8-5/8 oz lipless cranks perfectly. I also purchased last year’s model crankin stick 7’-3” hvy power fast action which I’m using pretty much for 1/2 and 3/4 oz chatter baits and I love it. Not sure how the new model compares but I can feel every turn of the blades and have no problem ripping it through weeds. Going to try a Berkley 105 Choppo on it this season also.

Roadrunners in 1/16 oz were the first lure I used exclusively for almost a year when I got back into fishing almost 30 years ago. To this day it’s still a go to on the retention ponds I fish. My favorite is a green head(bare hook) with a Berkeley gulp alive 3” minnow as a body. Catches every species except carp.