Bronzefly

Shimano would be well suited to sell the large knobs offered on the Curado E series reels separate from the handle assembly. I have purchased handles just to use the knobs on other Shimano models for the comfort factor alone. Strictly from a comfort perspective, it doesn't get any better than the large, directional septon knobs offered on the Curado E series in my hands.

A quality reel will not demonstrate adverse effects from rainfall from my experience.

I'm a huge fan of Shimano and Daiwa reels. Polar opposites in regards to brake designs of course. I've always found that a well trained thumb will provide you with the best of both worlds. 8-)

It's just like a puzzle that is already assembled. Remove each piece, place them in order removed from R to L or L to R, which ever you prefer. Match up the new carbontex drag washers to the size OEM part removed, and replace. I like a super thin touch of Shimano drag grease on my carbontex. Have fun! 8-)

Having used both reels, I would absolutely 100% go with the Curado. Good luck either way you decide to go!

I use RH reels for moving baits most of the time and use LH reels for pitching, flipping, and almost all bottom contact baits. It's just more comfortable for me.

I picked up the new Loomis TWFR 935C mag heavy frog rod. It is far and away a better stick than the poor excuse of a frog rod Loomis used to offer. While I haven't had the opportunity to put in some serious time with this stick, my initial impression is that it is going to handle these duties perfectly. I've thrown some hollow body frogs with it to get a feel, and I'm really liking what I've felt so far. The combination of tip and power feel just right to me. Come on summer! 8-)

I fish quite a bit of FC line myself. The XPS is a very good line - especially when you can catch it on sale. I think it's definitely one of the "best value" FC lines out there today. I have used the 8lb for jerkbaits and smaller crankbaits with positive results. I've fished the Berkley 100% extensively in both 17lb and 8lb test and been VERY pleased with it. I've fished the 10 and 12lb test versions as well and have had equally positive results so far.

I do most of my toad and frog fishing on Guntersville... I use a BCR 875 GLX for frogs because it's my 1oz football jig rod and has plenty of power for the big girls in the heavy stuff - 65lb braid. This year I'm going to use the new TWFR 935C - i've tossed a frog on it and think it's going to be AMAZING! Toads, I use a BCR 855 GLX and a high speed reel with 50lb braid. It serves many other duties, but is an outstanding ribbit type toad rod!

The BSR has a faster tip than the SJR meaning that the SJR has a more moderate action. I use the SJR 783 GLX as a senko skipping rod and it does a great job! If you wanted to toss larger jerkbaits or topwaters, the SJR is the better choice. If it's strictly bottom contact, the BSR would be a better choice. If the deal is sweet enough, I think you would be very happy with the SJR!

I think of the 6.3 ratio reels as "all purpose" type reels. You can fish most techniques well with that ratio. I use them for everything from crankbaits and topwaters to jigs and worms.

A good swimbait rod makes a poor flipping stick and a good flipping stick makes a poor swimbait rod from my experience. These are two techniques that are best performed with substantially different tackle. I'd suggest that you pick the one you do the most and then acquire the other stick later on!

The reason why you want a Calcutta TE is because they are incredible reels - all of them! The round reels have fallen out of favor to the masses and often get over looked. Properly set up and properly maintained, the Calcutta TE series will cast with the best reels on the market - including the Calais! The Calcutta TE 100 GT is one of the finest reels ever made in my opinion. For all purpose fishing, I much prefer the 5.8:1 ratio in the 100 over the slower, larger sized models. If you decide to go this route and want to throw 1/4 oz plastics, I'd suggest looking at the 100 over the 200 size - especially if you use braid to FC leader!

I would not use a FC line for any topwater bait - frogs included. Most of the time, I'm fishing a hollow body frog, like a spro frog, in heavy slop and therefore use 65lb braid and a heavy rod. In that situation, i'm not worried about the fish seeing the line. 50lb braid WILL break, trust me! :'( ;D

I would say no. If I had a choice between a new Chronarch D7 and a new Core 100MG(FV), I'd pick the Chronarch D series every time. It is the better overall reel in my hands, not lighter though! The Core 100MG(FV) is a quality reel, no doubt. The Core 50/51MG7 is an absolutely incredible reel that is MUCH different than the 100 sized Core models.

Performance, quality, style, and all the cool aftermarket mods available! But I love my Shimanos too! 8-)

Now that was funny...

Ahhh... the old flip v pitch... don't know why it's so confusing for people ;D

I agree. Matt does phenomonal work!

Another NO! ;D ;D Crazy rumors... :-?

That's outstanding!! I'm so happy to see it being put to good use! 6lb line and Trout fishing no less! Very cool 8-)

No way! Well, it had better be a collaboration at this point because my "Fish Sticks" were almost done! Are yours a Chartreuse and White candy cane swirl pattern too? ;D There was a ton of "chatter" about these on another board over the past month or two. It was quite comical, but it certainly helped spread their name there and inevitably sold them some rods!

The new Shimano Cumara 6'9"MH Reaction Series rod is a fantastic spinnerbait/chatterbait stick. I've also used the powell you've mentioned and it would be a good choice as well. Out of the two I've fished, the Cumara would definitely get my vote.

I didn't bring up the Core 50MG7 simply because of it's $369.99 price point which is outside his stated budget. The Core 50MG7 and Chronarch 50MG feel very different in my hands. I really enjoy both reels, but for different purposes. They are without a doubt both among the finest light weight finesse baitcast reels in the Shimano arsenal. I use the Chronarch for smaller moving baits - cranks, topwaters, jerkbaits, etc. whereas I use the Core for pitching lighter t-rigs, shakey heads, small jigs and other plastics.

No problem Jay! Congratulations on the little one on the way, that's outstanding