bigreddog

Megabass Orochi x4 Barchetta f2-54x4. It's a limited edition Japan-only model, but there are still a few new ones around. Excellent 5'4" fast action stick rated from 1/8-1/2oz.

0.165mm http://oceanbluefishing.com.au/2010/06/24/pe-rating-fishing-line-diameter-chart/

This one: http://www.innoracks.com/details/zr356/

For spinning reels: Higher End: Evergreen Opus-1 (or Opus-1 Nero for a slightly less expensive option) Lower End: Shimano Cardiff CI4+ c2000ss For baitcasters: Higher End: Megabass LIN 10 (or Daiwa T3 Air if you want the ultimate finesse BC) Lower End: Shimano Exsence DC

The Daiwa Ryoga 1016 variations, the Shimano Conquest 50DC and the Shimano Exsence DC also incorporate clicking drags as well. All of these are fairly recent JDM reels - but it would be nice if this tech would find its way on some more reels domestic and abroad.

If you are seriously considering this reel, pay close attention to the scratches. Unlike the Sol or Alphas, the body is magnesium-based. For anything down to the bare metal on the main frame, you'll want to get that addressed. The sideplates are plastic, so there's no issue there.

Paul Castellano is a well-known guide in these parts, and a class act. He's also been on several TV fishing shows - Fly Nation, Big City Fishing and so on. No question it was legit -- even before the YouTube post.

Certainly I could point out that "the review from the other website" that first started this whole Pixy craze was done as a bass reel in its stock form. But more importantly, I own a couple of Pixy reels myself (both LH '04 Yellow models), so this is more than just theory or conjecture on my part. These reels been used only for finesse techniques for bass and walleye on light line, and they haven't given me any reliability or performance issues when used for these purposes. Maybe you're using them beyond their original intended purpose? For trout, the drag would need to be smoother that what the stock Pixy offers -- but that's what the Presso was for. For the record, I did upgrade the drag on my reels -- but this was more for smoothness than to up the overall power. After all, I'm using it with nothing more than 6lb line (or 10lb braid with a max 6lb leader). I don't have any experience with the Steez reels, so I can't speak to whether or not they're any good as a bass reel. I do find it a little surprising that a flagship reel would be unsuitable -- if that's the case, I'm surprised that Daiwa is so revered among the tackle enthusiasts. I guess I should be glad that the rest of my stable consists of entirely of round Shimano DC reels (although I do have a T3 on the way). Don't you love the irony?

It is what it is. The original poster was asking for a small baitcaster suited to finesse applications on 6-8lb. diameter line. And that's exactly what the original Pixy was designed to do.

With all due respect, the original Pixy was actually designed for finesse bass techniques on highly pressured waters, and does the job just fine in its stock form as long as you treat it as a finesse reel. The "Pixilla" mods and upgrades can make them an even more capable and well-rounded reel, and suitable for heavy cover applications. The Presso is indeed marketed as a reel for trout, but likely as a response to the Japanese government declaring bass to be an invasive species.

Unfortunately, I don't have enough posts under my belt to provide a live hyperlink. So, try TackleTog's blog feature on upgrading daiwa spool bearings. Maybe someone else can post the link on my behalf if it's useful. Cheers

The type of line is only one small part of the equation. Make sure your hooks are as sharp as possible, and that you've reeled in as much slack as you can before setting the hook. Sometimes a longer rod will help in moving a lot of line on the hookset as well. Cheers.

That's awesome! Although my skill level doesn't come close to yours, I could use some tips on how to optimize my setup for casting light-weight presentations. (Practice is a given.) What's your rod/line setup? What have you set your brakes to?