ghost

I picked up the BPS Carbonlite in left hand today. I returned a Browning Midas b/c reel, the centri braking on it started to get loud and the brake would rub and I'd lose distance. I tried just using the magnetic but I would birds nest if I don't use both brakes. The Midas is a very good reel just a bit heavy and finding out the local BPS has the left Carbonlite...it was a done deal! I'll be getting the new Quantum Smoke 101 tomorrow. It'll be the only 2011 reel but I like what I've seen in the pix and looking forward to handle it in store. I was really thinking of getting the Curado 51 since they are the same price but the Smoke 101 seems to have a bit more bells and whistles. I've used both reels and really don't have a problem with either of them. The Smoke 101 just looks sleek and light. I'm looking to spooling both reels with Berkley 30/8 lb braid. I have it on one of my b/c reels and I am impressed. It is the most quiet braid I've used and it casts and does not dig into itself like other braids. I think I found the braid I will use with my micro guide b/c rod...W & M Honeycomb 7'2" MH. I think it'll be alot less noisier than using Power Pro.

Does it come in a lefty? The previous Trions did

Used a couple Booyah swim jigs in 1/2 oz. The wind was really nasty and this was the only lure I could cast fairly good. I had bass hitting the white one and black swim jigs, and I KNOW I had good hook sets on a couple big bass. I know I set the hook hard but they still came unbuttoned reeling them in. One came unhook when it jumped out of the water and shook its head...this was a big bass! After that I made sure to set the hook a couple times when the bass slammed my swim jig...only to pop off 5' away from me. I trimmed the weed guard, fanned them out and made sure my hooks were sharp...what happened??? I'm heading back out tomorrow and this time I have a stinger hook set up...not taking chances losing another big bass!

Are the treble hooks on the Magic Swimmer 125 (5"), are they size 4? Do you guys keep the stock trebles or do you go a size up, like size 2?

Went to Cabelas the other day to check out the new Skeet Reese Honeycomb b/c rod. They had all 3 b/c rod models, I settled on the 7'2" (MH) football jig/big worm model. It's rated 1/4-1 oz lure wt. First of all, I don't think the micro guides are Fuji, and I think there is an a ceramic insert of some kind inside the micro guides. This is the second time I've seen and felt a rod that has micro guides. The first was at BPS, they had the Boyd Duckett b/c cranking rods w/ micro guides. The guides are small and there are 13 total micro guides on the W & M Honeycomb rod that I bought. I will say this, the guides are tiny holes, trying to thread w/ braided line, if you have bad eyes use your magnifier to thread the line through. The 7'2" MH feels like a true MH to me. It has enough give to cast lures, I was using 3/8 oz lures and up and noticed it does cast lures a bit farther. The casts were smooth and reeling in a lure using braid didn't sound any louder than on regular guides. Sensitivity, it's really quite sensitive! Again, I'm using braid so ever bump on the bottom or vibration from a moving lure was transmitted excellently. I could tell if I was hitting a stick or rock when I used a jig. I think there might be something to this micro guide rods. Now one thing I'm thinking when the time comes, how well will these micro guides do when the water is below freezing and you get ice build up on the guide(s). I'll find out soon... The black and yellow color scheme is "ok". I'm not a real big fan of the color scheme, the yellow color reminds me of a style fiberglass rod. I have an Eagle Claw 6'6" UL spinning rod in yellow, and the micro guide color is just a bit lighter in color. I first paired up the W & M Honeycomb rod with an Abu Garcia Revo S. I went and bought the longer BPS XPS b/c handle and replaced the stock Revo S handle. I then as you can see in the pic, added Reel Grips in black/yellow to somewhat match the rod. I'll eventually get a Skeet Reese Revo b/c reel when the prices start coming down on them. The Revo S and the W & M Honeycomb balanced out nicely. The Revo S is just shy of 9 oz and the Honeycomb 7'2" rod is a bit heavy compared to lighter rods of similar length like a Cumara or Carrot Stix. I did try and hold the 7' finesse worm/fluke rod and that is lighter than the 7'2" model. But when I put the rod and reel together, static weight felt heavier but casting/retrieving felt lighter, I can use this combo all day. I also tried my Quantum Tour Edition PT b/c reel on the Honeycomb, this reel is around an oz lighter. Both felt balanced to me. The reel seat felt comfortable with a b/c reel on top, the reel clamps down nice and tight and did not experience any reel wobble when casting or retrieving. I used the both reels on the Honeycomb rod and I was able to use alot of different lures and all worked fine using the rod. Wonderful casting distance, excellent sensitivity and the backbone to bring in a bass. I used a Senko style worm and felt the bass hit the lure. I like the backbone on this rod, was able to set the hook strong. Caught another bass using a lipless crankbait, felt the vibrations reeling in from the long cast. I don't know if I'm sold on the micro guide rods, I'm glad I bought one to try out and see for myself if they are all that. Maybe one day when the prices come down, which will be a long time; I may get a few more b/c rods w/ micro guides. If anything, the 7' model is in the future. Only a few name brand company's offer a b/c rod w/ micro guides and those guides are not anywhere close to what's on the W & M Honeycomb. Then again, those other micro guide rods cost alot more than the W & M Honeycomb. Also another thing I like about this rod, the reel see is like the Fuji ACS seat, not the ECS. So your fingers on the bottom are comfortable. I hope this was helpful if you have your eyes set to get a b/c rod with micro guides. For the price, it is right there in performance with rods that cost so much more with micro guides. Sorry for the big pic, had my camera phone set to 5 mp

Looking to either getting the 7'2" MH or the 7' M. Baitcast reel(s) I will use will either have 30-40 lb braided line. Does Micro guide b/c rods work w/ braided line or better w/ mono/co poly/fluoro line? How do you like this rod and if you own either I listed, is it more for one type of technique or do you use it as a all type technique rod?

6'9" MH Veritas rod and Okuma V-System V-100LXa B/C reel Bought the Veritas today at BPS to match up w/ the Okuma I've had for a few months...I'd say it's a good looking combo...now I get to play w/ it tomorrow...I hope the bass cooperate and play catchy-catchy!

Any of you guys own or used the Fuego spinning rod? How is it compared to other rods around its price point? Any good or bad points?

Anybody not using the TW 10% sale? I accidentally deleted mine. PM me if you don't mind giving that up. Thanks, Ghost

Looking for opinions from those who own or used one. Is it better in performance than last years or about the same. How about the new braking system compared to last years.

I am looking at the 6'10" ML, I like the looks and it has rec guides. It's lightweight and it has a graphite cone in the foregrip for better sensitivity. Any of you own and use this rod or the 6'7" M? I have a Cabelas XMLTi 6'9' M drop shot rod that's very sensitive, just wondering if the Elite Tech DS is any better.

I got one of the 7.1:1 left hand Midas b/c reel. I have not had a chance to fish with it but I have been able to use a 1/2 oz practice plug and I am very impressed with braking system. I like the stealth flat black look of the reel and it looks great on any rod I put it on. I also don't mind the weight that is almost 9 oz cuz it does balance out on alot of my b/c rods nicely. I don't like the hard reel handles that I put on black Reel Grips that has improved the grip and looks much better. I have 40/10 PP spooled and it just seems like a great fit. I can't wait to give this reel a run I think it's a great one, right there with any Curado or Citica or Revo S, SX, STX

I am looking at a fast action and medium power, lure weight 1/4-5/8 oz and 8-14 lb line. I am trying to decide which of the 2 lengths would be more suitable for an all around rod for shore fishing and/or from boat. And if one length is better for Senkos, light jigs and cranks/topwater.

I bought the 6' M split grip b/c rod. GY does things different than other rod mfg's. He measures the actual length pased the grip, so the rod could be a bit uner 7'. From what I heard the rods are made my Airrus. The one I have does look like an Airrus rod with the seat and split butt.

The Carbonlite rod has been out for a few months, I'm sure there are quite a few bought. So what is your take on this rod vs. other rods you have? What did you get baitcasting or spinning? And the length and purpose? I bought 3, 6'9" MH b/c rod, 6'8" spinning rod and 7'2" M spinning rod. I do like them though they feel tip heavy, the looks are great and they are very light and very sensitive.

I see this mentioned now and then but have no idea how it is done.

Just wanted to get opinions if you guys either like or dislike the ACS reel seat. How do you compare to the Fuji ECS reel seat? I guess I am asking you think the ACS is as comfortable, good ergonomics, sensitivity as the ECS?

I have the Tour Edition in left hand. Both reels you mentioned are the same only difference is the TE has the carbon handle that makes it just a shade lighter than the Energy. Both have the same bearing count and braking system. I would have liked to get the Energy if Quantum came out with the color scheme of the previous Energy...which I think is way cool. It's a toss up, both reels are smooth but I think the TE is just a bit smoother. The TE is not harder to cast actually it is smoother than my Curado 201E and Zillion 7.1:1...I am serious about that. Quantum did a very great job with the current line up. I have the TE, the Catalyst and now the new Accurist. All 3 share the same body but bearings and smoothness differ. The TE just feels way too good and feels good on most of my high end rods.

What's your opinion about this rod & can it be versatile for any other techs? Spinnerbaits, swimbaits, frogs, what?

You guys that own either baitcast reel, do you use it for crankbaits or swimbaits? I think the IPT would be good for cb's. I was thinking of getting a 21" IPT b/c reel but now I am thinking it might be too slow, while the reels mentioned about are 25" & 24" IPT respectively. What do you guys think?

I know the standard rod lengths are 6', 6'6", 7', 7'6". I have quite a few of those lengths and different actions but I for some reason prefer the odd lengths like 6'3", 6'8", 6'9", 6'10", 7'2". I guess I like things out of the norm....

Does one IPT better for cb's or does it even matter? I don't want to go down under 21" IPT, but I do have a Calcutta 51 that has 16" IPT....maybe a bit too slow? What b/c reel are you using for crankbaits and what line...mono/fluoro/braid??? And line weight Thank Ghost

I have a Fuego left hand b/c reel and i use it for all techs, reel can do all IMO. I have 30 lb Power Pro and I do all with it.

With the hook keeper rusting, I use clear nail coat/polish to keep it from rusting. If the keeper is rusted, do you best to sand paper the rust and then apply a coat of nail polish.

I have my 6'9" MH b/c Carbonlite mated w/ a Quantum Tour Edition, the latest one. You want to talk about a stealthy looking rod that weighs very little...this is the combo! Everything balances out nicely w/ this setup. I just had a bit of problem using a $100 rod w/ a $280 reel...neither one seem to care. I don't think the bass will care either...it's just me that judges it.