Megabass P5 Windbuster

[lunkerboss923]

I bought a Windbuster from a friend who has decided to liquidate his fishing arsenal on account that he had triplets and his wife is bed ridden for 3 months after delivery. Needless to say he'll be out of the game for a minute. 

 

I need some suggestions on a reel under $175 that will pair nice with the rod. I'm thinking about a 3000 class reel. I'm liking the Stradic FL, Miravel, used Vanfords, or Daiwa Tatula LT. 

 

This reel is going to be used for shakyheads ZOOM Trick Worms 1/4oz, 3" Spark Shad w/ Okashira Screw Head, Stupid Tubes, Wacky Worms, and heavier finesse applications. 

 

Thanks 

[roadwarrior]

Shimano Stradic 2500 $154.44

 

https://www.digitaka.com/item/5/4/1/4969363040169

[Darth-Baiter]

Dang. I have a lot of friends having babies and loosing time for hobbies.  Not a single one of them has a Windbuster.  
 

nicely done. 

[lunkerboss923]

1 hour ago, roadwarrior said:

Shimano Stradic 2500 $154.44

 

https://www.digitaka.com/item/5/4/1/4969363040169

I'm bumping up to a 3000. Seeing a bunch at $179. I like 2500s for drop shooting and finesse Zoom Trick Worms on an 1/8oz Shakyhead. 

 

I see the Windbuster as more of a power finesse rod 15# braid to 8# fluorocarbon leader. It will hold more line as well. 

[MiceNReets]

5 hours ago, roadwarrior said:

Shimano Stradic 2500 $154.44

 

https://www.digitaka.com/item/5/4/1/4969363040169

This exactly. 
 

[Dye99]

Stradic is the answer. Ive got 4-5 of them and I can definitely attest to the fact they take a beating, feel super smooth, and do exactly what they are supposed to do. 

Sure Ive got nicer reels but the stradics are my workhorses. 

 

[lunkerboss923]

47 minutes ago, Dye99 said:

Stradic is the answer. Ive got 4-5 of them and I can definitely attest to the fact they take a beating, feel super smooth, and do exactly what they are supposed to do. 

Sure Ive got nicer reels but the stradics are my workhorses. 

 

Would recommend 2500 or 3000? 

[Dye99]

22 hours ago, lunkerboss923 said:

Would recommend 2500 or 3000? 

Thats kind of personal preference in my opinion. I really like 2500s myself over my 3000s

Not like its some huge difference mind you. In a kayak or rod tubes space matters for me.

[Darth-Baiter]

A dude on the YouTube says a 3000 balances better on a Windbuster, but I just like 2500 series. 

[FellowAnglers1]

I paired my Windbuster with the 2500 Vanford with 15lb Braid and it is awesome.

[Scud_Muffin]

I too prefer the 3000, I like lighter reels like the Tatula or Vanford when I use it for moving baits, especially ones that involve a jerking motion. I just find I get less fatigue when working a jerkbait all day. But the stradic is perfect if you’re doing all bottom contact or winding in single hook moving baits. Sign me up for the 3000, especially if doing bottom contact for that handle and the extra speed of that reel size over the 2500.

[lunkerboss923]

The Stradic 3000 is money. Just got an 852S NRX+ which is the ultimate finesse rod for me. So many options with it. Perfect rod and reel setup for bottom contact. 

 

The Vanford 2500 w/ a Shimano Expride is next on my list. 

[UmairF]

On 8/5/2023 at 10:49 PM, lunkerboss923 said:

The Stradic 3000 is money. Just got an 852S NRX+ which is the ultimate finesse rod for me. So many options with it. Perfect rod and reel setup for bottom contact. 

 

The Vanford 2500 w/ a Shimano Expride is next on my list. 

I have a vanford 2500 with an expride b 7’0 light and its a phenomenally light combo. Highly recommend it. I use it for spark shads with okashira screw heads, small hair jigs, and light dropshots. Still figuring out what else I can do with it. If anyone has suggestions on other techniques with this combo please let me know!
 

Fun fact: I recently caught a pretty nice sized catfish on this combo and didnt feel like it was going to break at all. I was fishing from the shore behind a tall grassline and had to wrench it in. Don’t know why he ate a spark shad but nonetheless, was one heck of a fight. Was using 10lb suffix 832 braid to an 8lb fluoro leader. Shoutout to the FG knot for not breaking on me with that catch haha!

 

How do you like the nrx+ 852? Can’t wait to get my own someday. Can it fish 1/4 ounce jigs well?

[Darth-Baiter]

sadly, i cant afford to even participate in this thread:D..i'll exit quietly now....