Eric 26

Nice find. I’d say you’re going to see one happy 10 year old who hopefully gets hooked for life??

Sending wishes for a full and strong recovery??

I will say although I’ve never used/owned that particular reel, handling it in store it is built far better than my two.

As I’ve stated in other posts I own a couple cheap reels, 2 bait casters being a Kast king royal legend 2 and a Piscifun Spark. I only fish retention ponds in and around my neighborhood, hoping to expand now that the kids are older if I could just stop having to go to that pesky thing called work ? The ponds I fish don’t offer 5+ pounders but mere 1/2 to 1 1/2 pounders with the above average throughout the year. In my humble opinion for the $35.00 shipped to the door if they last 2 years I’m a happy man, I certainly enjoy my Shimano SLX & Daiwa Tatulas but I feel there is a time and place for all my equipment. With that said I wouldn’t sell 1 Daiwa for 10 cheap reels.

Thank you for your service to our country.

Although I’m not familiar with Kast king spinning reels, I purchased a royal legend 2 baitcast reel from them and have been using it for 2 years with no issues. I will say I’m using it in ponds that yield mostly dinks with the occasional 2-3 pound bass but as long as your not targeting 5 pound plus bass your gift should provide years of adequate service. I’ll also recommend the ugly stick as well, although never owning one their reputation for being indestructible should again provide years of usage. Also I own 4 Piscifun reels and would recommend them also. They have a reel called viper X in spinning that’s in your price range when you subscribe on their website it gets you 15% off your order. Good luck and happy shopping.

I currently use a 5 speed reel on a 6’-10” rod with smaller square bills and have good luck with this setup.

I also looked at the Pro Qualifier 2 (blue accents)$50.00 on sale but was also told it was not built to the same specs as the sliver with gold accented one by a sales associate. I bought a Tatula CT instead, although I still like my BPS Carbonlite 2.0 combo.

Thank you for the clarification, sounds like you’re enjoying yours as much as I am mine. I have to ask what brand rod is that on the top in the picture?

As I’m sitting here thinking about it I also own and love my Piscifun Saex Elite bait cast reel, which is the exact same reel as the Ardent Elite casting reel with the addition of centrifugal brakes on the Piscifun and being red/black colors vs blue/black on Ardent. I purchased that reel I believe 5 years ago on Piscifun’s website for around $110.00 including a “spare” bfs spool shipped to my door. The reel is still available on Ali Express for $85.00 vs the Ardent for $149.99 at Cabelas. A real bargain in my opinion.

Although I’ve never verified the above comment I have seen others comment reflecting the same sentiment. I read somewhere and I’ll be damned if I can find the comment anywhere that the Piscifun Carbon X of which I own 2, are made in the same facility as the Daiwa Tatula spinning reels. I also bought a BPS carbonlite 2.0 3 years ago and I’m still loving that Doyo produced reel.

I’m sorry for laughing but the picture you painted with your words made me laugh out loud. Hoping you figure out a solution as it is a beautiful looking lure. Good Luck ??

Sorry I have no answers ? but I’m wondering the same thing and if the spool is interchangeable. I’ve had mine for 2 seasons and feel it is better built compared to the new one I felt in store. Not sure how to describe it other than the old one feels tighter.

My preference would be to put it between the split grips. I use rod socks and hate having trebles getting hooked on them. I have two full cork handles and plan on putting them as low on the rod as possible for the same reason as above.

I’m going with Daiwa although I own different brands including the aforementioned Shimano slx i really like my Daiwas from my CA80 to my recently purchased Tatula 100.

If you’re going to have a problem this a good one to have. These are some beautiful setups you have there.

Thanks for the suggestions guys? If memory serves me correctly there was/is a tangerine colored monofilament on the market I’m going to try to chase down. Bulldog I’m still holding off but I’m not sure how much longer on the Tica reel, every time you post a picture of yours the bait monkey whispers in my ear ? I’ll have to find some time to browse that Daiwa site as I have a couple Tatulas I wouldn’t mind customizing.

I recently (Tuesday) purchased this rod after keeping an eye on my local Wal Mart for several months. I have the first generation Lews carbon fire rod in this exact length (6’-10”) and when I saw this version I knew I had to have it for my Daiwa CA80 as I’m a sucker for the perfect color match.

For around or under $50.00 I purchased a Lews Hank Parker casting rod at my local Wal Mart, the Lews is available in 6’-10” or 7’-0” and is pretty much the same as the Lews carbon fire rod at Dicks sporting goods where they carry a few additional lengths including a 7’-3” heavy power fast action that would fit your needs.

Although they’re 7.8 oz you can try the Piscifun carbon x. I own both the 2000 and 1000 and I feel they’re both a half size larger meaning the 1000 feels like a 1500 and the 2000 feels like a 2500. I’m not claiming this to be true but they are supposed to be built alongside the Daiwa Tatula LT. They’re $75.99 but you can always find a discount code including their website offering 10% off.

I’ve had this exact rod the past 2 seasons and I’ve mentioned on another post I find it perfect for lipless crank baits. With that said I’ve used it for up to 1/2 oz spinner baits without a trailer and really like it for them also. Just make sure to stay in the listed weight range including trailer and you should be good to go for spinner baits or chatterbaits.

Where are you finding the “Kage” frog rod? Even when I search Daiwa’s website I see no mention of the Kage frog rod,I see Tatula’s but no Kage. I’m currently using a Lews 7’-3”” Carbon Fire but it really has no tip action like a frog rod should. I’m going to try to hit my local tackle shop in the next week or two as they carry a wide array of rods.

I’m glad to hear you were able to pick one up. I think it will compliment your collection quite nicely.

I went to BPS this week (last day of spring classic) to take advantage of the rod & reel trade in plus I had a gift card from Christmas. I thought some of the prices and even sale prices seemed a little high but then I checked Dicks sporting goods website and noticed their spring sale prices are also pretty high compared to past 2-3 years. I’ll purchase my lure/ terminal tackle products at one of my local tackle shops instead.

I’m glad it’s not just me, there pb&j colored spinnerbaits for $1.00 were my go to last year.