John G

I just bought my second XT1000 and I would like some Aldebaran MG7's but it seems like they are stuck at around $300.00 at Japan Lure Shop. Maybe that is already as low as they are going to go. Not that I have a problem with that price, but it would be nicer at $250.00

I am itching to buy some new old model JDM 50's before they are gone.

Simple for me is a Uni Knot for everything except when tying a leader to braid.

Try sliding it down kinda loose then tighten.

That Cumulus/BFS XG must be a dream to fish with! As much as I love the Conquest 50, there is just as much love for the Shimano 50 size low profiles and the little Aldebaran MG7 on the NRX would be the complete package of lightweight, palmability and increased IPT for bottom contact apps. I know what you mean about not wanting to go back when using lighter weight gear. I was using my Antares HG and MBR844GLX over the weekend and for me, it was big and heavy compared to the Conquest 50/NRX802C combo that I have been using lately. I wasn't thrilled at all while using it. So unthrilled I was that I listed my Antares HG on eBay today and the 844 isn't far behind. The funds from the sale will be used for another NRX802C.

Thanks! I am going to buy some 12# to try out for jigs n worms.

How strong is the Floroclear?

My dream combo has changed a bit since the last time tere was a Thread like this one. Right now, one of the combos that I am using is a Conquest 50/NRX802C. That is a dream combo in itself but I am very tempted to buy an Aldebaran MG7 for the NRX802C. I am mainly just curious what it would feel like to fish with a combo that weighs around 9oz. It would also be just a tad over $650.00 and in the world of dream combos, is very reasonable!

Loomis MBR843IMX

They are usually one of the more expensive JDM vendors. My Scorpion and the handle were on sale so I saved a little bit and for that, I am happy.

They are great people to buy from but it's shame that we have to wait till the holidays to get competitive prices.

Hootie, My Christmas presents to myself arrived today right on schedule from Japan Tackle. The Platinum ZPI Handle is going to look sweet on my Antares AR!

I take it you paid full price! LOL

Mike, I will send it to you after Christmas.

The Hookup Tackle has the Rep Sample 804GLX for $299.00 w/free shipping. I would be looking for change in between the cushions on the couch and under my truck seat and selling one of my wife's handbags to come up with the $99.00 to buy the GLX over the new IMX.

I'll send it to Mike. BTW, this reel was bought new so I can't imagine that Shimano made it without all the parts.

I made a new video with another Conquest 50. I did tighten the cast control knob and the noise did go away a lot but there is still internal noise that my other Conquest 50's do not have.

I planned on sending it to DVT this week but I am going to hold off until after Christmas. In the meantime, I would like to know what the heck this noise is. The reel operates as it should other that this noise. If I didn't spin the handle fast I wouldn't even know that it has a problem because it is smooth and operates just fine.

Use more braking and a tighter cast control knob than you normally would and or a heavier weight lure than you want to use. That is what I do. I am going to use up the last bit of 10# Sniper FC that I have and if I can't consistently cast well with it, I am switching to braid with a FC leader.

Have you tightened your drag?

It does get a little nippy down here. Hell, even the Yankees wear jackets! LOL

Casting and MH/F Get yourself a Loomis MBR783C GLX and you will be set.

Hope so too!

More info is needed. I don't have a boat so I don't fish Lake Tarpon but I have fished from the little dock by John Chestnut Park. The weeds are thick around the perimeter that's for sure. Every report that I have seen about Lake Tarpon is people have success offshore using soft plastics. I have also heard that Drop Shot works good there and crankbaits in the winter time.

Just ordered another Scorpion XT1000 and a 85mm ZPI Platinum Handle for my Antares AR from Japan Tackle. Also ordered some Power Grip II Knobs from Shimano.