Ballpark Frank

I have two Symetres, one rear drag and one front drag. I love them both, and have a slight preference for the rear drag. I grew up using Cardinal 3 with the rear fulcrum drag. I fish alot for smaller carp and catfish with the rear drag model, I can set the drag light then when a fish is on, I can adjust the drag as necessary. When using it for bass, I set the drag at 1/3 rating and usually leave it there. Everyone has their own opinion, and usually have reasons for their preference. I am glad we have choices and don't have to buy gear based on others preferences.

WOW

I love my Quantums. I have 3 Accurist II CXs, 2 Accurist PTs, an Accurist PTS, and a Code. They are all great reels. There is very little difference in the CX vs PT, and the CX can be had for $50 to $80. I was looking at getting an Escalade also, but like you, the local Dick's were sold out. If you are still thinking about a Quantum and liked the looks of the Escalade, I recommend the Code.

Does anyone have any experience or information on these rods. I was browsing through Walmart tonight and saw a rack of the rods. They were all split-grip casting rods ranging from 6'6" to 7'6" in Light to MH actions. They seemed to be well made rods and were very light. I have wanted to experiment with a long split grip rod, but don't want to shell out $150-$250 for an experiment. These FLW rods were $47. They feel and look good enough for that.

My wife got me one a couple of weeks ago, and I love it. It is a little small for me, alot smaller than my other Quantum's, but palms well. Mine has the burner gearing, which is great for covering alot of water. I think you will be pleased with it.

I say the Symetre, too. I have two and love them.

There is another screw from the brake side of the frame that must be removed, you have to remove the brake side cover and the spool to access it.

I have several Lightning rods that have seen alot of action. They are great rods for the money. The newest models seem to be even lighter and more sensitive. I just recently got a Convergence spinning rod, and am very pleased with it. I can't say it is more sensitive, but it is definately lighter than my old Lightning rods. You won't be wasting your money by purchasing a Lightning rod, it will give you many years of service.

Thanks H.G., I might have to make a trip in the morning. The difference in the Code and Escalade is the braking system, I think. The Code uses the Quantum ACSII centrifugal and the Escalade uses the Dynamag magnetic system.

I was always an AG Cardinal guy for spinning reels, until I got my first Symetre. I now have two and love them. For $80, I don't think you can buy a better reel. I have fished with a friend's new Sustain, Stradic, and Stella. They are great reels but I still think the Symetre is the best bang for the buck. The others have the new "system" to eliminate tangles and aid in casting, but I can't justify the extra money since I have had zero problems with the Symetres.

Most of the places that I bank fish have roads or large paths that my fishing/rally car will fit on. I usually carry three rods, 2 BCs and 1 Spin, and a decent selection of lures. If I am going in areas the car will not fit, I grab one rod and a small backpack.

I am not endorsing, just making a statement. You do not have to remove a sideplate with Quantum's ACS brakes, just a simple turn of the dial.

Yeah, the 6sxi is what I have with a 6'6" Medium Tournament rod. It is a great combo, I haven't used it in awhile. I got to where I was using baitcasting exclusively. My Convergence/Symetre has gotten me back into the world of spinning tackle. I did not know how much I missed throwing the little cranks and spinners. The Rapala rod and reel are excellent for the money. I figured that Shimano may have had a hand in making them, due to the European partnership they have together. If that was so, that makes them even better.

Does anyone know who the manufacturer of Rapala's rods and reels is? I have a combo that my brother bought me a few years back that I used alot. The combo has been great, but neglected now that I have new stuff. I decided to clean it up and take it to wet a line. While cleaning up the reel, I noticed alot of design features very similar to my Shimanos. I can find very little information on the reels, and nothing on the manufacturer.

My dream spinning setup is a Shimano Sustain 2500 on a G.Loomis BSR803 GLX. I am saving up and working alot of overtime in the next 2 months to get this and a new kayak. Right now my favorite is my Shimano Convergence 6'6" Med and Shimano Symetre 2500, which I am finding hard to beat.

12# Big Game

Good Luck and have fun. Let us know how the kayak and fishing go.

I keep mine in the original packages, then put those in a couple of my g.loomis worm binders.

My grandfather took me to a local pond when I was around 6 or 7. I caught a little dink bass on my second cast, I have been hooked since. That little dink looked to be twenty pounds to me. I had to take several years off due to career and college, but always thought about it.

Congrats on the reel, thought about getting one myself. Let us know how it performs.

I think what ReelMech is talking about is an issue with the first version of the Accurists(and others with the IAR). From what I gather, the Anti-Reverse had serious issues. Quantum discontinued them and released the Accurist II version with improved IAR. I have not heard of any problems with the newer versions.

I love fishing for carp. The only problem I have is I start getting caught up in all the European rigs and setups, forgetting that most of our carp rarely see a bait or hook. Their carp are alot more pressured than most fish here in the States. I discovered Fly-fishing for carp a couple of years ago. Other than bonefish in the Bahamas(which I have only got to do twice), carp on a fly are my favorite. Their runs take tons of line and the drag sings away.

Thanks guys, I do have a great wife and she is all mine. The only time I ever get flak over fishing is when I miss something(party,wedding,etc.) that I was previously told about. The Code seems to be a pretty good reel, I didn't get to use it very long today, but it casts great. I put it on my BCR 803 Mossy, and threw alot of plastics and jigs in the lake behind my house. I was throwing 1/8oz-3/8oz plastics and jigs easily. I threw a few spinnerbaits and buzzbaits just to try out the Burner gearing. Wow, I love that. This is the first HS reel I have ever had. The only thing about the Code is it's looks, kinda ugly, but it is growing on me. I am going to give the tackle buying a break for a couple of months. I have so much new gear, that I am switching up constantly to use it, instead of concentrating on fishing.

Thanks, I have been looking at the new KVD reels. My wife bought me a Code yesterday, and it seems to be a really good reel. The Code and the KVD look alot alike, the only real difference I can find is the bearings. I "have" to buy a Citica next, to give Shimano BCs a go. But the KVD is on my list.

Like The Jake, I have never seen a lizard in the waters I fish; ponds, rivers, or streams. Last year is when I started fishing plastics seriously, and the lizard was my most productive bait. I used them from spring to winter and always caught fish.