Craiger12

You can find the Citica for ~$100, I have heard great things about this reel though I have never used one. My advice would be to save a few more dollars and pick up a Curado E7, which can usually be found for ~$145 new. I have one of these and it is an excellent all around reel for the price.

Another vote for the Sol.

Thanks for the help guys. I suppose the smarter thing to do would be to go with the Core and put the $100 toward the rod I'm going to pair it with. I just wish the Core 50 had a brass main gear rather than aluminum, not that the Steez does.

Which of the two feels more powerful?

How will the Steez 103HLA handle casting and pitching lighter baits, such as wacky rigged plastics and t-rigs down to 1/8 bullet weight on a 6 inch worm? It will likely be paired with a Dobyns DX742 medium action rod with 12lb flourocarbon. I was set on getting a Core 51MG with these apps, but I just like the feel of Daiwa reels better and now I'm considering spending the extra $ and going for the Steez. Will it handle these lighter presentations as well as the Core 50 would? What do you guys think?

I have used the 3 and 4 inch versions as jig trailers and I'm planning on t-rigging the 4 inchers as it gets a little warmer.

I have an E7 and a Zillion 50th and actually prefer the feel of the Zillion better. However, I'm happy with the responses that I got bc the E7 is on a BCR853, which I use for throwing t-rigs and light jigs with 30lb braid. The Curado is a great real at the price point, but it is just a little big and has too large of a line capacity for 30lb braid IMO. This way I could switch the E7 to a 5 power rod with some 50lb braid and pick up a smaller reel for the 853. Any excuse to pick up some new gear...

Which of these reels would you spool with 50-65lb braid and pair with a 5 power rod for froggin' and pitching plastics/jigs into heavy cover? I realize the Zillion cost about $100 more. I am looking for a response based more on performance than bang for your buck, although price is always a part of the equation. Which would you consider to be the more powerful reel? Also, other recommendations are welcome.

Unfortunately, the owner called me back today to tell me the boat had been sold, so the search goes on.

I have managed to get a few on a LC Pointer 78 in Ghost Minnow and slammed one that went 3lb 8oz on a black/blue jig with a chigger craw trailer at a couple small ponds near me. Still painfully slow though. I fished that jig for over an hour before I got that one hit. It's a good thing I landed her or I would have lost my mind.

What year was the TR-186 Dink?

That thing is a pig. Awesome coloration on her too. Just a beautiful bass.

The guy selling it is asking for $7900. I realize that worth is relative, but depending on the condition, do you think this boat would still be worth almost $8000? I have never owned a boat before and am some what clueless when it comes to them, any advice is appreciated.

I throw my LC Pointer 78's on a Dobyns Champion 704CB and Sol. It is a great combo: light, balanced, and looks great. The 684CB would be a great option if you prefer a slightly shorter rod and the 705/685 for anything over 1/2 oz baits.

What do you guys think of this boat? Anyone with any experience with one? I am looking into buying a 2003 with a 90 hp Merc and 24 volt 67 lb thrust Motorguide.

Will the larger Core 100MGFV handle fit on the Core 50/51?

Bronzefly - would you be so kind as to describe what makes a good shakey head rod vs what makes a good drop shot rod and how these differ from one another? This would be very helpful for those with little experience with these techniques like myself.

I am essentially looking for a baitcasting setup to take the place of a spinning setup, as I much prefer casting gear over spinning.

I'm looking for a reel to pair with a 2 power rod for throwing lighter contact baits like weightless plastics, wacky worms, shakey heads, and drop shots. How do you guys think this reel will handle the job? Any other reels you might suggest?

The 704CB and DX744 are my 3rd and 4th casting rods and I already have my eye on the 5th. Oh and yeah, it's another Dobyns.

I agree that this rod feels ideal for casting 1/4oz - 3/8oz cranks and jerks, and this is exactly what I purchased the rod for, so I am very happy in that regard. I'm sure it is just the action of the rod that makes it feel underpowered. I guess it just goes to show that you can't always have everything you desire in one piece of equipment.

Thanks for the help. I went on the Smooth Drag site and had no idea which washers to get for the Sol.

The reel is brand new so I won't be sending it in for a clean/lube until the end of the season. However, this may be the easier way to go when the time comes.

Got the chance to get out and fish my new Champion 704CB for the first time this weekend. It feels perfect when casting Pointer 78's and im sure it will cast 1/4oz and 3/8oz cranks well too. However, I was only able to catch a few small fish, anywhere from 10" - 15" and the rod felt somewhat labored. I will admit that I am not used to fishing moderate action rods and I'm sure this played a part, but I feel I would have a pretty tough time bringing in anything in the 5lb range and I don't think I would throw anything over 1/2oz on it. Has anyone else found this to be the case, or is this simply me just not being used to the slower action?

I would like to purchase some carbontex drag washers for my new Sol. Where do you recommend getting them from? Also, is it a difficult process to instal them, or would I easily be able to do this on my own?