DaveT63

They have always produced for me. Not as productive as GYBC, but they last longer. I like the Gambler Ace better than the Sticko though.

I love the E series 50 size Chronarch and Curado. I sold a Curado 201I because I didn't care for it. I also have a Scorpion 71 that I like better the more I use. But for now, I prefer the E series.

I like the BPS StickO and the Gambler Ace.

The Pflueger President gets a LOT of love on this forum. You can buy it new at Dick's or Walmart for about $60.

Will the 7:1 gears from a Core 51Mg7 or Curado 201E7 fit in a Chronarch 51E? And is the difference between the original 6.4:1 gears and the 7:1 worth it if I can? Thanks, Dave

Thanks all! Think I might just say to hell with it and put a new driveshaft, clicking drag star, carbontex drag, new Tatula 100mm handle and nutplate set on it. Wasn't planning on spending that much, but the reel is a little beast when it is fixed properly, and it's still probably cheaper than replacing it. Dave

Thanks! Will check it out.

The handle nut on my Daiwa Alphas keeps coming loose while I am reeling. I've tightened it many times, but it still comes loose. Is there a good way to keep this tight, or is there a different handle available somewhere that I can put on it with a retainer to keep the nut from turning? I don't want to spend more on a handle than I did the reel, so a hedgehog handle is out. Can someone recommend something from another Daiwa, or a cheaper aftermarket alternative? Thanks, Dave

Well, used ones normally go for between $75 and $100 depending on condition in the Flea Market. In my opinion, they would be worth $100 new to me, but keep in mind you can by good quality new reels like the Tatula CT for that same $100. You can also find like new Curado I's for between $110 and $125 if you look patiently enough.

7lb 1oz on a green pumpkin senko

I know the Medium Heavy Fast casting rod it basically the Swiss Army Knife of fishing rods. But can you have too many (OK, I know what kind of answer THAT question is going to get already)? I have one I use for weighted Texas rigged plastics, one for jigs, and one for spinnerbaits and chatterbaits. I would love to get one more, but what would I use it for? I have the MF, MXF, MM, MHM, H, and HMF angles covered with other rods. So how many do you have in the rotation at any one time and what do you use them for? Thanks, Dave

Mann's 1- here

For some reason, I prefer to throw lipless baits on a spinning combo. I don't really know why, but I do. I am currently using a Shimano Symetre 3000FL and love it for that purpose. Dave

I have decided to dress up my Pixy a bit to match the MBR842C GLX I've got it on by adding some light blue accents pieces like drag star and cast control cap. While I was searching the net, I ran across some stuff from Ray's Studio. Some of it is cheaper than the Hedgehog Studio stuff. Has anyone used this stuff before and can provide feedback? And what other sites are out there besides Hedgehog that I can check out, for the sake of variety? Thanks, Dave

Tackle Warehouse has the Zillion TWS on sale right now, and at that price it's been calling my name. But is there another reel out there that is as good for the money? Does anyone here have the Zillion TWS and a Curado 71 they can provide comparison feedback on? Or maybe a red Scorpion 1001XT. I have both the Scorpion 1001XT and Scorpion 71, as well as a Chronarch 51E and Core 51Mg7. I also have a Daiwa Alphas and a Pixy, if you could compare to either of those. Just looking for comparison to something I already am familiar with. If someone could provide feedback on the Zillion compared to any of these reels, I would appreciate it. Dave

I have one of the older CBR 843 rods. I used to have a CBR 785, but really prefer the 3 power for the shallower baits. Like others have said, use your discount to get the GLX or NRX bottom contact rod. I just can't justify the need for a GLX level cranking rod myself when the sensitivity needed isn't as great for the moving bait.

I usually have between 14 and 16 in the boat. By the end of the day, most have made their way onto the deck. With that many, you really have to be careful where you are stepping, and they are constantly getting tangled. I would love to wean myself down to about 8 on the deck at any one time, but just haven't been able to yet.

I used to use a Revo Winch with 5.4:1 on everything. I still like it for bigger cranks, but I am really taking a liking to 6.3-6.4:1 for most things like squarebills and small cranks.

I usually have 4 or 5 in my truck at any given time. After accidently leaving one at a pond one day, and later coming back to find it gone, I take no more than one out of the truck at a time. I just walk back to the truck when I want to swap rods. FWIW, I got the rod I left behind back after leaving a message at the pond with my name and number. I got lucky that time around. Might not happen next time. For me, or for you if you ever leave one.

St Croix still has Rage 6'8" MXF casting rods in their Bargain Room for $89 with free shipping and a free Rage hat. It has the SCIII blank the Avid line uses, and comes with a 5 year warranty. In my opinion, it would be tough to beat that deal.

I'm partial to Sunline Super Mono. You can find 660 yard spools for about $14 and I've never had a problem with 12lb on spinning reels.

I don't have an issue with the Daiwa Steez or the Shimano Core, and my PX68L is probably my favorite reel. All are lightweight but feel like very solid reels to me. OTOH, I have a Daiwa Alphas SV 105L I bought because I love my little purple Alphas so much. The newer SV 105L is lighter, but doesn't feel nearly as substantial as any other reel I have ever fished. It just doesn't feel right. It's a good reel, but I would trade it for a nice Airy Red left-handed Pixy in a heartbeat.

If you can afford another roughly $100, the St Croix Legend Elite line is exceptional. If you keep your eyes open, you might be able to find a lightly used one for the price of the LTB or Dobyns.

Loomis MBR842C GLX / Daiwa PX68L St Croix LES68MXF / Shimano Stradic FK 3000

I buy most of my terminal tackle from ebay. Gammy and Owner hooks are about 1/2 the price of other places.