Bait monkey, but worse...

[BrackishBassin]

So, I’ve been contemplating replacing my first baitcasting combo (Black Max) with something better. It’s a great combo, and I still plan on using it for throwing frogs and fishing a heavily weeded local pond, but after fishing my M combo that’s got a Daiwa Tatula CT on it, I find it lacking. 

 

Some YouTube guys I watch do a yearly gift guide and recently covered combos for under $200. Their suggestion was a Dobyns Fury or Shimano Exage paired with a Shimano Casitas 150. So, my question is, does anyone have experience with those particular pieces of gear? I’m interested in hearing it all - the good, the bad, and the ugly. 

 

I’ve never fished a Shimano reel before. How would that Casitas fish in comparison to my Tatula CT? I can almost always find another one of those on eBay for about $89, but the Casitas would cost me a bit more barring a good Black Friday deal. 

 

Thanks! Any and all input would be appreciated!

[Mjmj]

Is this for an all around rod?

 

[BrackishBassin]

9 minutes ago, Mjmj said:

Is this for an all around rod?

 

 

It would replace my current MH combo, so, yes, in a manner of speaking. I tend to throw all my moving baits (minus the larger ones) on my M combo. So, this combo would be more for my larger baits and the usual worms, jigs, etc. 

[shackman]

I own 5 of the Dobyns Fury rods. Great rods for that price point. The 734c is a little heavy for my taste but the others are fairly lightweight. 

2-733c

1-734c

1-703c

1-705cb 

[BrackishBassin]

2 hours ago, shackman said:

I own 5 of the Dobyns Fury rods. Great rods for that price point. The 734c is a little heavy for my taste but the others are fairly lightweight. 

2-733c

1-734c

1-703c

1-705cb 

 

Going to need to check out a conversion chart for their power numbers vs power names. Not familiar enough with how they match up. Appreciate it!

[CroakHunter]

For 90 bucks the tatula ct cannot be beat I feel like. Even the 150 dollar curado doesn't beat it in my opinion. Another cheaper option is the fuego. Practically the same reel just not as flashy. Or spend 135 on a reel and try the tatula sv tws. I think a 704 or 734 Would suit you fine. Although they are listed as heavy power, it's my understanding that they fish closer to a mh

[Angry John]

While watching the same video and I hold the deepest regard for Matt but you do know he is very brand loyal.  Shimano and dobyns is just how he rolls.  He even said that in the same video.  Lots of good products out and people will tell you what they like.  If you have liked his recommend equipment before you will again.  For me the dobyns rods are slow.  My 743 dx is more of a medium fast than a true fast imo.  He always uses braid and if you do also the system works well.  I disliked the rod before braid and now it's ok.  I have a st Croix bias so there tapers are my standard.

[Quarry Man]

dobyns is a great  rod, casitas not so much. great reel, but it went last. mostly plastic parts where metal is needed

 

[BrackishBassin]

2 minutes ago, Quarry Man said:

dobyns is a great  rod, casitas not so much. great reel, but it went last. mostly plastic parts where metal is needed

 

 

So, you think getting another Tatula CT would be a better bet then?

[Quarry Man]

Just now, BrackishBassin said:

 

So, you think getting another Tatula CT would be a better bet then?

Yes, you can also find honeycomb spools on ebay for 35$ which apparently make a difference

I have a few tattles, my favorite is the cabbalas arachnid, mad by aiwa with more bearings. If you can find it get one, if not ct!

[BrackishBassin]

26 minutes ago, Angry John said:

While watching the same video and I hold the deepest regard for Matt but you do know he is very brand loyal.  Shimano and dobyns is just how he rolls.  He even said that in the same video.  Lots of good products out and people will tell you what they like.  If you have liked his recommend equipment before you will again.  For me the dobyns rods are slow.  My 743 dx is more of a medium fast than a true fast imo.  He always uses braid and if you do also the system works well.  I disliked the rod before braid and now it's ok.  I have a st Croix bias so there tapers are my standard.

 

He is, for sure. I’m still new to bass fishing (longtime saltwater guy) and want to try out different options before I lock myself into just one brand. I do really like my Tatula CT, but I will say that there are things I don’t love about it. The line guide is one of them. I think it’s a great concept, but it keeps me from being able to put my finger on the line to feel for ticks and it will occasionally not line up correctly and I’ll have to re-seat the line and continue reeling. I’m sure it helps with casting distance, but how much? Is it worth it in the long run? I just don’t have enough experience with other products to know for sure. That’s why I appreciate all the input provided by members of this forum. 

[burrows]

I own a Casitas and it's a really good reel cast light baits with ease and heavier baits even better you'll love this reel. Down side is what it's made of, plastic, but it is worth the money there is no equal to it in its price range.

[Angry John]

1 hour ago, BrackishBassin said:

 

He is, for sure. I’m still new to bass fishing (longtime saltwater guy) and want to try out different options before I lock myself into just one brand. I do really like my Tatula CT, but I will say that there are things I don’t love about it. The line guide is one of them. I think it’s a great concept, but it keeps me from being able to put my finger on the line to feel for ticks and it will occasionally not line up correctly and I’ll have to re-seat the line and continue reeling. I’m sure it helps with casting distance, but how much? Is it worth it in the long run? I just don’t have enough experience with other products to know for sure. That’s why I appreciate all the input provided by members of this forum. 

There are a lot of tat fans but the twing is nothing I am in rested in.  Test the waters for sure it's only fair.  Use a non twing daiwa before making a final judgement.  A very cheap amazing daiwa is the advantage htsa or htsl.

[new2BC4bass]

13 hours ago, BrackishBassin said:

 

He is, for sure. I’m still new to bass fishing (longtime saltwater guy) and want to try out different options before I lock myself into just one brand. I do really like my Tatula CT, but I will say that there are things I don’t love about it. The line guide is one of them. I think it’s a great concept, but it keeps me from being able to put my finger on the line to feel for ticks and it will occasionally not line up correctly and I’ll have to re-seat the line and continue reeling. I’m sure it helps with casting distance, but how much? Is it worth it in the long run? I just don’t have enough experience with other products to know for sure. That’s why I appreciate all the input provided by members of this forum. 

I know people do this all the time, and can understand why they might, but I prefer to be open to using any quality rod or reel.  Not only for specific techniques, but for all around use.  I am not a pro (or even a tournament) fisherman, so taking 2-3 casts to get into the swing with a different brand rod and/or reel is not something I worry about.  If I miss a fish because of it, my world ain't going to end.  As far as I know, I have never missed a fish due to switching gear.  I am more apt to miss one from hurrying a cast and missing the target.  Of course this is when I visit Florida.  Locally I never have to worry about missing a target as it makes no difference if it takes several casts to hit it. 

[BrackishBassin]

36 minutes ago, new2BC4bass said:

I know people do this all the time, and can understand why they might, but I prefer to be open to using any quality rod or reel.  Not only for specific techniques, but for all around use.  I am not a pro (or even a tournament) fisherman, so taking 2-3 casts to get into the swing with a different brand rod and/or reel is not something I worry about.  If I miss a fish because of it, my world ain't going to end.  As far as I know, I have never missed a fish due to switching gear.  I am more apt to miss one from hurrying a cast and missing the target.  Of course this is when I visit Florida.  Locally I never have to worry about missing a target as it makes no difference if it takes several casts to hit it. 

 

I agree entirely. That’s why I wanted some input on those recommendations. By buying another  Tatula CT, I’d be essentially locking myself into Daiwa. As a bank beater, I never carry more than 3 combos with one of them being a spinning rod for weightless presentations. 

[CroakHunter]

50 minutes ago, BrackishBassin said:

 

I agree entirely. That’s why I wanted some input on those recommendations. By buying another  Tatula CT, I’d be essentially locking myself into Daiwa. As a bank beater, I never carry more than 3 combos with one of them being a spinning rod for weightless presentations. 

The fuego is the tatula without the t wing and without as flashy of paint. 

[burrows]

You say you never fished shimano you want to try shimano well you should try otherwise your always gonna want to try one. I would take a Casitas over a fuego any day!

[new2BC4bass]

How much are you willing to spend, BB?  I picked up a used Shimano Exsence DC.  With the brakes set at either Max, F, FP or BB there is no need for the thumb even with the spool set pretty loose.  Set it below Max and you have to use the thumb like any other reel.  The only other reel I can probably do this with (haven't tried it cuz I don't like using more brakes than I need) is a Daiwa with Magforce 3D braking.  The Daiwa will run you quite a bit less $$$$.  Some don't like the lid engagement, but I do.  It is actually the only reel I can run with zero brakes on and not backlash.

[BrackishBassin]

3 hours ago, new2BC4bass said:

How much are you willing to spend, BB?  I picked up a used Shimano Exsence DC.  With the brakes set at either Max, F, FP or BB there is no need for the thumb even with the spool set pretty loose.  Set it below Max and you have to use the thumb like any other reel.  The only other reel I can probably do this with (haven't tried it cuz I don't like using more brakes than I need) is a Daiwa with Magforce 3D braking.  The Daiwa will run you quite a bit less $$$$.  Some don't like the lid engagement, but I do.  It is actually the only reel I can run with zero brakes on and not backlash.

Looking to keep the total cost for rod and reel at or under $200. 

[fishwizzard]

For a MH rod under $100, the Fenwick Elite Smallmouth ESMC69MH-F is a great rod that come up on ebay fairly often at around $80-90.  It has a pretty short handle, but if that isn't a deal-breaker it fishes is listed range very well and will go a bit above.  I have a pair I use on my kayaks because of the short handles and I couldn't be happier with them. 

[S Hovanec]

The bait monkey is nothing.  I have the boat monkey breathing down my neck right now.

[BrackishBassin]

2 hours ago, BaitFinesse said:

If you like the Tatula and don't wan't a T Wing then the Fuego CT is a good choice.  If you want to try a Shimano then shop around and try to find a Curado 70 for $140 or under.  Casitas are great reels for $60 or $70 but are too geary and noisy to command their msrp IMO.   

 

I’ll keep my eye out, thanks! That’s one thing I love about the Tatula CT. It feels solid and makes no noise when I’m fishing it.