I Bought a Steez... Now What?

[JackstrawIII]

Hey everyone,

I ran across another really incredible deal on a bunch of used gear, including a Daiwa Steez (103SV 6.3:1). This will be my nicest reel, by far, and I'm wondering what to use it for. Most of the baitcasting reels I use are Lews Speed Spools and a couple Daiwa Tatulas. I've always been happy with them, but now that I'm getting something significantly higher end, I'm wondering where I can get the most use out of it. 

 

Are there certain techniques where a nicer reel makes a big difference? 

 

I'm pretty familiar with how certain rods excel with various techniques, but is the same true with reels? Beyond the gear ratio, what is it about a nice real that makes it better for certain techniques? If you only had one really nice reel, what kind of rod (length, power, action) would you pair it with and how would you use it?

Thanks! 

[Jrob78]

What model Steez is it exactly? Some are general use and some are finesse oriented for throwing light baits. 

[JackstrawIII]

50 minutes ago, Jrob78 said:

What model Steez is it exactly

Good question. It’s a Steez SV103

[Tatulatard]

Black one with orange accents?  Daiwa rebellion rod in ml l, m or mh.  A ml for power bfs baits with 10 lbs flouro would he cool.  Ned rigs, weightless trick worms, weightless lighter weight plastics, 1/4 ounce dark sleepers with an emphasis in casting and skipping to cover.  You can use it with whatever you want with a spool change too.  I think those orange color sv spools are desirable and should be an easy sell.

[Jrob78]

Agree with Tatulalard, those SV spools excel at lighter line and lighter baits. Soft plastics and finesse applications are generally what people use them for but it doesn't have to be limited to that. It should make a great skipping reel too if that's your thing. As mentioned, there are a ton of 34mm spools that open things up for that reel. 

[JackstrawIII]

57 minutes ago, Jrob78 said:

those SV spools excel at lighter line and lighter baits

Ok, I have to admit I didn’t know there was a connection between spool size and the types of lures you use them for. 
 

Can you guys educate me on this a bit, or show me where I can learn more? 
 

How is this different from the other Daiwa reels I have:

- Tatula 100HL

- Tatula 100HSL 

 

Also, you mention using them to skip. That’s a skill I’d love to develop. What about this reel makes it good for that use? 

[Tatulatard]

1 hour ago, JackstrawIII said:

Ok, I have to admit I didn’t know there was a connection between spool size and the types of lures you use them for. 
 

Can you guys educate me on this a bit, or show me where I can learn more? 
 

How is this different from the other Daiwa reels I have:

- Tatula 100HL

- Tatula 100HSL 

 

Also, you mention using them to skip. That’s a skill I’d love to develop. What about this reel makes it good for that use? 

The sv spool makes skipping super easy.  Zero spool tension, full brakes and off you go.  

[Jrob78]

2 hours ago, JackstrawIII said:

Ok, I have to admit I didn’t know there was a connection between spool size and the types of lures you use them for. 
 

Can you guys educate me on this a bit, or show me where I can learn more? 
 

How is this different from the other Daiwa reels I have:

- Tatula 100HL

- Tatula 100HSL 

 

Also, you mention using them to skip. That’s a skill I’d love to develop. What about this reel makes it good for that use? 

SV spools are just generally very forgiving. It isn't about the size. They have a stronger braking profile that helps prevent backlashes, which in turn is good for skipping. The downside is that most people report they don't cast as far as other non-SV reels. 

 

I am far from an expert and someone else might have more specific info but that's the gist of it.

 

I can't help you with the Tatula comparisons as the only ones I own are the original Type R series and they are very different than the newer ones.

[RB 77]

I love 6.3:1 for moving bladed baits. IE: Spinnerbait, Underspin, etc. That gear ratio is my sweet spot for those baits. 

[Columbia Craw]

Buy a neoprene reel cover.

[new2BC4bass]

I'm in the same boat.  Picked up a couple older models at a great price.  Want to use them as much as possible, but don't want to use them on a technique that may hasten wear.  Just super nice reels!  One is the SV103H.

[JackstrawIII]

22 hours ago, Tatulatard said:

The sv spool makes skipping super easy.  Zero spool tension, full brakes and off you go.  

I have a follow-up question about skipping. What sort of rod would you suggest I start off with? 

I've read that lots of folks like to skip with shorter rods. The only casting rod I have under 7' is a 6'6" Triumph M/F. Love that rod for throwing small paddletails and spinnerbaits. Would that skip well? 

 

Or would you use one of these:

- 7'1" BassX MH/F

- 7'1" Tatula MH/XF

- 7'2" Tatula H/F 

 

Ideally I'd like to be able to skip frogs, paddletails, jigs, and misc soft plastics. I've had some success skipping senkos with a spinning rod, but never anything heavier. 

 

[FishTank]

I have mine on a St. Croix 6'8'' Med Fast. I use it for light Texas rigged soft plastic and jerkbaits. 

[QED]

On 12/20/2022 at 5:01 PM, Columbia Craw said:

Buy a neoprene reel cover.

They usually come with one.  All but one of mine did.