islandbass

Congrats! That is a steal of a deal. Reminds me of the time I walked into a local shop and came across Crucials for $59.00. I definitely snatched it up, but I didn't have the foresight to ****** up the other Crucials for that price (when they were at $130.00) I could have turned around and sold them for $100.00 easy and given myself and the buyer a good deal. Doh! They were gone when I got back. Double Doh!

They are definitely decent for their price range. I would take over many rods in that price point. You done did good.

I would recommend against the swivel for a couple of reasons: 1) With a leader that long, the swivel will probably get dragged through the guides when you near the end of retrieve or bringing in a fish. 2) Knots are the weakest point in the line. With a swivel you will have one more point of potential failure vs. two: a) The standing (main line) to swivel The swivel to the tag end c) The end of the tag to the hook. I would recommend going direct tie with the albright or other worthy knot..

Just go to their website: http://www.lamiglas.com/prod_indiv.php?groupid=65 The 4 in lamiglas bass rod denotes medium power, btw. One thing that might be of interest is that these rods are made in the USA. That means something to some. 8-)

You can send the link to him or her via pm.

They are awesome rods, perhaps the most underrated rod in their price class. Why? I think they're just not really known as well as other rods outside the west. Anyway, they are made from Lamiglas' certified pro blank, as I have been told by reps I know. Certified Pro blanks are excellent. You will NOT be disappointed. What model were you eyeing? I really don't think other rods compare at this price point in terms of bang for the buck/performance.

What knot(s) were you using? The frayed description you give, could it possibly be the knot coming undone. Appreciate your report and heads up on the line. I now have second thoughts on trying it out.

Just take your oil and a small brush. Brush a small amount of oil onto the frame. Let it sit a while, then wipe off. You will be surprised at the out come...... Tight Lines! x2. Unless you have a super finesse touch with the dremel, I wouldn't try it. At least I know I don't.

On my list to consider. Do you think theirs any truth to the claim that a shorter wider spool like JM increases casting length? If spooled to optimum capacity, then yes by the width of the spool. More line will come off of a spool per coil on a wider one than that of a narrower one. That's straight forward. With that said, long casts can be easily made with spinning gear anyway and other things like reliability and longevity have a far greater bearing and weight on my decision than longer casts when buying a reel.

I believe they (seaguar) make Cabela's FC line and that the BPS line was Toray's? Someone can confirm or correct. As an invizx user I have tried the cabela's fc line and it is so similar to cabela's that it makes me inclined to think this.

Look at the Lamiglas Excel line. There is a DS rod in their line up that suits your specs, but I don't recall its model number. Outside of shimano's compre line, I don't think a rod at this price point gets you more bang for the buck with excellent performance. Lamiglas outside the west IMHO is underrated which is sad because they do make fantastic rods.

You da man, RW! Thanks! That's what I was referring to. 8-)

Since you have a MH powered rod already, I'd use that to handle my "single" hook lures (T-rigs, jigs, etc.) and get me a M powered rod to handle the treble hook lures (topwaters, cranks, and lighter plastics). Since you're limited to two, that is what I would do. The E7 is more than capable of casting lures weighing 3/16 oz so I'd put the Curado on this 2nd M powered rod.

Fortunately, a majority of the applications/techniques used to catch bass can be covered adequately with three rods before delving into "technique specific" rods. RW (Roadwarrior) has made a post on this that does an excellent job of covering this. if he posts it here will fill you in on it.

Well said. Indeed, they are definitely great bang for the buck in both lines. I have a clarus casting, and a compre spinning and a crucial casting. I dare not step up to the Cumara or Cumulus for fear of a thinner wallet!

That is awesome to be catching them this time of year with a UL set up. I have a 7' Okuma UL rod mated to a small Abu G Cardinal. You're dead on with how much of a blast UL fishing is. 8-)

I think J Francho is right, but what might be a bigger factor could be where you live in the country or where your gear is stored. I imagine that the salt probably works on whatever protection was on the hook to prevent (or slow) the formation of rust. Then when that protection is gone, well know what happens with iron and oxygen combine. It's been mixed for me. For the most part there is no rust at all with gammies or other comparable hooks, but once in a while, rust rears its ugly head on any hook.

How much backing do you use? I fill a little less than half my spool with backing and I can regularly cast down to the backing with certain lures after retying a few times. It really is up to you. For me, it depends on the fish I am targeting. For example, if I am fishing for bass there is probably zero chance of even a big one taking me to my backing. However, if I am fishing for salmon, and I have been spooled before, I would probably choose a different ratio other than 50/50. I can sometimes get away with 40/60 or even 30/70 when bass fishing, but that is plain and flat out stupid to use against salmon. To the subject, I think as long as the line is in good shape I don't think it matters for bass fishing.

If you really want to know about the reel read this. This is the Stella SW but it will give you an idea. Technical read but it is worth the education. http://www.stripersonline.com/surftalk/showthread.php?t=647666 (I checked the FAQ and don't think it is in violation of the rules to post this link since it is non promotional. Please remove if I am mistaken.) Thanks, MD. That was a great read.

Jacob, that a nice fish! 8-) @CA Delta: Thanks!

X2 x3 - While "stretchy" to some, that is actually what I like about it.

Normally not, but a few anglers and I have a name for a nice sized largie in a small lake. We call her big mama. Not huge by Texas or California standards, but in my neck of the woods, she is pretty big. Caught without a boat, a crankbait and 8# mono. I'll never forget this battle.

You're definitely not the only one. I would view the reel types as tools and both reels can handle many applications equally well, there will be a few in which one can be more convenient to use over the other. Therefore it behooves the angler to be skilled (not requires) with both. A third option of neither or no preference. That would be my choice.For me, it depends on what I am fishing. I like both types very much. However, bottom line is preference. Hang in there. In no time, you are going to wonder what took you so long to give bc reels a try.

I don't have the opportunity to face that stuff in my waters, but I wish that I had. You are missing out and so am I. ;D

Your height is not a factor. I'm even shorter than you and use even longer rods.