BigGame0892

Thanks for all your opinions guys. Guess I won't know until I get that first one. If you all see a bunch of Shimano Curado Es posted on the flea market soon, you'll know what happened! ?

That's what I hear too. In regards to skipping, I'm trying to figure out how a lighter spool makes it easier to skip? Seems like that's more of a braking issue.

I wouldn't disagree with you necessarily. But, I'm just wondering if the T-wing system and/or SV spool offer any distinct advantages that I need to consider.

I've just always preferred to stick with one brand or line of reel. I tend to make wholesale changes when I do - though, that hasn't happened very often. The one other time I shifted from Shimano I went to Quantum - all the KVD hype I think - big mistake on my part. I went right back to Shimano.

Alright everyone, I'm really close to finally giving up the ghost and heading over to Daiwa after all these years. Currently, I'm still fishing my good 'ol Curado E7s and an E5. Reliable, easy to use, 'nuff said. So, I just feel like Daiwa is offering so much more in technology these days. With the T-wing system and now the SV coming to the Tatula. It just seems like Daiwa has really stepped up their game in the workhorse reel category and not just the exotics. So, can someone give me that last little push? I haven't used a Daiwa since the old Zillions and so never experienced using the T-wing system or some of the other newer technology from Daiwa. Alternatively, can someone convince me I should just stick with what I know with Shimano? I know we debate this topic all the time, but I just was hoping for a little bit of fresh insight. I've been diehard Shimano for so long now...

This is basically what I go by too. Plus, with a shaky head I'm looking for a lot of my bites on the fall - therefore the rate of fall makes a big difference as well. That rate of fall varies a lot depending on whether the plastic is a floater, how much salt, etc.

My personal best smallie came on a gold XCalibur. Otherwise, usually a RES guy.

My budget fluoro is P-line Ultimate Fluorocarbon in the blue and black box. You get 250 yards vs the common 200 or 125 yard spools. It has always held up well for me. This became my budget go-to after BassPro changed from the old white box XPS fluoro.

I have a 703C and 704C of the old Powell Max rods. Just workhorses. Do everything I ask of them and then some. Haven't tried any of the new rod lines yet, but I'm sure they're great as well.

Yeah, no argument here. Trust me, I consider switching out my Curados for Tatula CTs on almost a daily basis. The braking system is a user friendly as it gets I think. My Curados are just like a part of me at this point though - I think about absolutely nothing when I cast.

They don't work as an extreme finesse shaky head bait either!! Horrible!!! All these stupid green and brown fish eat them all the time!!!

Nonsense....those Yamamoto shad shape worms are terrible...in fact, I don't even think they make them anymore!!

I'd go with the Tatula CT as well. I love my Shimanos, but at this point in my experience I wouldn't fish with anything less than a Citica. For me, I just stick with my Curado Es for now. Revos are not a consideration for me, I just find that the braking systems for Daiwa and Shimano to be superior in every way.

7 ft MH Dobyns 705 CB Glass, Shimano Curado E5 and 12 lb. Yozuri hybrid. This Dobyns rod is stiffer with a slightly faster action than most glass rods out there. It handles a lot of different crankbait applications for me very well.

Hard to go wrong with that budget. Pick up a high quality, super-sensitive rod 7 ft or longer from your favorite rod company and a high speed reel from a reputable reel maker and you should be set to go. For me, its more about the line (I'm fluorocarbon only) sensitivity-wise and paying closer attention to those times when the fish grabs it on the drop. That happens way more often with a jig than with a plastic for me. And, just don't expect that telltale thump, thump that you normally feel with plastic. Sometimes I feel a thump, but often it just feels heavy or my line moves just a bit.

Bet that was a fun double!!!!

Both of these companies make very good rods for the price. For reels, I stick with Shimano. Its what I know and I even prefer to have them all the same model, but with different gear ratios. Little to no adjustment needed when I switch between different lures/presentations.

I'd go with a Daiwa or Shimano casting reel that fits your pricing criteria and then a 7 ft medium or medium heavy rod. I prefer a longer rod that loads easily when I am teaching someone to use a baitcaster.

12 lb test Yozuri Hybrid is what I use for the techniques for setup 1 right now. Works great, and I think about the margin for error factor as well. For the record, I'm usually fishing out of the back of the boat with only one setup for cranks - so, I need versatility almost as much at times.

It'll depend on the conditions as always. That time of year I've caught them good in the flooded willows near Sailboat bridge and up the Elk. But, I've also hammered them on bluff walls with a jig in the Honey Creek area. If its pretty stained where you're fishing stick with fishing close to the cover with jigs, squarebills and spinnerbaits. If more clear, you can get them on carolina rigs and shaky head. Not that many great places to stay near there. I think last time we stayed at Outrigger and it wasn't bad but don't quote me on that.

Thanks for the tips, really appreciate hearing from guys with lots of experience on these lakes.

Really? I've fished it tons in lots of other lakes known to have zebra mussels...The Rock, LOZ, Stockton.....is it worse than any of those in your opinion? Never had much trouble in those lakes.

Thanks for the insight. Personally, I'm always fishing for quality first - I think we've all caught plenty of dinks in our time. I've never understood people telling me that a shakyhead doesn't catch quality - seen too many tournaments won on it. Never dragged a tube much, except maybe on Stockton Lake in MO. Guess I'll have to work that out a bit.

Hey guys, trying to understand a little more about some of these Kansas lakes. Specifically, I have moved to Manhattan from KC and anticipate fishing Milford, Jeffrey Energy Center and Melvern quite a bit this coming year. I'm used to being able to catch literally tons of bass on shaky heads in all of the Missouri Lakes you could think of - including some of my personal bests. Curious as to why its seems like the Ned rig and tubes seem more the way people go for finesse fishing at Milford and Melvern? Thanks.

I just stick with 5:1 for all cranks and rattletraps pretty much. Gets the job done for me.