DRhodes

Personally I'm a fan of the skeleton

Lucky Craft, I cant say for certain but the reels which were made 15 years ago are a different breed then the cheap reels mass produced in China. If you look at the old Shakespeare reels, and compare them to the ones made today, wow what a difference. I would highly doubt that a $60.00 reel purchased today would last 15+ years, but I could be wrong.

I noticed that cabelas has the 1000 on sale for $179.00. My buddy purchased a supercaster1000 about a month ago. He loves the casting ability but his tends to bunch up the line in certain spots on the reel when retreiving. The last time I spoke to him he thought he had found the problem but had not tested it again. I would think for the price, you could purchase another reel. If you buy it, and dont like it, its going to be harder to sell then an Abu or Shimano or Ardent. Keep us updated on your decision.

Gates, I'm a St Croix guy so I'm a little bias but I would much rather have the triumph over the clarus. However I would suggest the BPS PQ as it would be a little cheaper on you.

Justice Served

Beautiful fish. Glad to see you turn it back takes a "true fisherman"

Nice fish I would guess 3 lbs

Your location isnt listed. In our area (Ohio River) snags arent a big issue so cranks work well. I normally fish a senko or tube though. They have produced my 3 biggest bass of the season in the river.

David replys 5 min after me ^^ Glad these guys could give you some advice.

David P. is a Dobyns guy so PM him and he can give you a lot of info. I'm a St Croix Legend guy, and David said he knows some guys who switched from Legends and loved the Dobyns.

Love the Smallie, Great fish.

I cant vouch for the ardent lasting years, as I have just recently purchased it. I can tell you though it has been fantastic thus far, and has a 3 year warranty.

I too have always reeled with my right, its how you were raised to fish.

If its older St Croix rods let me know

I can tell you that the forum here has a huge Shimano backing. I have used most of the reels in your price range from the Revo STX. Revo Premier, Shimano Citica, Shimano Curado, Diawa Zillion, and can honestly say I'm thrilled with my Ardent XS1000. I think it outpreforms every other reel that I have used, and am extremely impressed with the quality of Ardent Reels. I sold every other baitcaster that I owned and I am officially an "Ardent and St Croix guy" BTW $25.00 for a Mojo Bass rod is a great deal even though they are made in Mexico

I have used both, and can honestly say I liked the Revo a little better. However recently I purchased an Ardent XS1000 and LOVE IT! It is by far the best baitcaster I have used, and the good news is I purchased it brand new for $155.00 off of ebay. Keep an eye out and you can find some great deals, I would not buy one brand new, because you can find members selling them on the forums at a great price. Good luck in your decision.

Ive noticed a lot of Gloomis guys. My favorite setup Ardent XS1000 St Croix LTBC70MF "Teaser" Power Pro Line

congrats and good luck on the continued success of jig fishing.

congrats

The lure has a wonderful action in the water, but I have never caught a fish on the xrap. I normally ditch them and pick up a norman/jig/ or senko.

Beautiful bass

Very nice Shane

not a bad fish at all Red, keep it up.

I'm anxious to see what this topic brings, as I have fished several custom painted lures, and can say from my expierence i have had no change from customs to box store lures.

Welcome, I can tell you first hand that the members on here are more then willing to share tips, if you have any specific questions feel free to ask. Derek