TBAG

First off, let me say that I'm a self proclaimed Shimano fanboi. It is the only brand baitcasting and spinning reel I've ever owned in my 35 years on earth, lol. That said, even though I'm a fanboi I'm still open to trying new things. Recently I've become intrigued by Daiwa and all the postive feedback here and all over the rest of the web. It seems Daiwa and Shimano are at the top of the food chain when it comes to reels. I had a Shimano Nasci 2500 that I delegated to be my dedicated ned rig reel but just passed that on to my 11 year old stepdaughter as she's been enjoying some local pond bank fishing with me recently. So, perfect timing, I need a new reel and would like to try a Daiwa. This will be a dedicated ned rig reel used for primarily kayak fishing for smallmouth and LMB with the TRD Crawz and finesse TRDs. I'd like to keep it under $150 and ideally $100-$120. I want a 2000/2500 size reel and has to have a good drag system for the lightweight finesse ned setup. So, with those parameters above what Daiwa reel should I try? Oh, and now I see the Pluegers are up there too when it comes to peoples favorite spinning setups. I'd also be willing to try one of those but really like the looks and colors of the Daiwas I've seen more than the Pluegers. Thanks

This makes me sad.

IMO, you can't go wrong with any of those three options. Are you able to handle all 3 in store to see what feels best for you?

Another thread with some great advice! I too have been skunked lots of times, but like others I just try to stay positive and enjoy being outside in nature and more importantly, not at work! Good luck and don't give up.

Yes, very sad seeing what they're doing to KY Lake. Where do you stay? I'm looking for new places to try out when I do my annual fishing trip to KY lake to kayak fish.

Everyday I'm amazed at the wealth of knowledge I gain from the contributors to this forum. Thanks to all!

Yes, I have an 8.5:1 Curado K I use for jig and texas rig fishing, also pitching from my yak. It's awesome.

Wish they had some LH Curado DC's in stock. Still might order one and just wait.

Thanks for the link, just ordered a few.

Being fairly new to kayak fishing I'm afraid I'm going to break a rod trying to undo a snag. I find myself high sticking and yanking more often, mostly out of frustration. I really need to calm down and just paddle over and try to remove the snag by hand.

I'm fairly close to you and after selling my bass boat several years ago and kind of stepping away from fishing I bought a kayak. Best thing I've done, allows me to fish the smaller creeks and lakes around here. You've got a couple nice KDFWR lakes south of you, so like others have said you'll have to drive.

Meh, I visit the bargain cave everytime I go to the local Cabelas and I've never found anything worthwile.

Yeah, just tried to use it and MONEY20 code for a reel from seller ALF, who usually participates. No dice on either code......... Oh well, I've fed the monkey way to much recently.

Sucks but luckily you had one of the best in the industry in St. Croix IMO. They take care of their customers, that's a fact.

Rods are 90% St. Croix with a couple Loomis and one Dobyns. Reels I have a mix, spinning are all Shimano, baitcasters are a mix of Shimano and Bass Pro.

When you say "forced" to go with Shimano, out of curiosity what would you go with over my choices? Daiwa? In all my years fishing all I've ever owned or used is Shimano spinning reels, so maybe that's my reason for being biased. I own several other brand baitcaster reels, but out of all those my Shimanos are my favorite.

Just bought a used GL2 802S 6'-8" for a ned rig rod, looking to see what you all think is the best Shimano reel to pair it with. Rod is 6"8" and I'll be fishing from a kayak 90% of the time. I'm not as worried about balance as I would be with a baitcaster setup but still want it to be fairly balanced. I know some people think the GL2 are heavier than other comparable rods but I really like the feel of it. Here are the reels I'm considering and their weights, all 2500 size. Sorry, not interested in any other brands of reels. Stradic Ci4+ : 6.7oz Stradic FK : 8.3oz Ultegra: 8.5oz Nasci: 8.8oz

I ordered a couple 75x too from TW, first time ever trying one.

I just got a new topwater rod, and going to throw some poppers and 90 Whopper Ploppers with it. St. Croix Mojo Bass 68MXF. I'd rather not use braid, so what would be better 12 or 15 pound Big Game? Or do you have another suggestion? Also, great thread, thanks for the suggestions.

I tried my best to resist but the Monkey won as usual.

Even though I didn't NEED anything I finally succumbed to the monkey and ordered enough crankbaits from TW to get free shipping.

Yeah, I'd be kicking myself later for not buying it. Got it.

$60

I'm having second thoughts now, as I love my Avid and the Mojo seems too similar. Ugh, tough decision. I feel I could put the money towards feeding the bait monkey this weekend at the TW Labor Day sale.

Thanks, so how is this for a thought? Use the Mojo 68MXF as a strictly topwater rod (pop'rs, whopper ploppers, spooks) and the Avid I already have for what? Dedicated spinnerbait, buzzbait, jerkbait? I don't have a lot of time to fish so my time is valuable to me. Wanting to keep it minimal in rods but also have everything I need to minimize re-tying and trying to decide on which rod to use at that moment.