PebHmong Discussion Forum
Sports Category => Outdoors & Recreational Hobbies => Topic started by: Hitokiri on May 16, 2009, 05:30:52 PM
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Since there are so many people on here that like to fish I think it would be a great idea to put up a thread talking about our experiences with fishing equipment be it tackle, string, reel, rods, boats, or even affects of live bait - etc. Maybe we can lay it like this..
Picture of product if you have any....
Product name:
What it is or whats it use is:
Price:
Reason to buy or not buy the product - what was good or bad about it - overall review:
Your grade from 5-1 stars (1 being the worst and 5 being the best):
Cool?
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shimano stradic(previous generation)
$139.99
awsome reel, had both the 2500's n the 4000's. used it from sunfish(2500) to musky(4000), works awsome. only down fall, the handle base broke on most of the ones i've had. otherwise it's a great reel.
shimano calais
$389.99
awsome reel, casts smooth n quiet n also retreives smooth n quite. very nice chrome body, too shiny to scratch up. 3yrs n still no sign of wear n tear. down side, shimano should've made the drag a little stronger like the a.g. revo.
pflueger supreme
$99.99
also a great spinning reel. have a 8030mg n a 8040mg, both reels been great. only thing i wish it had better was the drag system, it's not precise enough like the stradics. after 2yrs the bail on the 8030 is starting to fail, sometimes it doesn't click close all the way. the antireverse also doesn't stay lock when instant hookset is performed. but the 8040mg has been flawless.
pflueger president
$139.99
when new is was a smooth reel, i bought it for casting cranks n spinners. after about a yr, it has shown significant wear n tear. not smooth anymore, u can feel the slack in the components. a great beginner reel but for pronlong use, i don't recomend it. for the price there r better reels out there.
abu garcia revo sc
$139.99
awsome reel for the price, works great, strong drag, but is showing some wear n tear in less than 2yrs, so we'll see how it holds out later.
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i will probably replace my president n revo with 2 more calais's.
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x
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A FEW OF MY REVIEWS-
(http://www.grandslamtackle.com/inventory/large/stradicFI-15-42-20.jpg)
Shimano Stradic 2500FI $159.99(newer generation)
5 out of 5 stars
Awesome reel/ very smooth/ beveled lip on spool allows for greater cast distance/ very light weight.
If it's anything like the older model of the stradic then it'll last you a long time (I've owned 5 of the older model and they've all performed great and still work even with a little wear and tear on them).
(http://fish.shimano.com/publish/content/global_fish/en/us/index/products/rods/freshwater/cumara.image.-familyImage-Single-image.dash.512.384.gif)
Cumara Spinning Rod 6'8" Medium $199-$219
4.5 out of 5 stars
Nice rod/ very sensitive/ exposed blank handle makes it extra sensitive/ great for jigging or cranking ligther cranks/ mainly used for walleyes/bass. Just a bit pricey- other then that it's a great rod
IM 10 blank.
(http://fish.shimano.com/publish/content/global_fish/en/us/index/products/rods/freshwater/Crucial_Spinning.image.-familyImage-Single-image.dash.512.384.gif)
Shimano Crucial Spinning Rod 6'6" Med Lt $159
5 out of 5 stars
Most sensitive rod I've ever fished. Very light. Used for panfish/and white bass/ walleyes. Mostly for live bait rigging and small jigs.
BOTH OF THESE RODS HAVE LIFETIME OVER THE COUNTER WARRANTIES @ MOST RETAILERS
IM 9 blank.
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three n banana, same person. lol posts the same thing, lol :D
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really?
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Stink'n A I'm someone is rolling with some big fishing ballas... ;D JP..
(http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff272/Focus_On_Christ/s7_122244_001_01.jpg)
Product name: Shakespeare Ugly Stick Medium Action Combo - 6'
What it is or whats it use is: Fishing pole
Price: $30-$40 depending if its on sale or not
Reason to buy or not buy the product - what was good or bad about it - overall review: I personally have been a HUGE Ugly Stick for many years and it was time for a new pole. The reliability and cost of the pole make it very friendly on the economical guy without looking like dork while fishing. From what I heard when I asked the Ugly Stick is a pretty respected low budget pole. The disadvantages is that there is little room for customization because it is a combo and many other anglers out there probably have the same pole because of the good value. Another disadvantage is that the pole and the reel only come in certain designs and height so again customizing is out of the question.
Your grade from 5-1 stars (1 being the worst and 5 being the best): 4.5 outta 5. Why 4.5? Because the pole is pretty stiff before it's broken in and the feeling is somewhat numb when compared to other poles. The pole itself is pretty sturdy though and the reel combos with the Ugly Sticks are pretty good and smooth casting for its price tag. I would recommend it for anyone.
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berkley bionix
$49.99
three of them 6' mh , one 6' 6" mh, 2 spinning n 2 baitcasting rods. best rod for the price range, the feel n performance of highend rod without the penalty price.
berkley series
$79.99
6' mh, same as the bionix except it is a little stiffer
always buy noncoated rods, lighter n feels better
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My bro decided to take a chance on a Bomber bait and so did I and here's my review.
(http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff272/Focus_On_Christ/235988690_tp.jpg)
Product name: Bomber Crank Bait "Square A" - 0-3' diver
What it is or whats it use is: Shallow runner crank bait
Price: About $3 on sale at Gander Mt.
Reason to buy or not buy the product - what was good or bad about it - overall review: I have to admit the reason why I bought this bait was not because it was made by Bomber but it was endorsed by Bill Dance. My brother used this very bait to nab what could of been a 30" pike. I say "could of been" because I saw the pike my bro nearly dragged it on land then he got off and swam back but it was BIG. My bro also caught a smaller pike and as for me I caught a good size smallie. This to me is evidence that this bait works but I've only tried it in deeper water. Though the bait itself performs well what its made out isn't that great. It got caught on a rock and bent a hook on the first time which to me shows the poor quality of the hooks - try bending a Rapala hook and get back to me on this. My bro also broke the tongue on this crank bait also on a rock - another show of poor quality - never happens to a Rapala. Going to replace the hooks with some old Eagle claws or some left over Rapala hooks.
Your grade from 5-1 stars (1 being the worst and 5 being the best):3.0-3.5 outta 5. If this product were made with better quality parts I would give this a 4.5 outta 5 or maybe even a 5 outta 5. Quality parts is big to me because we're talking about a product I'm going to cast literally hundreds of times over hopefully many years. I checked out the Bomber line at Gander today and they seem to be a well represented item but I would expect more for them because of it. Yes it does catch fish and yes it was a bargain but bent hooks and broken tongues don't catch fish and can make the crank bait into trash bait.
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you can't knock on Shakespeare. They make some quality rods. The Ugly Stick custom surfrods to be exact. I got the chance to cast this rod and use it a few times out on the water. We were using the 8'6" version casting 1oz-2oz lures. The rod is super light wieght, feels and looks like a bass rod but built for big game. 5 star 8)
http://www.shakespeare-fishing.com/index_rods.html
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Product name: Gamakatsu hooks vs Owner hooks (Wide gap rig'n style hooks)
What it is or whats it use is: Wide gap hooks used for rig'n plastic baits
Price: Varies based on size and amount - about $5- $6 for half a dozen (?)
Reason to buy or not buy the product - what was good or bad about it - overall review:
1. Gamakatsu hooks
- I tried these because it seemed to be popular among many elite bass fishermen and promoted by shops such as Gander Mtn in their plastic products. I use these hooks mainly for wacky rig'n or weedless rig'n and to say the least I was disappointed by the Gamakatsu. The hooks are thinner when compared to the Owner hooks and bent easily when they were caught on rocks or logs. My brother and I spend much of early summer straightening these hooks with our pliers which became annoying after a while.
2. Owner hooks
- I've never heard of Owner before but tried them out after close examination. The Owner hooks are thicker then their Gamakatsu rivals and the Owner hooks come to a defined tip (like a sharpened pencil) unlike the Gamakatsu hooks which the tip and hook are basically forged as one. Again I used these hooks on plastic rigs and they did not fail me. I fished all last late summer and fall and neither my brother or I remember ever having to straighten them. The product is strong and hooks the fish well which is important mostly if you're fishing weedless.
Your grade from 5-1 stars (1 being the worst and 5 being the best):
1. Gamakatsu Hooks
- I'll give this product 1 outta 5 stars. These are weak and thin hooks and even though they do hook the fish well the do not stand up well to abuse. We had to buy pack after pack since we damaged so many hooks.
2. Owner hooks
- I give this product 5 outta 5 stars. These hooks are strong and dependable and their gap is perfect for rig'n plastics. I would rank these hooks up there with Rapala hooks without a doubt. I only bought one hook set last year and I'm still using the same hook this summer. If that's not impressive I don't what is.
Owner owns!
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(http://i465.photobucket.com/albums/rr11/free_man108/BuzzBait.jpg)
StrikeKing Bleeding Buzzbait...I know some you have this one in the tackle
TopWater Action
$2.49-2.99
Very good buzzbait, skweaky and leaves bubble trail, comes in an assorment of colors, but I find black is most productive. Caught plenty of bass with it, and every time it's a mentionable sized bass. If you want a big bass bait I'd have to say you can't go wrong with this buzzbait. Great with it's pricing and a producer.
- 5 STARS
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berkley bionix
$49.99
three of them 6' mh , one 6' 6" mh, 2 spinning n 2 baitcasting rods. best rod for the price range, the feel n performance of highend rod without the penalty price.
berkley series
$79.99
6' mh, same as the bionix except it is a little stiffer
always buy noncoated rods, lighter n feels better
hey rick, do u know if Berkely has dicontinued their Bionx series rod? I have been tring to find a 7ft medium casting.
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i think they have, i no longer see them at walmart anymore, so now i have to get the series from cabela's which is a step above the bionix.
but dang, 7'.............. ..... 6' 6" is a hinderence for me already. i stick with 6' max. i don't even like my 6' 6" that much.
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dam whatever happen to the 20 dollar rods at walmart lol all i see is mostly 100 dollars and plus i think i better post another thread cheapest equipment lol
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Shimano Curado 201 BSF $150
cool green color,6.2 gearing, super smooth even after 5 years of service with me, never been serviced, a lot of boat rash but doesn't mess with performance of reel, holds a lot of line, harder to palm due to its size, overall great reel one that i will never get rid of as its my first baitcast!
Shimano Curado 201E7 $179
Awesome,7.0 gearing, same size as 100 series from last year, holds same amount of line as the 200 series, super smooth, very light weight but its not magnesium, makes my imx and mossybacks even more fishable all day long! I own 2 and will be replacing all of my reels with all curados!
Bass Pro Shops Extreme Reel $60
6.2 and 5.4 gearing, back lash issues, smooth, casting ability ok, cool green color, swept style handle, used for cranks, will never buy again
G Loomis GLX SJR783S $385 6'6 mh spinning
super light, super sensitive, my go to walleye rod and also used for docks
G Loomis IMX MBR843C $270 7' mh baitcast
super light, super sensitive, great for worms t and c-rigged
G Loomis IMX MBR844C $285 7' h baitcast
super light, super sensitive, great for pitchn heavy cover also used for a c-rig
G Loomis Mossyback BCFR894 $325 7'5 h baitcast
super light, super sensitive, heavy action made to pull fish out of the thick stuff, super stiff yet very very sensitive, also used as a frog rod
i'm a firm believer in higher end rods, it has upped my hookup percentage and I will never look back. I'll take a Gloomis IMX over any rod on the market today! No St.Croix's for me!
Cabelas King Kat Rod 7' mh spinning $20
glass composite rod, foam grips, kinda heavy, ultimate rough fish rod, I still have yet to catch a fish with it!
HB 997csi $emptied my wallet for this one
pain in the ass to install, expensive as hell to replace a transducer, navionics mapping sucks, GPS is way off, awesome 2d and SI charts!
Lowrance LMS522i $500
internal antenna, crappy reception, losing position constantly, shallow water 2d really blows, deep water 2d is ok, Lakemaster mapping is great, easy to install
Garmin 240 $16k i guess came with the boat
doesn't show fish arches, turn fish id on and you're in heaven with fish everywhere, great for on plane running-JUNK!
HydroDynamics Hi-Jacker Manual Jack Plate
install easy, 1/4" adjustment by clicks, easy to adjust, nice and shiny aluminum, better holeshot and better RPM range
;)
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dam whatever happen to the 20 dollar rods at walmart lol all i see is mostly 100 dollars and plus i think i better post another thread cheapest equipment lol
I agree.
I actually have a shimano reel that I bought for roughly $30 and it's good enough for me.
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my co-worker and his buddies started this tackle site.
http://www.tackletour.com/
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they started small but after almost 10 yrs of hard work, it paid off. unfortunately, they don't fish everyday. He still works as an engineer.
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revo's = they tend to fall in the water ;D
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how big is your trolling motor?
how many # thrust?
what size trolling motor would be good for a 18' aluminum with a 90 hp motor?
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go the max if u can, don't skimp out on power if u don't have to
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how big is your trolling motor?
how many # thrust?
what size trolling motor would be good for a 18' aluminum with a 90 hp motor?
get a 101
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My gear.
Shimano calcutta 151 with 20 pound power pro
shimano schmitar 7ft MH pole
Shimano curado with 10 pound Pline
Gloomis 6ft MH pole
Pflueger spincast 8 bb reel with 10 pound power pro
6foot Gloomis MH pole
Sturgeon Stick
8 foot Ugly Stick
Daiwa with 35pound maxima (love the clicking noise)
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(http://www.landbigfish.com/images/store/swatches/MINNOW-RAP.jpg)
RAPALA MINNOW RAP
Price: $7.99
Rating: 5 out of 5
Works great casting or trolling.
Great action on this crankbait.
Works good for 'eyes and bass.
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I'm not a big fan with big money gears and gadgets. Why? Well that is because I'm no pro.
Give me any reel, whether baitcaster or spinning reel, what I usually look for is the bang for your buck with high ball bearings because I like things to be smooth. If it has a high ball bearing then perhaps it is a highly advance (enough) type of a reel in other aspect as well?
My uncle is flea market and garage sale for fishing equipment type of a guy. He values his made in japan or germany made products. If china or korea, forget about it.
With baitcaster, I like distance casting , the drag and anti blacklash system. It is because I tend to do mostly bigger games fishing like striper and I need to get my lures out there with surf fishing.
I see guys who protects their gears like how I would protect my bible with something like this
(http://image.basspro.com/images/images2/91500/91942-t.jpg)
Cool concept if you have an expensive item but to me, I am known to break my equipment but when that happens, it is usually a low scale item and I can always replace it.
I like a package deal too. Last year, I was able to nabbed myself a daiwa procaster rod and baitcasting reel combo for 59.99 at pro bass shop online as an x-mas gift for myself. The reel alone is 49.99. It has not fail me yet and it serves the purpose. A few months later, I was so impressed that I ended up buying me another one of this combo but the rod is a little tad longer. I'm currently looking online for the next best deals out there.
spinning reel, I like my shimano older generation that has a bait runner on the bottom. My candy azz lost so many poles to giant stripers when it took my pole and reel into the water with them. With a bait runner, the fish can just runs off with the bait, swallowed it (prefer) and gives me enough time to take a pee then catch my rod for the fight later. I have bait runner by shimano in all kinds of sizes. For some reason, I just like the shimano brand. Even my mountain bike has shimano parts on it.
The only thing I don't go cheap on is my lines.
This right here is a bass pro shop megacast . From the sound of it, it looks like it can cast far and it also has an on/off bait clicker switch. What this does it is it acts like a bell where if a fish hits your bait, it will make a clicking noise. Sounds fruity to me but I'm not buying this combo for 49.99 with only 3 ball bearing.
(http://image.basspro.com/images/images2/91000/91324.jpg)
This next one has a line counter on it. Line counter? Well it sure benefits some fishing where you suspend your bait at a depth where a certain type of fish is feeding. I sure don't have those types of fish around here. Shakespear 69.99
(http://image.basspro.com/images/images2/Lago/1549323_i-679834.jpg)
and last but not least, a high price but not the highest that I saw at 900 for a stinking reel, a Johnny Morris brand combo at 369.98
(http://image.basspro.com/images/images2/Lago/1447900_i-538669.jpg)
(http://image.basspro.com/images/images2/Lago/1319055_i-676548.jpg)
(http://image.basspro.com/images/images2/reelfeatures/92470-duralinum.jpg)
(http://image.basspro.com/images/images2/98000/98126.jpg)
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Just picked up a 7 ft. St. Croix Legen Elite ML spinning rod.
Best rod I've ever used.
Did set me back a pretty penny though but it's worth it.
Been slaughtering the 'eyes with it the last week and a half.
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IMHO, I think you get what you paid for it.....
Edit* not counting sales and clearances....
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JDM for you guys
(http://www.japantackle.com/Shimano/Shimano_MetaniumMG.jpg) (http://www.japantackle.com/Shimano/Shimano_MetaniumMG2.JPG)
Product name: Shimano Metanium Mg7
What it is or whats it use is: This is a baitcasting reel made with magnesium alloy for the reel frame. It's very light and weighs in at 6 oz. This reels comes with 8 bearings with four of them in the handle knobs. The gear ratio for this on is 7.0 but amazingly it has the power to crank medium divers decently. That is due to the larger gears it has, although the handle only comes in at 80 mm. The drag star clicks, but the cast control knob does not. The level wind guide is taper to be larger on the side of the spool so this helps reduce backlash. The level wind guide is also titanium nitride coated. The spool is a standard 100 size and is machined aircraft aluminum with crossed drilled holes.
The nice thing about this reel is that the reel body is all smooth with no holes on the outside for screws that you see on most reels. Performing reel maintenance is kind of tricky as you may need a fairly long #1 phillips to get at a screw.
Price: Depends on JPN yen, but around $400 USD.
Reason to buy or not buy the product - what was good or bad about it - overall review: Yes. I used this reel for cranks, spinners, buzzbaits, and some plastics. This reel can cast light weight of 1/4 oz with great distances. There is almost no backlash because of the tapered levelwind line guide. The line lay on the spool is tight and very uniform. The magnesium alloy frame makes this reel feel kind of hollow and fragile while you crank. It's a great reel for finesse techniques.
Your grade from 5-1 stars (1 being the worst and 5 being the best): 4.0
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For you Ice Fishing Folks.
Product name: Thorne Bros. Custom Ice Rods
website: http://www.thornebros.com (http://www.thornebros.com)
What it is or whats it use is: Custom Ice Fishing Rods. These are premium equipment that mimics the high end summer rods that a lot of people demand for in quality. Each rod blank is unique and has the correct rod bend, unlike your standard retail rods that may be cut offs of the same original rod blank. They have several handles to choose from: tennessee, standard, hidden hood, and locking tennesee handle. They don't label their rods for power, rather that their Panfish Sweetheart Plus rod is equal to a light action rod. The Perch is equal to a medium light and the Walleye comes in medium and medium heavy.
Price: Depends on how much you want to customize, but around $60 to $100+.
Reason to buy or not buy the product - what was good or bad about it - overall review: Yes. You get a full length rod action and shrink it down to a miniature version for an ice fishing rod. Making these rods, the most responsive rods you can get for ice fishing. They will put your name on the rod and make the line guide wraps in whatever color thread you want. Thorne Bros. also makes sure the line guides are placed on the rod's spline. This reduces rod twists as you're hauling in the big one. The only shortcoming is that their handles can be off set somewhat. If it bothers you that much, they can work on it again. It's not that big of a deal, when you're catching fish, you forget about it.
Your grade from 5-1 stars (1 being the worst and 5 being the best): 4.0
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Anyone using Boca Orange Seal Abec 7 ceramic bearings? Just wondering. I'm sending out 3 reels to a friend for service and upgrade to Orange Seal. Will put up a review once I get them back and take it out for a spin.....
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Anyone using Boca Orange Seal Abec 7 ceramic bearings? Just wondering. I'm sending out 3 reels to a friend for service and upgrade to Orange Seal. Will put up a review once I get them back and take it out for a spin.....
Took out one of the reel for a few time to the local park. The freespool is definately alot smoother than the stock bearings. But when I casted it, it didn't seem like I got more distance than the stock bearings. I heard that the abec 7 needed to be broken in first but it's been a few trip already and it's still the same. Is it worth the upgrade? I didn't think so afterward. But I got them at $18 /pr which is about the same price if I ordered a pr of bearing from Shimano.
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Took out one of the reel for a few time to the local park. The freespool is definately alot smoother than the stock bearings. But when I casted it, it didn't seem like I got more distance than the stock bearings. I heard that the abec 7 needed to be broken in first but it's been a few trip already and it's still the same. Is it worth the upgrade? I didn't think so afterward. But I got them at $18 /pr which is about the same price if I ordered a pr of bearing from Shimano.
You never mentioned what kind of reel you upgraded the bearings on. Anyway casting distance is governed by order of lure weight, rod length, line size, reel drag, spool weight, then bearing. Improving the bearings should allow to to pitch and flip with a lot less effort. If you didn't get a lightweight spool and didn't take your drag all off, then you might not get the casting distance you were looking for.
The orange seal has orange seal on the bearing shield. Maybe the bearings are rubbing up against it so therefore you aren getting the casting distance you ought to.
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You never mentioned what kind of reel you upgraded the bearings on. Anyway casting distance is governed by order of lure weight, rod length, line size, reel drag, spool weight, then bearing. Improving the bearings should allow to to pitch and flip with a lot less effort. If you didn't get a lightweight spool and didn't take your drag all off, then you might not get the casting distance you were looking for.
The orange seal has orange seal on the bearing shield. Maybe the bearings are rubbing up against it so therefore you aren getting the casting distance you ought to.
I upgraded my Core 51, Chronarch 101B, and Curado 201E7. When I have time, I'll take the stock bearing (which is still good) and Orange Seal out at the same time using the same setup (lure, line, and drag). I'll just swap them out after a few cast to see if there really any difference.
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What kind of rod you got the test run on? What type of line and how heavy?
It's always kind of hard to tell unless you have identical setups side by side. Then compare the upgraded one right next to the stock one.
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(http://fish.shimano.com/publish/content/global_fish/en/us/index/products/reels/low_profile_baitcasting/Curado_E.image.-familyImage-Single-image.dash.512.384.jpeg)
Product name: Shimano Curado 200E5/E7 and Citica 200#
website: Curado E (http://fish.shimano.com/publish/content/global_fish/en/us/index/products/reels/low_profile_baitcasting/Curado_E.html)
What it is or whats it use is: Baitcasting reel, low profile. Use for whatever crank, spinnerbait, T-rig, C-rig, or Wacky rig, style you want it for. While the Curado can cast 1/4 oz. weight decent, the Citica really needs a lot more effort. Not worth it for the Citica and better suited for the 1/2 oz. lures. HEG desing maybe more efficient, but seems to make reel more lopsided to handle heavy side.
Price: Citica retails $120, Curado retails $180
Reason to buy or not buy the product - what was good or bad about it - overall review: Maybe. The wider spool is not as efficient as a slightly more narrow spool. While both Curado and Citica E series are huge improvement over their predecessors, they fulfill a totally different niche. It's more like these reels were intended for the heavier line and more power fishing styles. The Curado has almost eliminated the handle backplay. The Citica still has evident handle backplay. Citica is also a pain on the maintainence. The star drag can lose some parts easily and you have to hold the whole handle assembly down as you try to put the handle nut back in.
Your grade from 5-1 stars (1 being the worst and 5 being the best): 4.0 for Curado. 3.0 for Citica
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now thats what i call a real fisher men..
i have a ultra light st. croix 5'0 rod with a trion gx-7 reel with 2 lbs test line
perfect for panfish fishing.. i've got 1-2 lbs large mouth bass with no problem with this combo..
as long as i set the drag to a point that wont break my line than almost any fish i can drag out of the water..
but it'll be a crazy long ass fight..
but i used different rod and reels for different fish specimens..
i have 4 rod combos.. for different type of fish im going after..
i usually used my 7'0 rod and my baitcaster whenever im out fishing..
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When people Gives reviews it is very helpful wether it's a good review or bad review. So i will give a review also.
I'm not a pro fisherman nor do i get a chance to fish much. My review will be base as if i was a rookie.
Fishin Pole: Pflueger President 6'6" MH fast action. $49.99
Reel:Abu Garcia Black Max LH reel $49.99 but got on sale for $39.99
Total cost: $89.98 before taxes
Pole:
I found the pole at gander mountain and it was the only pole. I can't seem to find any where online or else where. I'm assumming it was part of a Combo pflueger release in the past. I don't know how to rate poles but i enjoyed it. It's light and does what it needs to for me.
Reel:
The reel is pretty easy to use. Has a brake system which helps me out alot with the back lashes/fish nets. Has this switch on the reel which i think is for pitching but i don't use it but nice to have. 5 ball bearings not as smooths as i like it to be but feels good enough for me.
pole and reel together:
the reel and pole feels pretty light to me. casting distance is good. i can cast this as far as i can cast my buddy reel and pole which is a Shimano Crucial and Abu garcia revo sx ( i think $300 plus set up). the pole is not as light as the crucial and the feel of the reel is not as comfortable as the revo sx but small and light enough for me to fish all day. been using it for about a month now and it's been great. caught a pretty big smallie over the weekend. i won't say how big the smallie was because we had no scale and i hate when people over exaggerate on how big their fish was. This set up had no problem muscling the fish in.
Conclusions:
I would recommend this setup for any one who is looking to get started in baitcasting and looking to get a set up under $100.0 with a left hand reel. the reel is inexpensive and works great for the money. the pole is hard to find so most likely you won't find it. if there was a rating system i would give it a 8.5 out of 10 as of date. will update later if needed.
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(http://www.biggreenfish.com/images/super-tune%20kit.jpg)
Product name: (Curado 200E7 upgrade) ABEC 7 bearings
Price: $17 + postage
I decided to order some ABEC 7 bearings from biggreenfish.com (http://www.biggreenfish.com/index.htm). When I took the bearings out from the package and gave it a free spin test, I can see how smoothly these bearings were. The bearings easily free spin for about 24 seconds. I added some Xtreme Reel+ oil to it and the bearings free spin time dropped to about 14 seconds. Compared to stock bearings which had like no free spin, but will have about 4 seconds free spin with Xtreme Reel+ oil applied to it. I measured my spool's free spin with the stock bearings and had about 14 seconds of free spin. I replaced the cast control bearing first and did a quick spool free spin and the time jumped up to about 24 seconds. I replaced the side cover bearing and the spool free spin time jumped up to 55 seconds. Free spool spin was impressive and I was in a slight euphoric state. I also noticed a more hollow audible sound with the new bearing noise. Sounds more like a robust engine now. After about ten minutes when the Xtreme Reel+ oil has settled into the bearings the free spool spin droped to about 28 seconds.
Casting test with a 1/4 oz weight on 7' medium Avid rod. I've had some trouble preventing backlash on every cast as I'm trying to adjust for this light weight. After a while, I could manage to cast about 25 yards decent. It's not much of an improvement of achieving casting distance compared to the stock bearings where I can achieve a little more than 20 yards. A few more attempts and I got more use to it and starte to get closer to 30 yards of casting distance. I decided to go for a long cast and managed 35 yards. Pretty much now, I'm convinced that the bearing upgrade did it's job and I'm satisfied with the backyard casting test.
I changed it up to 3/8 oz weight and went through pretty much the same thing. Only I notice that the 3/8 oz weight achieve better line management. Casting distance was on par the 1/4 oz weight. I got my long cast of about 35 yards, but with a lot less effort. This is still an improve casting distance over the stock bearings that would achieve just a little over 30 yards.
The 200 size spool is still a clutz for light weight. The two bearings upgrade was only nominal in changing my opinion on it. Nonethless the upgrade did prove to me the merit in longer cast distance as well as smoother and less effort. My original intention was to do the bearing upgrade on the Citica 200E, but figured the test would be better for the Curado instead. Minimal cost to improve performance and it was a very easy task to accomplish.
Recommend to a friend? Yes
Buy again? Yes
Your grade from 1-5 stars (1 being the worst and 5 being the best): 5.0
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Looking into buying a good Pitching rod. Any recommendation s?
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Looking into buying a good Pitching rod. Any recommendation s?
go shopp'n, pick up a few rods, get a feel for what you like. Its all personal preference. The difference between a good rod and a great rod is what you think of it, don't let your mind distinguish which is better let your hands do all the work. O0 ( that's what she said!) :2funny:
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Too bad I know nothing about rods.
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Looking into buying a good Pitching rod. Any recommendation s?
ugly stix works great for pitching into cover.
love mine for that
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ugly stix works great for pitching into cover.
love mine for that
Isn't an Ugly Stix too soft to be pitching into cover????
I currently have a 7'6" Shimano Crucial Flipping Stick. It does the job but I wouldn't mind having an extra few inch to the rear grip so it'll tuck under my armpit for stronger hookset.....
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Product name: Curado 50E
Low profile bait casting reel
Price: $199.99
First impressions are the sharper line of the reel body and the overall smaller reel body profile. The graphite star drag has a nice touch of a matching paint color but not being made of the aluminum like the other Curado 200E’s was a sign of a lesser quality reel. It’s the same star drag on the Citica 200E. The reel itself when cranked was not as smooth as its bigger siblings either. The levelwind guide was different from other siblings. It is not up next to the levelwind line guide eye but was 180 degrees on the opposite side being like the way on the Chronarch 200D’s, only placed closer to the spool. It may be a spitting image of the Core 50Mg but, the design of it turns out to be a more wobbly and noisy operation. Furthermore there was looseness in the worm gear track that was very obviously felt during free cranking of the reel. A gentle shake of the reel reveal a lot of looseness and internal rattling. There was a considerable amount of handle back play. For being a smaller reel, it’s lacking much in precision tolerances than its bigger siblings.
The reel was spooled up with 6# Gamma Copolymer and mounted on a St. Croix Avid 6’6” medium power crank rod. Casting on this smaller reel was performing extremely well on a ¼ oz bullet weight. The bearings were treated with some Xtreme Reel+ lubricant. Free spool spin time was about 12 seconds compared to the non treated stock bearings of only 6 seconds. The first few casts got me roughly about 25 yards of casting distance. As I tuned the reel in, I was soon casting about 30 yards easily. I did manage a long distance cast of 40 yards. I swapped out the stock bearings for some ABEC 7 bearings treated with some Xtreme Reel+ lubricant as well. I immediately got 30 yards of casting distance. Tweaking the reel for the ¼ oz. bullet weight, I was soon effortlessly getting about 35 yards. I did manage a long distance cast of about 45 yards.
I still couldn’t get over how loosely noisy the reel was so I open up the reel to check to see if there was some loose part. Well everything seems to be in order. I did notice how large the main gear was. I also notice no ribbing support on the handle side plate. I checked the gear teeth tolerance and notice how loosely they meshed, a big time noise contributor there. I also notice how wobbly the anti reverse pawl was as I turned the main drive around. There is no clip to hold it down like on its bigger sibling. It just wasn’t sitting well, but it didn’t pop out of place either. There may be some noise contribution from this part as well. However I mostly notice how wobbly the drive shaft was. This was probably the biggest noise contributor to this reel. I also noticed how wobbly the anti-reverse pawl operated as I turned the main drive. I removed the anti-reverse pawl and put the reel back together but I didn’t notice any less rattling noise in both free cranking and gentle shaking of the reel. I disassemble the reel again and put the anti-reverse pawl back. I added additional grease to the anti-reverse pawl and the main and pinion gear. This helped reduced some noise. I also put some grease in between the reel frame and the cast control bearing to absorb some of the looseness in the spacing. I couldn’t eliminate the gear looseness and rattling noise on free crank. In the end, I held down the levelwind guide and that basically eliminated about most of the rattling noise as I gently shake the reel. A harder shake revealed that perhaps the main gear was the culprit for the other rattling noise, just simply due to weight of gear and looseness of gear mesh.
Recommend to a friend? Maybe. The reel comes with mixed results. I wouldn’t just recommend this reel to a friend. However it’s ability to casts light weight lures is phenomenal and on basically on par with much more expensive reels. Yet final assembly and choice of use of certain components leaves me with a big question of why was some lack of precision parts implemented into the final product.
Buy again? Not sure. I would probably not buy this reel again. However due to the specialization of this reel, there isn’t another contender in about the price range. Ideally I feel as if this reel should’ve been price point below the larger Curado 200E’s at $179.99. I think at $149.99 would be on par for it’s out of the box tolerances. Performance falls short of standard set by the Curado 200E and reminded me too much of the Citica 200E.
Your grade from 1-5 stars (1 being the worst and 5 being the best): 3.5 plus (not a 4)
Update: 09/22/10
After some more use and finally removed the assist stopper pawl again. I can feel the reel operating a lot smoother as well as some decrease in noise. In a sense it will probably function a little more closer to the Scorpion XT1000 (Japanese version). I temporarily replaced the bearings with some ARB spool bearings from the Chronarch D and I'm trying to get a feel of a supposed Scorpion XT1000. I admit I really like the effects of it now. Makes me wonder if I should order some ARB spool bearings.
Overall seems like the reel needed a break in period. For finesse application, removal of the assist stopper pawl makes for a better feel. Still I wish that the reel would've just come with the better ARB bearings.
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Thanks for the Curado review. I was thinking should I get it or not??? We'll see........... .........
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It's just gonna be my dedicated ice fishing reel. >:D So everything else that comes afterwards doesn't really matter.
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Found a great deal on Quantum Energy PTS Left hand reels. $99 + S&H Reg price is $219
Anyone have some reviews on this reel? I'm replacing my Shimano Calcutta 150 and this looks like it's going to be a good upgrade. I ordered the 7:0:1 just because the 6:3:1 was out of stock.
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Those new ones with the reel seats and coming in 36" and 42" are awesome. Just like the old Avid Ice rods. The lot I picked up had great epoxy jobs and all line guides were straight. Medium action on these rods are just like a compress full size rod. I like them way better than my old 28" medium rod already. They do cost more, $30 instead of the usual $20 Premiers. They have a seablue line wrap accent instead of the seagrean of the normal Premiers.
Two baitcasting models in 34" of MH and H power. I only bought the MH to try out. If I like that, then I'll look into getting the H power model later.
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Upgraded my Strikelite to a 9" Lazer drill bit. It works awesome. Drills at a bout the same speed if not faster. Just a tad bit heavier than the old composite drill bit.
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(http://i777.photobucket.com/albums/yy56/perryvang/2011Allison.jpg)
This is my next project. Sweet!
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Umm why do you have Yamaha gauges on your dash?? ;D
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Umm why do you have Yamaha gauges on your dash?? ;D
Its not mine. This is new 2011 Allison. They come with 898c in the dash and 858c in the bow. Also, I think this one has a Yam 250 SHO.
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I wonder why many boat mfg don't put 7" screens on bow and dash? In the front I like to see depth + follow depth contours. Thats I why I put a 858c in the bow but its more of a challenge to get a 898c to the console.
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898 and 858 same body. O0 998 and 898 same body. O0
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898 and 858 same body. O0 998 and 898 same body. O0
I didn't know they were the same body frame. However, I wouldn't put side imaging up front but would love to have 898 or 998 in the dash. I don't like it sticking out and having it flap like dumbo ears.
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Jigger Totter ice rod holders. It's kind of similar to a plastic Mr. Jigger rod holder but I found it to still be useful being an all metal stainless steel construction. If you're lazy ice fishing guy like me, who can't catch fish, maybe get one of these balanced rod holder and see if it helps you detect more bites. It's kind of similar to those tip downs but it's not a tip down.
(http://www.idofishing.com/groups/files/35/1295825163_JiggerTotterTipSet01.JPG)(http://www.idofishing.com/groups/files/35/1295825174_JiggerTotterTipSet02.JPG)
First pix, is my idea of settign the butt of the rod on the crossbar of the Jigger Totter rod holder. So when a fish bites the lure initially, it will trip if off and go into the teeter totter mode. Now I will know for sure if I have a bite. Which in second pix is really what it's meant to do. If fish stays on the rod will teeter totter with fish on. Then give it a hook set. O0
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(http://i777.photobucket.com/albums/yy56/perryvang/CustomRodHandles.jpg)
I hated the black tape and zip ties so I customized these handles myself. It cost me $2!!!
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Changing out Shimano spool bearings...... ........
(http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/wmvang/P1010001-40.jpg)
Open the side plate.
(http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/wmvang/P1010002-34.jpg)
Use a small tool to pull out the hex lock spring. You can see the spring was already popped out.
(http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/wmvang/P1010005-30.jpg)
(http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/wmvang/P1010006-27.jpg)
Once the spring is out, turn the reel upside down and softly tap it so the bearing will come out.
(http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/wmvang/P1010007-18.jpg)
Put the new bearing into the reel, use your finger to put back the hex lock spring, and you're finish with this side.
On the handle side, unscrew the spool tension knob until it comes off.
(http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/wmvang/P1010009-12.jpg)
(http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/wmvang/P1010010-11.jpg)
Then it's pretty much like the first side. Use the tool to unlock the spring, turn the reel upside down and softly tap until the bearing comes out, replace it with the new bearing, put the spring back to lock in the new bearing, and screw the spool tension knob back in place. You have just finish changing out the spool bearings....
(http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/wmvang/P1010013-4.jpg)
(http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/wmvang/P1010014-7.jpg)
It just take a couple of mins to change out the spool bearings (it took me longer to write this post)...........
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Wow! Thanks for taking your time to post all this up. Very knowledgeable. Sorry to be an internet douche but what exactly is the point? Whats the advantage? I think stock cores are awesome reels so if it ain't broken, don't fix it.
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When you get good reel, you don't really need to upgrade bearings. When you get dirt cheap reel, upgrading bearings won't help you either. It's kind of middle of the road performance reels that if you super tune them, you can get more performance out of them without having to buy the expensive reel. The easiest way to get more performance out of your reel is to simply clean out the old factory grease from the bearings and put something like hot sauce oil in it.
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Fish4Keep, thanks for taking the time to show us how its done. O0 BTW, do you clean reels? :)
Villain, hotsauce is made for them Quantums because the gears n stuff in them are not smooth like others. Hotsauce actually eats\softens down the quantum gears to make them smooth. But hey what do I know? O0
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Wow! Thanks for taking your time to post all this up. Very knowledgeable. Sorry to be an internet douche but what exactly is the point? Whats the advantage? I think stock cores are awesome reels so if it ain't broken, don't fix it.
:knuppel2: :knuppel2: :knuppel2: :knuppel2: :knuppel2: :2funny:
That's true the core is already awesome right out of the box. But I had a chance to buy some OS (not pictured) abec 7 for real cheap so I just needed to try them out. Also I put up that for blablablablabl a, since he said it looks complicated in the other post.
Fish4Keep, thanks for taking the time to show us how its done. O0 BTW, do you clean reels? :)
Villain, hotsauce is made for them Quantums because the gears n stuff in them are not smooth like others. Hotsauce actually eats\softens down the quantum gears to make them smooth. But hey what do I know? O0
I just clean my own reels.
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:knuppel2: :knuppel2: :knuppel2: :knuppel2: :knuppel2: :2funny:
That's true the core is already awesome right out of the box. But I had a chance to buy some OS (not pictured) abec 7 for real cheap so I just needed to try them out. Also I put up that for blablablablabl a, since he said it looks complicated in the other post.
I just clean my own reels.
Thanks Fish4keep, if you are local I have quite a few reels that need a good cleaning. (all Shimano) ;D Its not complicated, its more of I'm just too lazy to take the time to do it ;D
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;D
While you're at it, I have lots of reels for you to clean too! You any good with Daiwa's ?
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When Hot Sauce first came out, I put that into my Snapshot reel only to have the reel become gun shot. :D That was user error. It should only go into the bearings, but I use Xtreme Reel plus lube nowadays.
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fish4keep, I'm serious about the reel cleaning. O0
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fish4keep, I'm serious about the reel cleaning. O0
Thanks but no thanks. It's not that I don't know how to, it's just that I don't want to play with other ppls reel. Shimano is really not that hard. Their internal system is pretty basic (don't know about the calais or dc, I don't own those).
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Shimano's are the easiest reels to clean and service. They even come with tool and oil.
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For you Bassboat lovers who can't convince your wife into buying a 3 passenger boat. Check out this line of boat, made in Brasil. A true 5 passenger bassboat.
(http://i777.photobucket.com/albums/yy56/perryvang/QuestBassboats.jpg)
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That's one badaxe bass boat :notworthy:
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fish4keep - thanks for the tutorial.. I'll have to order some bearings for my chronarchs. What type of grease do you guys use on shimano reels?
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That's one badaxe bass boat :notworthy:
Tops out around 77mph with a 250hp. Not bad. I have never seen these boats before. I don't even see it on Bass Boat Central.
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fish4keep - thanks for the tutorial.. I'll have to order some bearings for my chronarchs. What type of grease do you guys use on shimano reels?
Shimano recommends minimal grease on drag washers and shimano oil. Bum, just get Shimano Grease. O0 I just cleaned all of my baitcasters. O0
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I'll grab some shimano grease and give it a try. I oiled all my reels already but haven't grease yet.
I might of put to much oil on one of my reels cause the spool won't spin when i turn the handles :'(
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I spent all of last week after work and cleaned all of my 101ds, opened them all up, cleaned the gears everything. what type of oil did u use? don't use Hot Sauce. :)
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I usually never own any reels more than 2-3 seasons but lately its become pricy to upgrade and I'm very satisfied with the new reels I have. The factory oils that came with the reels are almost done. Where do you guys buy your oils and what brand?
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I spent all of last week after work and cleaned all of my 101ds, opened them all up, cleaned the gears everything. what type of oil did u use? don't use Hot Sauce. :)
I only use the oil that comes with the reels.
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I usually never own any reels more than 2-3 seasons but lately its become pricy to upgrade and I'm very satisfied with the new reels I have. The factory oils that came with the reels are almost done. Where do you guys buy your oils and what brand?
I oil my reels once a year. I run all shimanos so I have quite a bit of oil laying around. I cleaned 15 reels and used one whole bottle of shimano oil.
Blaster you use your reels for 2-3 seasons only? Blaster, it must suck to have money! :2funny: I have a 10 year old Curado that I still use, all of my reels are working perfect no need to replace, upgrade. O0
I only use the oil that comes with the reels.
Shimano uses a Teflon grease. Its like 5 bucks for a tiny tub. I can't justify spending 5bucks on grease and paying 10 bucks for shipping. I'm trying to locate it locally. When I do i'll let you know.
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I oil my reels once a year. I run all shimanos so I have quite a bit of oil laying around. I cleaned 15 reels and used one whole bottle of shimano oil.
Shimano uses a Teflon grease. Its like 5 bucks for a tiny tub. I can't justify spending 5bucks on grease and paying 10 bucks for shipping. I'm trying to locate it locally. When I do i'll let you know.
Same here. I cannot justify pay $10 for shipping.Plus I do not have patience to wait for something so small and simple.
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Holy crap it is that much for shipping lol
I'll call all the big stores like Cabelas, gander, and joes to see if they have some.
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$6 for shipping is the cheapest so far ;D
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I spent all of last week after work and cleaned all of my 101ds, opened them all up, cleaned the gears everything. what type of oil did u use? don't use Hot Sauce. :)
That's all I use. Never had any issues. ???
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That's all I use. Never had any issues. ???
Quantum gears are not machined to tight tolerances to begin with that is why there is Quantum Hot Sauce. I'd say use what is recommended from the MFG. I'll only use shimano oil in any of my reels, I don't own any quantum. O0
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I have both, Diawa and Shimano so twice the work
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I own Pflueger and Gander Mtn reels O0
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I called Gander in Blaine and I think it was Chino who I talk too. I ask him about hotsauce not compatible on shimano reels and he laughed at me and said there shouldn't be any issues, its just that shimano wants you to buy there brand.
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;D
http://www.hotspotoutdoors.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/2520385/Reel_Maintenance
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Dietz is a shimano dealer so he could be bias :)
I'll stick with what shimano says O0
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Too many people with too many answers. Lets just think scientifically . I don't think any gear oil will eat away any stainless steel or titanium ball bearings. If so, it probably take hundreds or years since the lube is actually protecting the bearings from rust. If it does, its probably at such an unnoticeable rate so I wouldn't worry unless you have ceramic bearings then it will depend the type of gear oil. Another thing I worry about is the gear oil eating away rubber gaskets if any. So, as far all I know, bacon grease, massage oil, household oil etc.. will probably work well except it will crumb up in time as friction builds.
Gesh, you guys worry too much.
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Too many people with too many answers. Lets just think scientifically . I don't think any gear oil will eat away any stainless steel or titanium ball bearings. If so, it probably take hundreds or years since the lube is actually protecting the bearings from rust. If it does, its probably at such an unnoticeable rate so I wouldn't worry unless you have ceramic bearings then it will depend the type of gear oil. Another thing I worry about is the gear oil eating away rubber gaskets if any. So, as far all I know, bacon grease, massage oil, household oil etc.. will probably work well except it will crumb up in time as friction builds.
Gesh, you guys worry too much.
O0 :2funny:
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I gotta worry cause fishing is one expensive hobby
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Cash don't grow thick on trees for Bumz and I, unlike Blaster it grows on trees his pockets are full have no place to put, its even moldy........ O0
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Cash don't grow thick on trees for Bumz and I, unlike Blaster it grows on trees his pockets are full have no place to put, its even moldy........ O0
You guys need to start printing your money guys.
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I'm not the guy with two boats, luxury sports sedan, an SUV and 1000's of fishing rods. With joking aside, I think neither of us is at a level of deep pockets. I used to waste money I never had so now I learning how to take care of my things which is why I take advice from guys like ya'll.
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The reviews that I am going over are the types of fishing poles and reels that I've used.
I currently own many rods for different type of techniques for fishing. I will start and explaining my techniques for fishing.
The best rod I used so far is the Bionix by Berkley usually 6" because the rod is very stiff and can be felt even by the littliest bite. Will beat any fishing pole outthere when it comes to feeling the littliest bite. Put this rode in action in a damn where there are alot of hmong people and this rod is the only pole seem to be catching the picking white bass who seems to take small bites or nips.
Cost to own: 54 bucks.
Reel put on rod is the Shimano Stradic® FI Spinning Reel which cost about 150 and up.
Rod= Berkley cherrywood 6"= 24 bucks
info- This rod is very good and stiff but not quality isn't as good as the Bionix. This rod will the do the job and will out perform other rods for the cheap price.
Reel put on this rod- Shimano Sienna 2500RD=40 bucks
Rod=Daiwa 6" =24 bucks
Reel-Daiwa= 30 bucks
Comment-This brand of gear is good quality, but will probbaly not buy it again because the feel isn't like the berkley and the Shimano reel.
Rod=Shakespear 5'6 =16 bucks
reel=shakepear=came with fishing rod
Comment=love this flexible rod and because it is small. I used this for super fly fishing. What I mean is that I jig three times for every 5 seconds until I get a bite. Works like wonder. People just look around and thinks that I am crazy for jigging so fast, but it works right.
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(http://auction-e.com/image/20/698/1248.jpg)
(http://www.bearcreektackle.com/Images/9030XTX%20_M.jpg)
Product name: Pflueger Supreme XT 9030 Spinning Reel
What it is or whats it use is: white bass, walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and smaller trout.
Price: $99.99 (Got it on sale for $79.99)
Reason to buy or not buy the product - what was good or bad about it - overall review:
PROs: Love the Gear Ratio: 6.2:1 for a spinning reel! Drag is not too loud or too queit, just perfect. Performs well in all conditions, rain or shine. Love the gold color, definitely stands out.
Lightweight durable magnesium body & rotor
9 stainless steel ball bearings
Corrosion resistant bearings in key locations
One-way clutch instant anti-reverse bearing
Evenly applied, heat resistant carbon washer with a wide range tension adjustability
Double anodized machined aluminum spool with holes
Aluminum side plate
Sure-ClickTM bail provides an audible signal when bail is fully opened and ready to cast
Large stainless steel bail wire
Anti-twist titanium line roller
Machined aluminum handle with soft touch knob
Sealed drag system
Spare aluminum spool
Convertible right or left hand retrieve
On/Off anti-reverse
Neoprene reel bag
Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
Line Capacity: 9030 XT- 280 yds/4 lb, 160 yds/6 lb, 140 yds/8 lb
CONs: There's not much to complain about. Only thing I can think of is that it's not as smooth as the Pflueger Presidential, but definitely more durable.
Your grade from 5-1 stars (1 being the worst and 5 being the best): 4.8/5 Near perfect and my go to reel O0
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Just picked up a new favorite combo. Steez 103SHA and 6'5" Cumulus. Total weight of rod, reel and 20lb braided power pro = 8.3oz :o. This thing is unbelievably light. Don't let the rod size fool you. At 6' 5", its extremely powerful.
(http://i777.photobucket.com/albums/yy56/perryvang/steezcumulus.jpg)
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Nice rod brother.
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Never thought it was possible to get a baitcast reel to match the NRX rods but here it is. Just picked it up yesterday. Pflueger Patriarch XT.
I've owned Shimano and Daiwa reels, never Pflueger so I'll update later on how it performs. So far its lightweight for an all aluminum construction frame. 6.8oz. Feels light. I did a couple cast on my yard. Casts 1/8oz jigs nicely. The brake system is on the outside so dialing is very easy just like a Steez compared to Shimano where you would need to take the side plate out. Palming is very easy for an asian brother like me, small palms. Supposedly it has 10 ball bearings and a 20lb drag. I'll put it to a real test on the water this Saturday and will update.
NRX matching reel
(http://i777.photobucket.com/albums/yy56/perryvang/NRXpflugerpatriarch.jpg)
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Let us know how it feels and cast.
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On Saturday, I had the chance to use the Pflueger Patriarch XT in the TCHB Tournament. The reel performed really well paired up to the NRX. I was a bit concerned b/c NRX rods are a bit stiff, similar to Daiwa Steez rods. Concerned b/c without any flex it wasn't going to cast my 1/8oz & 1/4oz jigs to my standards but it has just enough flex to make great casts. In the morning I caught 3, 3lbers out of the grass and the drag held really well on the Patriarch. I'll say, @ $249, for 1/2 the price it did a better job then my Daiwa Steez. Only thing I wish they add was a flip switch just like the steez or core 100mgfv. However, I think that will add cost and possibly weight.
The Patriarch XT is Pflueger's top of the line casting reel. Not a lot of people are crazy about the color (Silver & Blue) but for those who have OCD like me, its color scheme is a perfect match with the Gloomis NRX.
At $249, it is an outstanding reel. At 6.8oz, it might not be a steez or Core 50mg but 1.2oz is not much weight to tell the different and the power of the reel is incredible. I would highly recommend this reel to anyone who is in the market.
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I just picked up the new Eskimo pop-up ice shelter yesterday (11/14/11) from Joe's. MSRP: $379, Sale price: $249. I only saw 2, 949i thermal left. Its fully thermal insulated, inside-out and has a total fishing space of 61 square feet, compared to my 6'x8' Clam, 48 square feet.
Pro's: Thermal insulated will help retain heat and reduce condensation. Flare out bottom has 13 more square feet of fishing space. Straight line zipper will reduce wear and tear.
Con's: None so far since there is no ice so no real world test except one concern. The stitching on the strap handle of one side ripped off 3-4 stitches when I opened it out of the box and carried it. My thoughts, its just a bag and the materials on that isn't all that important. I'm hoping the material and stitching on the pop-up is better then the bag.
(http://i777.photobucket.com/albums/yy56/perryvang/eskimo.jpg)
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I picked up a fat fish too...
have't used it yet but from first look seems like the skirts are a bit small/ so you can't pile on a lot of snow to keep in the heat...also the bag as with previous eskimo bags are too small for the house and it's quite a chore to get the house back in the bag especially when you're out fishing all day and the house is cold/frozen on outside.
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I picked up a fat fish too...
have't used it yet but from first look seems like the skirts are a bit small/ so you can't pile on a lot of snow to keep in the heat...also the bag as with previous eskimo bags are too small for the house and it's quite a chore to get the house back in the bag especially when you're out fishing all day and the house is cold/frozen on outside.
Yep, I noticed the skirts are a bit short to pile a good amount of snow. We'll see after some real world use, with two hands, you can customize anything. Just go to Joann Fabrics, pick up the right fabric and sew on an extra 8" of skirt.
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Just received my Okuma EVX telescopic musky rod. I figured you guys up north might appreciate it since you guys actually have musky haha. The rod cost $85 plus shipping from overstockbait. com but if you're in MN you can pick it up for free from their store. Regular retail is $119. I bought the 9'3" model XH rated 65-100lb test 4-16oz lures. Although I have yet to fish it, these are my first impressions.
The rod is of solid build quality, looks like an oversized bass rod. It's made of IM-8 graphite with zirconium guide inserts for braided line. It also has a nice Fuji reel seat and nice cork handles. The telescopic feature is a must for me because I don't drive a truck so I have to put everything into my camry. When folded down the rod is about 7'6" which fits just fine. This allows me to have a rod without the two-piece whippy feeling.
Some cons are that it's heavy. It might become a pain to cast lures with this thing all day. My rod also came with a little knick near the hook holder but it's more a cosmetic thing.
So far it looks pretty awesome and I'm pretty satisfied with it. I bought it to chase sharks from the surf and for deepsea fishing and I think it'll do great. I've seen guys use the gloomis 9' rods for deep sea but I'm fairly certain I will be able to do the same for about 1/3 the price. I'll update once I get a chance to toss it, maybe I'll even catch something that fights.
P.S. lifetime warranty rocks! For those of you guys unfamiliar with okuma, they used to make crappy low-end gear but are now under new management in southern california. They are working really hard to be competitive with the other big name brands. So far they have kick-ass spinning reels and are moving forward on their rods, fly and casting gear. Maybe it's the underdog spirit that makes me root for them. Not only that but Okuma in Japanese Kanji spells "bear" in Chinese which translates to Xiong. Kind of cool fishing with gear that has your last name on it.
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Quick review of some gear I recently picked up and have used on the ice:
Muck Arctic Pro Extreme boots -
Keeps my feet very warm. I've worn them out twice, in 20 degree weather only, with only 1 pair of smartwool snowboarding socks, and have not had cold feet. They are high boots and completely waterproof. No laces. Just slip on. They wear snug on my calves to seal off the elements. Need external ice cleats for traction though.
Kahtoola Microspikes -
Awesome traction! Easy to slip on and off. Any ice cleats are a must have on the ice right now.
Arctic Armor Plus bibs -
Keeps my legs very warm. The Plus bibs have a tricot (thin fleece) lining, in addition to the 3 layers of insultex (floating insulation). Very light weight and not bulky. Wasn't sure how much clothing I needed under, but I was more than fine with only my cheap long johns that are 50% cotton/50% poly. Yes, I know cotton is a no-no, but you need something to help absorb a little sweat/moisture because the bibs do not breathe well. You just have to unzip a little here and there for relief if necessary.
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When cutting fishing lines, I don't like to put my mouth on bacterial fishing lines and my teeth just can't cut braided lines. For most, a lighter will do the trick but try getting a flame in the wind or when your braided line is wet. I have just about every scissor there is but the other day while shopping with the wife at an Arts & Crafts store, I found these scissors.
They're titanium coated so it is rust free, corrosion resistant, small, compact, extremely sharp and has a lifetime warranty. As soon as I brought it home, I try cutting every line there is. 2lb nano, 6-10lbs mono, 20-50lb braid. Works great!!!
Its called Fiskars. Price is $12 and fits in my vexilar pro pack tackle box.
(http://i777.photobucket.com/albums/yy56/perryvang/fiskars.jpg)
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Interesting set of scissors. Nice review. O0
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Interesting set of scissors. Nice review. O0
no prob. don't let that school bus yellow handle fool you. Its made with high quality polymer plastic, virtually indestructible .
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no prob. don't let that school bus yellow handle fool you. Its made with high quality polymer plastic, virtually indestructible .
i think i'd be more worried about dropping it in the water than destorying it some how. lol ;D good to know tho O0
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i think i'd be more worried about dropping it in the water than destorying it some how. lol ;D good to know tho O0
LOL...yep. I thinking of buying another. One tied onto my summer fishing vest and then one tied my vexilar case.
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I use these for my nose hairs and for my fishing line...
(http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/public/p4wAtOUkHM4l20INWmYNPeMnADo7vsHh7_evX9DXBihojLdc7NLSpN0KqUFwSST53KK5T_el9-8qgrbl5BQSoTvW7JyKL3PZSviJpxOejzy4kL_JtXMTmfEnSg1ZN_pcmaXOp_2UNanffw)
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I use these for my nose hairs and for my fishing line...
(http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/public/p4wAtOUkHM4l20INWmYNPeMnADo7vsHh7_evX9DXBihojLdc7NLSpN0KqUFwSST53KK5T_el9-8qgrbl5BQSoTvW7JyKL3PZSviJpxOejzy4kL_JtXMTmfEnSg1ZN_pcmaXOp_2UNanffw)
How do you cut your nose hair at the same time driving your boat?
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thanks for the review. I've been wondering about these but still have close to 900yds of un-used, brand new regular pp
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i would've done the same. i actually gone back to fluoro and mono for most of my rods.
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(http://img.tacklewarehouse.com/new_product/LTMG-1.jpg)
Lews Tournament MG Speed Spool
I originally wanted to buy the Speed Spool (SS) at $99. But that was out of stock. So I made a quick decision to one up it and buy the Tournament MG (TMG) at $129. 2 Noticeable (visual) changes from SS to TMG was the star drag was metal (TMG) and not plastic (SS). Also the TMG had a different handle which is called the "Power Crank." I can't really say anything bad about this reel as it is my second Baitcaster. I really enjoy casting with this. Very smooth and trouble free. Used this reel for the 2013 fishing season. Over all 5 out of 5!
(http://www.abugarcia.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/product_models_large/product_images/silver_max2_cbo.jpg)
I have on hand also the Abu Garcia Silver Maxx combo. I love this combo as it was my first baitcaster. Great starter for baitcaster newbies (I am still one myself). I still carry this combo on every fishing trip cause there is always one or two person who wants to try a baitcaster in my group.
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Me thinking of getting this in future: Shimano Aldebaran 50HG
(http://ts1.mm.bing.net/th?&id=HN.608016075114087737&w=300&h=300&c=0&pid=1.9&rs=0&p=0)
(http://ts1.mm.bing.net/th?&id=HN.608042033899375606&w=300&h=300&c=0&pid=1.9&rs=0&p=0)
(http://ts1.mm.bing.net/th?&id=HN.608001188765434860&w=300&h=300&c=0&pid=1.9&rs=0&p=0)
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The new VMC light up bobber is a direct competitor with the Thill Splash Brite light up bobber. The VMC does have a heavy duty prong for the water conduct light activation. The bigger of the two sizes is a better product. It has two led lights instead of one for the smaller size. The larger bobber also uses larger batteries LR44. These bobbers also have a metal grommet for the top of the line tube.
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Ugly Stik Catfish rod
The white Ugly Stik I purchased is a medium heavy powe, seven feet rod. I kind of wanted a Heavy power but this will just have to do. The reel seat is designed for those large version heavyweight reels. For now I have my old Stradic FG 4000 paired up with it. White reel on a white rod isn't too shabby. I have 50# Whiplash braid on it. This braid is about the equivalent of most 40# braids.
Casting, I don't have it down yet for thus rod. It feels awkward because it does not load up like other Ugly Stik of medium power nor does it match up to other graphite rods. It is sort of in between, but still an Ugly Stik feel. I have a lot of other rods to compare it to.
The hook keeper is a problem design. It is mounted perpendicular as opposed to traditional parallel mounts. Furthermore it is on the side so there has been a few times my line fit caught up on it. That's what happens when fishing in the night.
The bite detection for the rod tip is not as soft as I would've like. It doesn't have that traditional Ugly Stik rod tip action. To be fair the location of where I was fishing has pressured catfish that do not hit hard. I was evev having trouble hooking up with a medium power Ugly Stik Pro. The only was to hook up consistently was with a graphite rod while you hold it.
While hooked up to nice 22-26" catfish the rod loads up nice and progressive. It basically flexed on full load to the same as my heavy power graphite rod. This is what this rod does very well. I have my very old Rhino Glow tip Medium Heavy rod that has a softer tip and more backbone that I'm much more use to, that I find better. The Ugly Stik just doesn't have the fish head turning ability but keeps a nice progressive load.
White is also very easy to see in the night as well. The Glow line guides in the top three makes it look cool. If anyone wants a dedicated catfishing rod, this rod fits the role very well. I just wish they have a heavy power version. At $40 its a great buy.
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Bomber Slab Spoon
This thing works great. It's a heavy weight spoon so it cast very far. It will reach the other side of the bank at the Stillwater power plant. It can get to the bottom with authority. It has a great wobble and won't spin. I'm using the 1 1/4 oz size.
I wished I would have given these a chance years ago when they had various sizes.
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Sufix 832 braid line.
The strange thing about this line is the Gore strand as part of the weave. It stands out with the braid at just the right angle in direct light. One can also feel it fingering the line.
I used the low vise green line and color fade on the first day was obvious on the last few feet of the line. After one weekend of several hours of use, the color fade looked very pale. I had a great green line on the spool that I did not recognized as 832 braid at all.
Being the first 8 strand line at 50# test and under the 30# to 10# braid offers significant line control and feel. The line management was very good on both spinning and bait caster reels. In comparison to other braids, Sufix High Performance braid at 50# equivalent basically operated at the same with 6 strands. 30# Spiderwire Ultimate braid is just 6 strands and has a slightly lighter feel while casting. 20# Fireline braid with only 4 strands may feel stiff and rough but offers a significantly lighter feel while casting and retrieving. 10# Sufix High Performance is obviously bootlace rough and noisy in comparison. Overall it seems the Gore fiber presents a bit more weight to the 832 line. I did not notice any significant line sinking advantage or disadvantage to surface lures. Sufix High Performance 80# braid has a higher strands count at 9 strands. Thus actually has a smoother feel.
Like all braids, one needs to pay attention to the line management on the spool, else wise there will be a backlash or birds nest coming off one of the subsequent cast.
I did not try this braid on any reel less than $100 nor on any fishing poles less than $150. So I cannot attest to lower performance results from lower precision gear.
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Perfect mismatch set up.
With the BFS segment growing in popularity and yet there is still a lack of availability. So for a complete fobby set up, I got it going good. I really like how my St. Croix Premier 6' Light power spinning rod performs in so many ways. I decided that I should just put the new Curado BFS casting reel onto it. Of course it's mismatched. Baitcasting reel on a spinning rod is the double take look head shake of a total noob at fishing.
At first I was afraid that without that handle trigger, that I would fling my rod. Well it hasn't happen. In fact without the handle trigger, the palming cradle hold on it was so much more comfortable. In fact the palm hold and casting was very smooth and flawless. I'm comparing this directly to my 6' Legend Elite Medium casting rod. In fact I am reconsidering the whole mismatch set up as a perfect combo in performance.
I am really gonna try pond trout fishing with this when next chance I get. For now play with the baby bass and panfish.
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I have a fly fishing set but I haven't used it. It's pretty awkward. I want to use my regular fishing set for trout fishing. So, this fly fishing set will just have to sit around without being used. Years from now it will have value as an antique.
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Stradic FG's 1000 and 4000
So after about twenty years of usage, with the last few years not so much, because the reels start to bind up while fishing in the rain. I guess in a way, it's official, it's time to retire the reels. History time...
Around just past the millennia, when I was just about trying out better fishing equipment stuff. I had still used mostly Ugly Stiks and Shakespeare reels - the Walmart stuff. If you in MN, you know Joe's Sporting Goods. So eventually shopped at Joe's and decided that perhaps I needed a new reel, better than the yearly Shakespeare junk that eventually get's thrown away after a year or two. At that time reels of the cheap kind were anywhere from $15 up to $50. Most of us buy the $20 to $30 reels. And it seems like we do that every year.
I was reading a lot of fisherman articles and advertisements, learning which reel to get. Heck I was still sporting my father's old Zebco 33 reels too. Somehow I saw on the clearance rack, two Stradic 4000FG reels. This was the reel that I had been reading articles on. Comes with spare spools too, that means I can tie up two different types of lines. One for bobber fishing and the other one for bottom rigs. The clearance price was just a little over one hundred dollars. So I snatched both of them. I also picked up a St. Croix Premiere 6' Light power rod. This was really the start of it.
After using the Stradic 4000FG reel on the Light power rod, there was some misgivings. One the reels are kind of heavy for such a light rod. It was about a month later went to Joe's and again saw two Stradic 1000FG reels on clearance too. Bam! Snatched both of those reels. And that's how the Shimano's and St. Croix came into my possession and that's how it all basically started the better equipment purchases.
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I would have been happy with just a bamboo stick like I used to have back in Laos over the mountain streams and my father's fish pond. But the waters here are much wider. Can't reach out far enough for the big bites on mornings. So, I decided to go ahead with an American fishing rod.
I remember holding a Zebco years ago. Then I had another retractable rod of some kind.
I didn't know of the good ones till Facebook surfaced and there are fishing groups passing around ideas.
Of course, last year was the first I cared enough to get the Stradic, etc. Love the performances of these new equipment. Not going back for anything below that.
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What makes a Stradic reel better than other reels below it is the gear used for the spool stroke. On most reels, if you use a round gear to drive the spool stroke, you get the most speed while it's in the middle and the slowest speed while it's at the top or bottom. That's just simple physics and simple gear performance. Now there are a lot of ways how they designs reels to change that. One is using an elliptical gear instead of a round gear. So at the middle it will slow the spool stroke a little bit. Two is give the reel a drive train that slows it down while the spool is in the middle of the stroke. On the Stradic it uses a worm gear to control the drive train of the spool stroke. It provides an even speed throughout the entire spool stroke. In the end the line lay on the Stradic reel is very even and stays that way after repeated casting and retrieve.
I used to not mind my older cheap Shakespeare reels or other's that I've bought before the Stradic with the line lay. Sometimes they bulge in the middle of the spool. Sometimes they saddle in the middle of the spool or worse stacks towards one end of the spool. Sometimes when you look from the top of the spool, you will see how one side of the spool has more line begin to stack on it making it more off centered. That's why with cheap spinning reels, that they blow up and launch a huge bird nest of line during the cast. Always have to watch out for that, but with the Stradic, it reduces that greatly to almost never happening.
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Retired the Stradic 4000FG
So I went to try a few replacements.
At first I purchased an Ultegra 4000FA on a closeout. Current model is FC, so it's been a few years since the FB version came and went away too. Current retail is $169, so up from the old $149 when I purchased. Anyway the reel is very smooth as should any brand new reel is. After the first few catfishing trips and even on the first one. I could feel the reel struggling with big fish on. I had to pull with rod, then ease up and reel up. In a way it sort of reminded me still of the cheap reels I use to buy and needing to put a lot of effort into with big fish on.
I finally purchased a Stradic 5000FL. The nomenclature is STC5000XGFL. C for refering to being compact as it's a slightly larger spool on the same 4000 reel body. XG for the slightly higher gear ratio of 6.2 to 1 vs the normal on at 6.0 to 1 gear ratio. So it's been years since I had to replace the Stradics. Going from G, H, I, J, K, to L. It's been like over 20 years or so.
The Stradic 5000FL current retail is $239 and up $20 from when I bought mine. So for fishing it did so much better in comparison to the Ultegra 4000. There is more winching power on this reel for sure. There is less noticeable flex in the reel body under load as well. The 5000 also has a non folding handle. It is a straight one piece.
I also bought a Twin Power 5000FD. Current retail is $459.99, significantly up from original price. Like the Stradic 5000FL, it's nomenclature is TPC5000XGFD. The Twin Power is the Japanese market equivalent for the Sustain reel in the US. However when the Twin Power came over in to US market, it had become so much more than a Sustain reel and position itself above a Sustain. This current FD model is the only reel that Shimano produces with a Titanium Nitride spool lip. It was what used to be on the older Sustain models that separates it from it's duplicate Stradic.
When hooked up with big fish, the Twin Power really lives up to it's name. It really has so much more smoother winching power over that of the Stradic equivalent. Both reels are rated to 24# of drag. The Twin Power is just slightly lighter in weight at 9.2 oz vs 10.4 oz for the Stradic. A lot of that has to do with the handle and knobs. Probably a lighter rotor and spool on the Twin Power as well. If I compare the Twin Power to my old Stella 4000FA, the current Twin Power 5000FD is smoother.
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I usually stick (rods/poles) to what I know or use what other people have used before. Yes the cheapo Shakespeare Pfleuger or Zebco Quantum products. However over the years I have been expanded into Shimano rods and St. Croix rods. Last of all, I started trying out some Phenix rods.
At first my thoughts were they're just another rod with bling blings. Well turns out some are very good while others are just as - just another rod. I'm gonna talk about the ones I found to be worthy, although they are now discontiued.
Phenix Ultra MBX Classic 6'6" L casting rod
Rod debut with a lot of nice aesthetic looks as well as a multi design wooden and EVA foam handle with a rubberized custum reel seat. Even the handle nut has a nice shiny jewel appearance etched ring design. Rod looks more beautiful on the rack over that of fishing. Anyway rod is much stronger than it's Light rating and performs much more like a ML. The one misgiving is that the rod handle design is much longer than most rods of this length. It sports a 15" handle length and the added components does give it more weight overall. The empty rod weights in at 4.88 oz.
Phenix Ultra MBX 7' L casting rod
This rod designed replaced the older Ultra MBX Classic with a toned down handle and split grips. Overall they lighten the weight, but the cheaper components does not justify the retail results. They also used cheaper line guide frames as well and the tip section has flushed rings on the blank. Not a good choice considering even cheaper rods from Phenix have some legs/stems on the line guides. Overall the rating of this rod is better and much closer to a Light rating as it is slower in rod taper compared to the shorter 6'6" prior version. It does achieve much better casting distance in part to being longer but also loading up better on the casting stroke. The shortcoming is line rub on the blank. It's like they don't fish the rods, but just built them to sell or fit into a market niche. The empty rod weights in at 3.65 oz.
Phenix Ultra MBX Classic 7' H casting rod
Quite a unique rod in itself. Overlooking the bling blings on the the rod, it has a very good performance merit. For some reason I really like how this rod casts and the overall casting motion results. The empty rod weights in at 5.56 oz. compared to St. Croix Legend Elite 7' heavy at 4.6 oz.
Again the multi design handle gives it weight but however it balances out very well when using weights of 1 oz. Comparing to the St. Croix, the Phenix has a tad bit lighter tip, but a faster tip blank load. That makes it just a tad bit more sensitive in feel over that of the St. Croix Legend Elite when imparting action as one moves the rod tip just a fraction less.
Phenix Feather 7'1" L casting rod.
Bonus talk. The specs on this rod fulfills what I was looking for in a light power casting rod and one of the few that was actually available on the retail shelf for years. It's still in production. The misgiving about this rod is that it's 1" longer. Why would they do that? It often just gets in the way, being 1" longer. If anything else, they should've made it 6'11" and it would be a better rod. So they just wanted to stand out a fulfill a market niche. When the feather rods came out, there was hardly any reels available to cast such light lures, so the need for longer rods would've accomplished that. Being a slightly cheaper rod, it does have that cheaper hollow feel in use. As well as a continued resonance feel when given a slight finger tap to the rod blank. Living up to it's feather light name, the empty rod weights in at 3.09 oz. Personal opinion is that I would not buy another Feather rod. They just don't suit me.
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I've noticed that longer poles are better for fighting big fish and
shorter poles are better for small fish.
Crappies and others up to white bass, I can do with my 5'6"
fast action rod.
But bigger ones like catfish, walleyes, and even largemouth bass
and pikes or carps and buffaloes, I'll need something in the 7' to 7'2" or
so.
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Old reel compared to new(er) reel.
Shimano Scorpion BFS and Shimano Curado BFS casting reels.
Scorpion BFS original retails for around $350 USD compared to the released Curado BFS at $200. In 2021 the Curado BFS was born from the Scorpion BFS that had been retired. A lot of the Shimano reels have a retail production of about 4-6 years. In Japan it is the SLX BFS reel.
Anyway these reels share the same parts like 99% interchangeabl e. The Curado BFS compared to it's prior version the Curado 70I series seems to not feel as solid. However when given the lighter lure used for casting the BFS version most certainly get's better cast distance as well as expand the range into much lighter weights. Although I mostly used these reels for ice fishing and that was their primary use, there is an experience to be felt for open water use.
In terms of smoothness and operational use, the older Curado 70 has better refinement. However for ice fishing practicality, the Curado BFS functionally is better. The larger arbor of the spool makes a lot of difference. To also have a lighter spool weight also means that those tiny ice fishing lures are able to pull line off more freely. I still have to manually pull line off when using light weights of like 1/32 oz or light but that is the same on spinning reels too. This is almost like a game changer, but more so of practical refinement. Plus have a clicking drag pull is the biggest advantage.
Thus this led to a comparison of the older Scorpion BFS reel with it's replacement Curado BFS. In use and function, the replacement did not do a better job overall. However, when considering the retail pricing, it is what it is. The affordability and exposure of BFS to consumers is goal. While the older Scorpion BFS pricing strictly only targeted purist. In real world practicality, it is that the Scorpion BFS is superior in many subtle ways. For sure final product representation with a better paint job sort of clues in to final assembly and performance of unit.
In comparison the Scorpion does have a smoother feel in empty operation. A quick check of even the star drag and thumbing down the spool to check the drag pressure operatoin is also better. Free spool spin on empty also smoother and quieter in operation. For ice fishing, yes it did everything that the Curado BFS reel did, and with a subtle but obvious refinement over that of the Curado BFS. Perhaps it all has to due with the better bearings found on the Scorpion BFS. There is also the price difference that hints towards the performance differenct. For full sized rod casting performance, the Scorpion BFS operationally is better as well. Further casting distance, easier to achieve distance with less effort, less line fluff during and at end of casting.
Newer is not always better. Cheaper more affordable isn't so bad either.