ChiCityBasser

x2 on the Cabelas rods as I have several including a couple of prodigy rods. The Tec Spec rods look pretty good also from Dick's.

My recommendation of reels was based on the price point asked about as well. I recommended the Daiwa Exceler, Cabelas Prodigy and Quantum Accurist PT (older model) at the price point. All 3 of the reels either on sale or on the net can be had at that price point or lower. My Prodigy is going on 3 yrs old with no signs of wear at my last cleaning. My Exceler is going on 2 yrs of use but was purchased used so it is probably 3 yrs old and was only$50-60. My Accurist is going on 3-4 years old and was used off ebay as well. The Exceler impressed me enough to get the 7.1:1 model this year. I'm happy with all of them but I'm in IL so my fishing season isn't long as some other areas as well. As new reels are introduced in this price point of course technology improves and quality gets better.

I agree and went with Cabelas Flouro and Yo Zuri is good also.

I have the PDC705-1 MH/MF casting rod and I also have the PDS704-2 spinning model. I don't have the balancing kit for either rod and pretty much use both rods for moving baits.

Things have really changed since we originally started this list and my setups have changed as well. My Crankbait setups: Casting=Kistler Mag TS 7'M/MF, Daiwa Exceler 6.3:1 spooled with Cabelas 12# Flouro. Spinning=Cabelas Prodigy 7' M/F,Quantum Catalyst PTi-B20 spooled with Cabelas 6# Flouro My Spinnerbait setup: Spinning=Cabelas Mag Touch 6'6" M, Quantum Catalyst PTi-A20 spooled with Power Pro 30# braid. Flipping,Frogging,Jig setup: Casting=Cabelas XML 6'6" H/F, Quantum Accurist spooled with Power Pro 30# braid. Drop Shot setup: Spinning=Cabelas Mag Touch MGTS69DS 6'9" M/F, Rainbow BM 1000 spooled with Power Pro 30# braid. I'll add my other setups later

I think the 7' MM would work well for the square bills. LOL or another Curado vs anything question.

The hammond store didn't have them in a couple of weeks ago but I'll take a trip there this weekend. The sale price on them makes them a really good buy.

It's a nice rod and even a better deal at the sale price. I have the PDC705-1 MH/MF that I use for cranks with the Prodigy reel. Looking at the micro guide rod which is also on sale for $79.

Rooster I have both Extremes and PQs, and there is no comparison between the two. The PQ is a better reel in every way. As far as the PQs being disposable reels, only time will tell, but you Shimano guys who find it necessary to beat up on other brands are not really helping anything. Glenn has said over and over if you like something, tell why you like it without beating on other brands. This forum would be more helpful if that policy was actually followed. There are many of us who have put many hours on PQs reels with no problems. Shimano makes fine stuff for the most part, but do not drink the Kool Aid that they are superior to anything out there at any price point. Agreed

These are great reels and had a pretty good review on Tackletour for the non PT models and the PT models are even better.

Probably one of his signature series rods or his Tour KVD rods for the crankbaits. http://www.basspro.com/Quantum-Tour-Kevin-VanDam-Crankin-Rods/product/104156/-1554485

Cabelas Prodigy reel made by Diawa for $99.99 and can be had on sale for around $70. Smooth, cast well and ease of use. Daiwa Exceler for around $80 but can be found on the internet for around $67. Cast well down to 1/4 oz and comes in three speeds to address any needs.

Cabelas MagTouch DS rod

Of the reels you asked about I would go with the Quantum Smoke with the Abu being my second choice. Get a feel for the reel on a comparable rod and read some of the reviews.

The Daiwa Advantage HSTA is a very good reel I agree.

Thanks for the great pics

They are great rods and as someone said an even better deal at the sale price. I have the PDC705-1 MH/MF that I use for cranks with a prodigy reel and its a very good combo.

I agree these guys are paid by their sponsors to use and plug there products otherwise they are getting paid. I started using Quantum reels cause of KVD when I got into fishing but they work for me so I continue to use them. Nascar has just as many plugs for sponsors when a guy wins and so does the NHRA. Some of the fishing shows on are 30 min commercial spots for sponsors and with watching there is a certain amount of plugging that is going to happen. You either enjoy it or you don't.

LOL and how quick they will sell out in stores now as well. I ordered a few well before the classic and they are safely in my tackle box now but they are going to fly off the shelves.

I don't think the plugging of products has gone overboard since they are plugging their sponsors. Shimano and the Avid rods are plugged on this site so much you would think some of the guys are being paid. They use the products and believe in them and nothing wrong with plugging what you believe in and that has worked well.

I would say it's a good thing when any person can be on a consistent roll and figure out ways to win each and every year. He is fishing with some of the best anglers in the world and manages to come out on top.

Another win for KVD

I got the 7.1:1 Exceler a couple days ago and it feels pretty good but won't be able to really put it to the test for at least a month. I'll have it spooled up with line at the Bps classic when it starts here next weekend. It'll either be Power Pro or the new Suffix 832 line.

Just listening to info on the sites and the guys are reporting in by cell phones and some of the guys are in spotty service areas.

I like Ike, Evers, Swindle and Kvd along with Skeet for the top 5. I think it will be Ike or Evers and I'm a Kvd fan also. Winning weight 49lbs give or take