byram bassturd

My favorite for topwater.

Just got several reels back from Ian last week. His work is simply amazing. Honest too! Didnt need to replace a $6 part so emailed me with credit. Could have easily chosen not to disclose... And as for the narrow aluminum handles, I'm a big fan myself. Actually very comfortable.

Simply beautiful! Are these the work of Mr. Shields? Sorry! Didnt catch the name in your post the first time but see that it was indeed Ian.

I have a conquest 101dc and used to have a 101. I think that it would work great for the squarebills that you mention. A 201 would work better for the swimbaits esp. the heavier ones because of the higher line capacity.

Only looking at shimano?

Have ordered many reels from various Japanese vendors over the years. I have yet to pay any import/customs fees. Rods however are a different story...

This. I thought that there was a difference when I first used it but I was applying it too thick. Protects and keeps clean with a slightly darker color. No reason not to use now.

This.

Fishing from shore or from a boat? Shallow cranks or deep? Open water or around and in cover? What kind of cover? Treble or bottom contact finesse baits?

Prefer round reels. Really like the Shimano Conquest and the Daiwa Millionaire platforms.

Why choose? Both.

For the really light stuff around 1/16oz I use a F1 powered 6'6"F megabass spinning stick. Everything else goes on a 6'8" MLF spinning rod or my plastics BFS stick.

An NRX at $300...is it worth it? For me? Absolutely! For you? You have to answer.

Both sticks should cast a senko far enough as it's not really a light lure. I would say that it would depend much more on the type of cover you are targeting. If it's open water or sparse grass then a M should be fine but near mod to heavy grass or laydowns, I would personally prefer a MH.

All the recs here sound good. Not sure what type of topwater baits you intend to throw on the 7'3"H but if you're thinking heavier baits 3/4 oz and up it would be fine. The lighter baits would work better on the 7"M or 6'10"MH. Once you start using different techniques and weights on the rods in various conditions, you will figure out what you like.

I feel your pain. Is it really deep where it went overboard? I once retrieved a stick in over 20 feet of water although the water was pretty clear with good visibility and a rocky bottom. It was the best feeling ever seeing that rod waiting there for me. Better than waiting for the UPS man after Black Friday!

The ones that are smaller or run deeper like the pointer 65/78 or staysee if talking about lucky craft work better for me right after ice out in colder temps. Then I upgrade size and go shallow as water warms up.

Most fun? Topwater. Most effective? Jerkbait or DS.

Agree with previous posters suggesting the twin power or luvias over the sustain based on performance at similar price range. Cant go wrong with the CI4+ though for cheaper.

Best that I can afford. Never enough time to get out and enjoy my favorite sport. Nice gear definitely ups the enjoyment factor when I'm on the water...

Used it for topwater on 3 different setups last season. Absolutely love it. Favorite so far for this technique. Ok for crankbaits as well but prefer regular defier for them as it's more supple.

Awesome job!Those look great!

I have around 10 of the original donkeys. Like them a lot. Very good hookup ratio for me. Haven't tried the new version so cant compare.

Agree with k3bass. Certate all day, every day.

I am very blessed to use the gear that I do now but it took me 30+ years and a lot of wasted money becuase I started and stayed with cheaper setups for a while. I would buy the best that I can afford and upgrade whenever possible.