Bronzefly

Magnets on a Shimano . :question I think everyone has gotten a bit discombobulated on this thread - including myself! ;D They are brake weights of course! 8-)

A 7" senko is a pretty hefty piece of plastic that I wouldn't comfortably toss on either the 803 or 853 around moderate cover. The 893 would handle that bait best of the three you've mentioned, but would be much better on the BCR 864 GLX Senko rod. If you weren't going with anything more than a 6" senko most often, the 893 GLX is an absolute blast to fish with! Good luck with your choice

You definitely don't want to remove the grease from the levelwind (edit - I was thinking WORM GEAR for some reason .).. there is however a significant difference when you clean and relube the spool bearings. I use an ultrasonic machine to clean my bearings, but a good soak and swirl in acetone, a couple of times will help as well. Good luck!

Both outstanding rods for your 51's! You'll absolutely love them. They can definitely handle your stuff up to 1/2 oz. no problem and are outstanding on a 2 power BCR for finesse jigs and plastics. Enjoy!

Palomar here too...

Could you please post a spool weight? I'm wondering if it weighs the same as a Zillion HLC spool which I measure at 15g with the cup and bearing attached. Any PICS of the spool would be great too! Thanks 8-)

For $400 this reel should definitely have an R+ tuned rotor - still no confirmation either way - with a spool similar in weight and performance of the TD-Z or the Steez. It should also weigh 7oz or less. I was really hoping Daiwa did this one right! Very strange spot Daiwa made for this one being priced so closely to the Steez...

I certainly understand where you're coming from Kent... I've often said that I like a much less moderate rod for treble hook baits than most guys hence my preference for the 842. I also utilize the drag system on my reels more than most guys I know too! ;D The PR844 is an awesome small crank rod for guys who like a more moderate action than the MBR 842 offers. I use my 842 for bandit 200's and other smaller cranks and love the action of the rod for those purposes - as well as 1/4 oz traps, jerkbaits, topwaters, etc 8-)

You will get a ton of different opinions on which is the "best" but most of it comes down to personal preference. I like Shimano and Daiwa reels better than the rest, but know other companies make some fine products as well. The newest Chronarch D is a fine reel, as is the Curado E. The Core 50/51MG7 is also an outstanding reel. The "flagship" Calais are among the smoothest, best casting reels out there but are larger and heavier than many of the low profile reels made today. Good luck on your choice!

I've really been enjoying the new Cumara 7'11"MH Reaction Series for deep cranks. I like a rod approaching 8' with good backbone and just enough flex - this one does it. The Powell 806 CB is also a fine BIG deep crank stick, but is too much rod for most mid-diving baits. I don't like the feel of glass rods, so they're out for me.

I have the MBR 842 GLX and had a PR 844 GLX. The PR is much more moderate or "whippy" in my hands. I prefer the MBR 842 over the PR 844 for all the types of fishing I do. I don't think the PR 844 would be better for small cranks, lipless, or other treble baits. Get another 842, you'll be happy you did!

I like the Berkley 100% FC better than Seaguar myself. If you really don't want to use braid, or perhaps a braid to FC leader, I would definitely go with some 17 or 20lb Berkley Trilene 100%.

I also use FC for non floating jerkbaits. Your setup should work out fine!

Bantam 1 is a great guy and knows his Shimano stuff! I'm sure you'll have a lot of fun with your new gear! Not sure why folks give a d**n about where or how you got it though? ;D

Very nice acquisitions! Congrats and enjoy them!!

I've noticed the same thing in general. It's especially true when comparing the MBR 783, 843, and 844 models.

An 8/10, 8/10 Stella FA circa 2002-2006 would surprise me if it brought more than $200. This reel could be 8 years old and the seller admits that there are both mechanical and cosmetic issues. If the reel looks and feels nice to you, and you are happy with the price, that is all that really matters. Good luck!

I'd pick up a shimano in one of these series. A 6'6" Medium Heavy is a very good "all around" rod and the shorter length may help fishing from shore. If you fish lighter stuff most often, a 6'6" Medium may be a better bet, but I'd tend to go with the MH. These shimanos have a lifetime exchange warranty as well. Shimano Clarus $60-70 Shimano Compre $90-100 Shimano Crucial $130-$160 OR Powell Max - $140

I'd pick up a Shimano Citica E. Great reel for the $$!

I use a MBR 783 (6'6") for close range spinnerbait fishing - around cover, docks, etc. I also use a CR 722 (6') and MBR 782 (6'6") for many smaller shallow cranks, jerkbaits, and topwaters. I use the BCR 802, 803, and 804 (6'8") for many jigs and soft plastics for pitching and other close range applications. It is personal preference, but I don't think a 7' rod is ALWAYS better.

I'd have to agree - the GLX lineup has proven itself to me time and time again over the years. The BSR 852 GLX is one special rod for sure. It's definitely one of the best spinning rods I've ever used. You'll be very happy you chose the GLX.

I think 4oz is pushing the limit for a White Python personally. ;D I'd also look at the Loomis SWBR 956. It's a fine rod that handles 4 oz baits very well.

Patiently awaiting the opportunity... 8-)

I've had a chance to hold them and fish a few of them. I only own the 7'1MHXF so far. I haven't spent a ton of time with it yet, but have been very impressed with it so far. I have it paired with a Core 51MG7 and have done some pitiching with it... it's certainly ultra light weight, extremely sensitive, and seems like a heck of a rod. I couldn't fairly compare it to another rod in terms of sensitivity as that is a very subjective issue, but in terms of "power" it feels like a hybrid between the extra fast BCR 853 GLX and the Fast BCR 854 GLX for comparison sake. Over the coming weeks, I plan to spend some more time with this rod. Overall, the Cumulus rods are crazy light and plenty sensitive. The spinning rods look wicked paired with the new Stradic Ci4 as the casting rods match beautifully with the new Core 50/51MG7.

I have this rod and it's an outstanding shakey head/weightless worm rod. I'm not a big fan of dropshotting, but it could be done with this rod with a moderate sized DS setup. I wouldn't be tossing a 1/16 oz weight with a 3" finesse worm on it, but a 1/4 oz weight and a 5" worm would work fine - WITH the right reel and line of course!