Cancelled the Daiwa Fuego 2500. I need a good lightweight spinning reel for the victory 610MLXF

[E-H]

24 minutes ago, WRB said:

I bought for a 6’10” drop shot rod. Will give it a few more tries with more aggressive hooks sets without breaking off. 

Tom

 

Ok.  Thanks.  Appreciate it.

25 minutes ago, new2BC4bass said:

Looking forward to a review from you. 

Will do.  I will probably give an update on all my new gear.

 

Impressions etc...2 rods and 2 reels that should be way better than my previous gear.

[GetFishorDieTryin]

On 5/5/2021 at 7:10 PM, E-H said:

You are killing me...  ?I got it a few days ago.  I am used to ultra light gear so hopefully I can manage.  Not sure what the return policy is where I got it.  I want to give it a shot first though.

 

I have the avid x 6’6” too MLF.
 

Keep in mind I typically catch close to 100 fish a day in a private lake and most are 1lb smb.  Some 3-4lb but not many of those in there.

 

How does the rod cast?  Good distance?  I upgraded my ultra light stuff for more distance when they start jumping at the hatch in the summer.

If you like SCs XF MLs your going to like the 6'10 Vic.  It feels like it has more power then my 7' ML F Avid, but I think the combination of more responsive blank material and shorter tip section of the XF just makes it feel that way.  It casts well enough with lighter baits, the lighter the line the better.   

[E-H]

8 hours ago, GetFishorDieTryin said:

If you like SCs XF MLs your going to like the 6'10 Vic.  It feels like it has more power then my 7' ML F Avid, but I think the combination of more responsive blank material and shorter tip section of the XF just makes it feel that way.  It casts well enough with lighter baits, the lighter the line the better.   

Thanks for the info.  Most of the fish are smaller and I catch in numbers.  I am hopeful this setup should be easy to cast good distances while keeping fatigue to a minimum.  Typically I use 6 lb mono for my smaller rapala original floater and other light top water.   I may try 6 lb fluoro for Ned to reach some of the elusive 3 to 4 lbers sitting at 20 ft.

 

I think I will pair my Avid-x 6’6” MLF with the vanford 3k for top water. Mono
 

And the Victory 6’10” MLXF with the Daiwa Procyon 2500 for the deeper stuff.  Fluoro.

[GetFishorDieTryin]

9 hours ago, E-H said:

Thanks for the info.  Most of the fish are smaller and I catch in numbers.  I am hopeful this setup should be easy to cast good distances while keeping fatigue to a minimum.  Typically I use 6 lb mono for my smaller rapala original floater and other light top water.   I may try 6 lb fluoro for Ned to reach some of the elusive 3 to 4 lbers sitting at 20 ft.

 

I think I will pair my Avid-x 6’6” MLF with the vanford 3k for top water. Mono
 

And the Victory 6’10” MLXF with the Daiwa Procyon 2500 for the deeper stuff.  Fluoro.

I dont think your going to run into fatigue issues casting that 6'10 all day.  Its a great little rod to throw shad raps, little JBs and little spooks.  That short tip section is great for sensitivity and helps with hook up on long casts, but I dont really like the XFs for I prefer a softer rod, but thats just me.  Good Luck 

[MickD]

On 5/5/2021 at 5:58 PM, Deplorable Fisherman said:

but I tend to go a little on the higher-end so I have no regrets or doubts.

Good strategy, in my opinion.

 

Regarding the flex of composite frames I was fooling around with my Tatula LT and found that if I tried pretty hard I could get enough flex to see, in the hand, by holding the body and trying to bend the foot .  I don't think there is any chance of significant flex/problem flex with the reel.  I have never noticed any problem with the reel.  Smooth, as all my Daiwas have been forever.  I like how light it is compared with my old "hardbodyze" or whatever they were called.  

[E-H]

31 minutes ago, GetFishorDieTryin said:

I dont think your going to run into fatigue issues casting that 6'10 all day.  Its a great little rod to throw shad raps, little JBs and little spooks.  That short tip section is great for sensitivity and helps with hook up on long casts, but I dont really like the XFs for I prefer a softer rod, but thats just me.  Good Luck 

Thanks.  I have to wait about a week or more for the procyon to get here.  Heading to the lake on the 21st with all my new gear.

 

I have some 8-12' suspending shad raps I plan to use with this rod and ned.

 

 

[E-H]

27 minutes ago, MickD said:

Good strategy, in my opinion.

 

Regarding the flex of composite frames I was fooling around with my Tatula LT and found that if I tried pretty hard I could get enough flex to see, in the hand, by holding the body and trying to bend the foot .  I don't think there is any chance of significant flex/problem flex with the reel.  I have never noticed any problem with the reel.  Smooth, as all my Daiwas have been forever.  I like how light it is compared with my old "hardbodyze" or whatever they were called.  

Thanks for checking that out.

 

I think the Procyon LT will be just what I was looking for.  Similar to the Vanford in many ways - at least that's what I am hoping and for about $50+ less.  Definitely meets my light-weight criteria and that was a must.  I spend almost the entire day on the lake when I go (actually - almost 2 days solid only taking a break to sleep and eat).

 

 

[Darth-Baiter]

my Daiwa Procyon AL in the 2500 makes me crack a smile even on my grumpy days.

 

I think I bought both of mine (one is on the bottom of a lake - WAHH!) cost around $165ish.  I have zero complaints.  lures fly away from me, fish get dragged back to my unwillingly, its all good.

[WRB]

Exchanging the VS610MLXF for VS71MF, lost 3 out of 5 bass hooked, haven’t lost a drop shot bass in years!

Tom

[BrianMDTX]

36 minutes ago, WRB said:

Exchanging the VS610MLXF for VS71MF, lost 3 out of 5 bass hooked, haven’t lost a drop shot bass in years!

Tom

What is the main issue? Flexing too much at the tip, giving the bass the chance to throw the hook? 
 

If not for dropshot, what other presentation would you think that rod is suited for? 

[WRB]

2 minutes ago, BrianMDTX said:

What is the main issue? Flexing too much at the tip, giving the bass the chance to throw the hook? 
 

If not for dropshot, what other presentation would you think that rod is suited for? 

I really wanted this rod to work for me, 6’10” is my favorite rod length. The top 10” is too flexible to get a hook set using both Gamakatsu and Owner size 1 drop shat hooks, nose hooked 4” and 5” Roboworms with 5# Maxima UG line. 

I have been using the same line, hooks and worms for decades and never lose a bass that pulls drag after hooking.

I lost 3 out of 5 bass about 3 lbs. the rod has very good feedback to detect strike but very difficult to get the hook barb into the basses mouth.

I switch reels to braid with 7#=FC leader and still had a good bass jump off, never happened before, break off yes, hooks pulling out no!

It would be a good trout rod.

Tom

[K1500]

Daiwa BG is aluminum and I like it better than the Fuego. I do have both. 

[BrianMDTX]

1 hour ago, WRB said:

I really wanted this rod to work for me, 6’10” is my favorite rod length. The top 10” is too flexible to get a hook set using both Gamakatsu and Owner size 1 drop shat hooks, nose hooked 4” and 5” Roboworms with 5# Maxima UG line. 

I have been using the same line, hooks and worms for decades and never lose a bass that pulls drag after hooking.

I lost 3 out of 5 bass about 3 lbs. the rod has very good feedback to detect strike but very difficult to get the hook barb into the basses mouth.

I switch reels to braid with 7#=FC leader and still had a good bass jump off, never happened before, break off yes, hooks pulling out no!

It would be a good trout rod.

Tom

A few months or so ago I bought a St. Croix Bass X BSX610MLXF rod paired with a Daiwa Revros LT2000 reel. I freely admit that I do not fish the drop shot much. I use it mainly for wacky rigs but have also used it with a 3/0 round offset hook for weightless TR with Zoom Tricks. Wacky rigs hook themselves but I’ve gotten great hooksets with the Zoom Tricks. Same length, same power, same action. But it must be a little less flexible at the tip than your Victory. No wonder it can be a crapshoot buying a new rod. 

[Big Hands]

On 5/5/2021 at 6:36 AM, Randy Price said:

Hard to beat the regular Stradic.  I have and use the Fuego but have had line lay issues with it from day one.  Yes they include washers but why do they continue to make a product they know to be defective.  I do not think that I should spend $ 100.00 and then have to fix it.  Not trying to start a war just disappointed in Daiwa.

Check out this thread from last year: 

From what I have been able to figure out, the spool is designed to be tapered. They include washers so that those that just can't get past the idea of it looking like there is a line lay issue. I have been fishing a Fuego LT2500S-XH since last August and it does appear to have a line lay problem, but in use, it works fine. 

[Randy Price]

On 5/19/2021 at 3:20 AM, Big Hands said:

Check out this thread from last year: 

From what I have been able to figure out, the spool is designed to be tapered. They include washers so that those that just can't get past the idea of it looking like there is a line lay issue. I have been fishing a Fuego LT2500S-XH since last August and it does appear to have a line lay problem, but in use, it works fine. 

Mine was putting line behind the spool on the reel sometimes.

[Big Hands]

1 hour ago, Randy Price said:

Mine was putting line behind the spool on the reel sometimes.

Aha! Eso no es bueno!

[E-H]

Well....I ordered the procyon lt 2500 on May 5th from Gander.  I saved $10 but had to wait about 30 days?  And it was in stock.  Should arrive any day now....Says by June 3rd.  Never again.

 

So I did get to fish 2 weeks ago with my new rods and the vanford 3k.  I used a bps johnny morris 1k on the victory rod and the vanford on the avidx.  It was too early in upstate NY on the small lake.  Water still too cold.

 

I did manage 3 13"ers which is on the larger size for the lake.  Super fun with the extra sensitivity.  2 were on the victory and 1 was on the avidx.  Using weedless ned on the bottom around 12 ft or so.

 

I had to essentially re-learn how to cast.  Prior to these rods I was using 5'6" ultra-light gear and had muscle everything to get good distance.

 

Both rods were great for casting - just a quick flick and it went quite a distance.  This will help in the summer for topwater when they jump at the hatch.  I will definitely be able to reach about 50ft further than before and with more accuracy.  The vanford is really good and 6:4 retrieve is unreal.  I do have to slow it down a bit when using swimbaits.

 

So...I can't review the procyon yet, but will in 8 days IF it ever arrives.  The kicker was they wouldn't let me cancel early on either because it was "released" to the warehouse.

 

I expect to get more fish as they should finally be in spawn mode.  It was in the 40's at night this past week up there but back to about 80 or so this week.

 

 

[E-H]

On 5/18/2021 at 8:29 PM, WRB said:

I really wanted this rod to work for me, 6’10” is my favorite rod length. The top 10” is too flexible to get a hook set using both Gamakatsu and Owner size 1 drop shat hooks, nose hooked 4” and 5” Roboworms with 5# Maxima UG line. 

I have been using the same line, hooks and worms for decades and never lose a bass that pulls drag after hooking.

I lost 3 out of 5 bass about 3 lbs. the rod has very good feedback to detect strike but very difficult to get the hook barb into the basses mouth.

I switch reels to braid with 7#=FC leader and still had a good bass jump off, never happened before, break off yes, hooks pulling out no!

It would be a good trout rod.

Tom

 

On 5/18/2021 at 8:29 PM, WRB said:

I really wanted this rod to work for me, 6’10” is my favorite rod length. The top 10” is too flexible to get a hook set using both Gamakatsu and Owner size 1 drop shat hooks, nose hooked 4” and 5” Roboworms with 5# Maxima UG line. 

I have been using the same line, hooks and worms for decades and never lose a bass that pulls drag after hooking.

I lost 3 out of 5 bass about 3 lbs. the rod has very good feedback to detect strike but very difficult to get the hook barb into the basses mouth.

I switch reels to braid with 7#=FC leader and still had a good bass jump off, never happened before, break off yes, hooks pulling out no!

It would be a good trout rod.

Tom

Were these LMB or SMB that you lost?  I hope I don't have the same issue with the 3-4lb SMB I am targeting (far and few between).  Is it generally easier to hook one over the other?

 

I will probably use my avid x mf for the ned and the VS610MLXF  for topwater with treble hooks (Rapala minnows etc...).  Hope I don't have to exchange it.  I did get 2 13" on the victory with the ned rig.  No issues with those being hooked solidly, but those were smaller fish.

[WRB]

You are happy, that’s all that matters.

Tom

[E-H]

1 hour ago, WRB said:

You are happy, that’s all that matters.

Tom

I won't be if I lose one of five or six 4lbers in the lake.  ?

[E-H]

Just finished an amazing evening/next morning and afternoon lake trip with my new gear.

 

I picked up about 90 SMB on the mile long lake.  2 were over 2 lbs and many in the 12" range, which is pretty good for the lake.

 

Impressions on my new gear.

 

Avid X - 6' 6" MLF with the Vanford 3k - loved it - the feel was great and the casting was very good.  Had no trouble hooking anything.  I started doing a 2 handed cast with the split grip and got pretty accurate after some practice.  I did hit a few shoreline trees due to the extended casting distance.  Overall the rod was great and the reel was good.  Did use the drag a couple of times and it was good.  I did notice the reel made a little noise at various times when reeling in.  It went away next cast.

 

Victory 6' 10 MLXF with the procyon 2500.  Very similar to the gear above.  I was using a Ned on this one for a while and had no trouble hooking some 14-15" SMB.  The reel was definitely comparable to the vanford.  I did have to tighten the reel on the rod a few times - I think I must move it when I cast as it tightens from the bottom up.  I liked the avid x better in that regard as it tightens from above.  I didn't have to tighten at all.  I did notice I missed a few fish in the afternoon when I switched to a spinner on the victory- could have been they were a little less aggressive mid afternoon, or the issue that Tom had mentioned about it being a little too soft on the top.  I did not have the problem with the avid x and caught about 50+ on the spinner - even smaller ones.

 

I had a blast and think I did better because I could cast more accurately and reach about 20ft or so further with my new gear.  The water is clear and being further away definitely helped when trying to reach them on shore - they were still in spawn mode.

 

After trying a bunch of different lures and things, I wound up going with a 1/8 spinner and they killed it.  I did use the original rapala minnow floater and got 11 on it.  The hatch isn't out yet, so the topwater will be a little later in the summer.  I did flash the spinner by a 15"er and she followed it but stopped.  My boat was too close.  She was 8ft deep.  I swapped over to my other victory rod that had the ned rig on it.  Dropped it about 5 feet further away from my boat.  I saw her dart over and grab it.  Pretty cool.  One of the better fish I caught.  Nearly 2 lbs.

 

Overall one of the best trips I had.

 

Summary - Avid x - fantastic.  Vanford - great.  Victory rod - good.  Procyon - great.

Lures - Spinner 1/8 killed it 70+ fish on it overall.  Ranging from 5" to 17".   11 on the rapala minnow - 7" to 12".  3 on the ned.  10" to 16".

Other lures - swimbaits - nothing, jigs - nothing.

 

Apparently these SMB like the shiny stuff the best.  They were darting at the spinners like no tomorrow.  The rapala floating minnow will be best in the evenings starting in July.  I killed them on that late last summer.

 

Happy fishing everyone.  So glad the fish in upstate NY have decided to finally get hungry.  Next trip in a few weeks.