Stingray23

Sweet. I have the exact combo

12lb Seaguar Invizx

I went with the MB Destroyer FMJ and Daiwa Steez A.

No big LM in 2017 for me but I caught my PB 4lb 10oz smallmouth on a MB vision 110.

Go for the Steez. I get the impression that you really want to get it but need a little confirmation for some of us. I have a Steez and an SV103. Love both but 2 different reels. The Steez really palms nicely and is lightweight. The SV103 is a tank in comparison. Love the solid feel of the SV103. I will be adding more of each this season.

For all the guys saying that they dont need it, or dont want it or wouldnt get it even if they could, just dont make the mistake of fishing with high end gear. You will eat those words and will end up buying better rods and reels.

Shimano Stradic Ci4+

Its perfect. I have a similar set up. NRX 842 and Stella 3000HGM. LOVE IT

Daiwa SV103 Daiwa Steez SV Shimano Met '13 Shimano Met MGL

Tighter tolerances, better quality bearings, much smoother, better components, better quality materials, will last much longer. To me, a nice, high quality spinning reel is a dream to fish with. I prefer Daiwa and Shimano. Especially, Steez and Stella.

I own both the '14 Stella and this '12 Steez. The Stella is AMAZING. I'm telling you, if you love nice gear, and you're the type that appreciates high end stuff, you owe it to yourself to buy one. I have not fished the Steez yet but its beautiful too.

Glad it worked out for you.

I like to run warm water over the freshly spooled line. It will definitely help.

Fluoro will last a long time. I have it on some reels that are 3-4 seasons old and not one issue.

I think so. It comes down to preference. Some people like a stiffer, faster tip. I personally, do not. I prefer the moderate-fast tip, especially on a MH, moving bait rod.

The 6'9 will be more manageable for you from the kayak. My cousin bought 3 KLX rods this past winter for this season and I like them very much. He has the 6'9" MH/MF, 7' MH/MF, and the 7'3" Hvy/ MF Frog rod. He uses the 6'9" for jerkbaits, topwater, shallow cranks......The 7' version, he uses it for spinnerbaits, lipless cranks, shallow cranks,......

The Rage swimmer has been killer for me so far. I've been crushing smallies with it.

Jerkbaits, weightless flukes, and keitech and strike king swimbaits have been killer for me so far.

I also have Steez and '13 Metaniums and I love them too, but the Conquest is special.

I use a conquest 100HG for spinnerbaits and I LOVE it. Such a beautiful reel.

I never once had the silicote break down or turn brown and I've used it for over 10yrs.

I used the blue grease on the internal gears and the abu grease on the worm gear.

I like using Abu Silicote and also Daiwa blue grease. I've been using that Abu grease for many years. In fact, I just relubed my brother Daiwa Tatula yesterday using both greases.

Another vote for Shimano Metanium MGL for $300.