trevor

I don't get why people even eat bass. Eat catfish or bluegill or crappie or perch or another "food" fish. But why eat bass? I have always understood that they are not the best tasting fish.

I also have some Extremes and they're by no means bad sticks. And with braid, they are sensitive enough. Like others said, maybe a Compre or a Fenwick HMX could also be considered.

This is unreasonalble insanity! http://www.tackletour.com/reviewmegabassparaizo.html

I know it is cheap, but consider a Fenwick HMX. I have one and it is extremely sensitive, as well as super strong. Nice components, too. Check one out!

In my mind, full blown split grips are a marketing thing and do NOTHING for balance. Thats right, NOTHING. They reduce weight, but do not improve balance. Using just in front of the reel as the "fulcrum", you take more or less the same amount of weight off one side as the other by eliminating the fore grip and also eliminating most of the rear grip. So what I like is to remove the fore grip and leave a full rear grip, taking off some weight while IMPROVING balance. Anyways, a balanced, heavy rod feel lighter than a light, unbalanced rod. And I like my balance point closer to the butt than most like.

What is your personal favorite type of drag?

Thanks! I was referring to Ceramic Drags, but in my case it is an Ardent XS1000 (which I love).

How do you lubricate a ceramic drag? Or do you let them dry?

That Kistler is a good rod for the money, unless you just can't stand the split grip. It does help to reduce the weight and a lighter rod is a more sensitive one, which seems to be important to you. Not if its not balanced.

I agree, the Daiwa manage line very nicely! As for the guys falling apart Shimanos.... God alone must know what this man does to his reels! ;D TLD's are powerhouses! And I love Stradics. Can't comment on the Toriums. But how the **** do you brake a TLD!?

How are the Sorons with corrosion?

After one season of being fished as supplied gear on a charter boat, here is a review: My father owns and runs one of the busiest charter boats in Ocean City, MD, and uses a fair amount of spinning gear. For spadefish, Mahi, and small sharks, spinning reels in the 4000 size are his choice. He is traditionally a diehard Shimano guy, and all but his 2 Coastal reels are Shimano. The begging of this season he was looking for some new spinning reels for his charters to fish, and decided on picking up 2 Coastals in addition to his regular Shimanos. The reels feature ABS style spools, Corrosion Resistant parts (including bearings), machined handles, Airbails, Twist Buster, ect. He immediately put these reels to work during some pretty hot shark fishing, and is still using them now. Here is a list of pros and cons. Enjoy! 8-) Pros: Apparently, the ABS is no BS! These reels cast extremely well, and the line control system (Twistbuster) works as hoped.... maybe even better! Drag, Drag, Drag, Drag..... this drag is a beast! Very large, incredibly smooth, and waterproof. The drag is a home run. Frame. The frame is very rigid, showing zero signs of corrosion after a season of hard fishing. Anti-reverse is very solid, and shows no signs of weakening. Reel is quite light, actually very light for its size. Internals: after a complete strip down (by myself), the reel is remarkably corrosion free... better than some Shimanos! Judging by the insides of this reel, you would never know it had been exposed to saltwater. Impressive. Overall Functionality: This is a no-nonsense reel function wise. Not the simplest design - actually the most complicated I have ever seen - but it is a no frills reel, which often means a no hassle reel. Cons: As well as the interals held up, one area that did corrode when not oiled was the handle's "main pin", the part that runs through the whole reel (not sure the technical term for this). But this would be easily avoidable with a shot of CX after each trip. Drag clicker is consistent, but very quiet. For a captain trying to figure out what the fish is doing, this is a real bummer. Handle is not direct drive, so it has a SMALL amount of wobble. But then again, who notices that fishing? Handle knob is a disappointing smooth, hard plastic. No grip! Some screws are INCREDIBLY low quality. You find better in $40 Mitchell reels. They don't corrode, but have fun getting them out without stripping them. One slip and there done. Good I had extras! And now, for the biggest con - the gearing has become somewhat loud, which indicates it is already on the road to being done. Even after a good surgeon-style cleaning and re-lube with Ardent Reel Butter, the gears still have some noise. Not quite grinding, more like buzzing. Very disappointing. Now some of this gear problems is almost certainly do to charters square cranking and using the reel as a winch! ;D But then again, for the same price we've had some Shimanos going on 5 years! Just not the best gears in these boys; and for the salt, you need the best. Overall Impressions: Unless you are a die-hard Dawia fan, buy a Saros or a Stradic on eBay!

Are they really worth the money? I would like to make a change from the $30 Sea Strikers that need renewe every season. Its probably cheaper to just buy Sea Strikers every season, but there is alot to be said for quality, too. I love the idea of glass lenses - not so easily scratched. 8-)

I detect sarcasm.

I bought an Ardent XS1000 new in box from a eBay seller (not an eBay store, just a normal guy) a few months ago. I love the reel, and it has a 3 year warranty. I assumed the warranty would be void since I am not the original owner. The other day, I figured I'd just incase. I emailed them and told them how much I love the reel, explained the situation, and asked if the warranty was void. I said I would completely understand if it was. Behold, I got an email back saying the 3 year warranty will still apply, just send in the warranty card! Now that is service!

Have both, and its a no brainer. Prodigy WAAYYYY better.

Shimano Saros on Ebay. I got mine nib tyd for $100. Just as nice as the new Stradics, the ONLY difference is where the Stradics have a worm gear, the Saros have a round gear. Big whoop.

Cheeseburger in Paradise is a nice song, but steer clear of the restaurant.

in

Wow. Lets dump untold amounts of oil in your beloved fishing waters of Tennessee and see if you have that same opinion. That's what Rush Limbaugh said and he's always right : Yeah, anyone that was critical of any aspect of the spill is just a tree hugging enviro wacko. I agree with Road Warrior. The long term affect of the spill won't be much. Nature will take it's course and clean itself up. And dumping oil in Tennessee is completely different than oil in an ocean.

so id have a good chance for carp on the fly?!

I doubt the fish died. Fighting fish on light tackle is fun, and I do it alot, but 11 lb carp on ultralight and 4 lb line is a little overkill in my opinion. But then again... its a carp.

Any good carp flats at raystown?

How do you know they're better bearings?