DaveT63

Thanks again for all tips and feedback! I will try my best to put them to good use. I have looked at the Liquid and Remix reels. I think I will go with one of those. They sell them in a 3-pack, with the reel, two spools, and a protective bag for them, which is likely the way I will go. As to HOW I will fish them, I will let the guide fill me on on that. I will have the spools filled for either topwater or other, and swap out as needed. Hearing the stories has gotten me excited for next year! Dave

Thanks for the input, everybody! I said I have the rod, but that is not quite complete. I have an NFC 7-weight C6O2 4-pc blank that I'm having built. It should be a very light weight rod when done. I will likely fish the Shenandoah river in Virginia for starters. I will take a look at the Liquid and the Remix, and others. Please keep ideas, suggestions, and tips coming. Thanks again! Dave

I don't know if this is the place to ask, but here goes. I want to try fly fishing for smallies next spring/summer. I've been told a 6 or 7 weight rod would be best for this. I have the 7 weight rod, but need a reel. I want a decent one, but don't want to break the bank. I know fly reels can be expensive, so I'm looking used, since I don't know how much of this I will do. I'm looking for advice on a decent reel to look for on the used market for a couple hundred dollars. Any suggestions on brand and model would be greatly appreciated, along with features to look for. Thanks! Dave

I once picked up a Calcutta 51 round reel to try out. Great little reel, but after all my years with low profile reels, I couldn't get used to the round reel, even at that size. I sold it, although sometimes wish I hadn't.

I have 4 or 5 that Mike at DVT built for me. I like the way they fish, but have to be honest. I haven't caught anything big enough on them to truly realize a benefit from the non-torquing part. But that won't keep me from buying more.

Thanks for the feedback! I've heard great things about the Phenix rods, and may have to check that out!

Thanks!

Does anyone have an idea how the HD would fare with an OG Steez spool in it? Or one from a T3 1016? I ordered one of the SLP Works Zillions that @bulldog1935 mentions. Comes without a spool or handle. I've got several spools and handles I can put on it, wondering how the other spools would work. I've already got one HD and love it with the Mag Z and don't feel like playing with it since I've got a tournament coming up and it's already set up and ready to fish. Thanks, Dave

Are any builders here familiar with both of these blanks and can provide feedback on one vs the other? Considering having a BFS rod built on one of these blanks. I've heard the SCV blank being called "almost magical" and "near perfect", as well as many other great descriptions. I've got one rod built on a C6O2 blank and really like it, so I'm interested in that possibility as well. Any feedback at all would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Dave

https://www.tackledirect.com/daiwa-ttu80hl-tatula-tw-80-baitcasting-reel.html Tat 80 for 125.99

Probably 3/4 of my rods and reels were bought used. Buy from reputable sellers here and on other forums and you should be fine. I prefer the older Diawas like the SV103, TDZ, Alphas, and others you can't get new anymore. I've bought upwards of 50-60 used rods and reels and the only problems I've ever had was when UPS or USPS decided my 1-piece rods would be better as 2-pieces.

Just picked up a couple bladed jig micros for my BFS rig. What are y'all using for trailers on these, if anything? Thanks, Dave

Not trying to hijack this thread, but I've fished Briery Creek before. I can't begin to imagine fishing it on a moonless night. I would definitely end up in the water after hitting one of those stumps.

I have one of the original Stradic Ci4 reels that does that every so often. It's the only reel I've ever had that does it. Seems like it only ever happened when I was casting a lure heavy enough to snap the line when the bail tripped. Lost several nice traps that way, so I finally took it out of the rotation. I might have to remove that ramp and start fishing it again.

If I'm not mistaken, your line should be coming into the T-Wing, UNDER that cross bar, or whatever you call that horizontal rod in the reel, and onto the spool. It looks like it is contacting and riding over it. Dave

What are the pros and cons of each reel, and is the Silver Wolf worth the extra $100 bucks? Might be able to justify a reel for myself for Christmas, and these are my most likely options. Thanks, DAve

If I'm bank fishing I usually have 4-5 rods, all with something different tied on. In my boat, I have 14-16 rods, including about 3 different jigs, for TX rigs with different weights and baits, and a couple worm rods.

I actually just ordered 8 Siebert Cosmic Spinnerbait this morning. Looking forward to trying them out. I love his jigs.

Just saw a spinnerbait online called the Jackall Megalo Doon. Price was $35, and it's sold out. What makes it worth that kind of money when no can catch bass on a $1.00 Walmart spinnerbait? Is it really that good?

To me, it is 100% worth it to pay someone a reasonable fee to clean my reels every couple years or so. I send between 2 and 4 at a time to @Delaware Valley Tackle. Sending multiple reels together cuts down on shipping costs as well. Mike does a fantastic job, and every reel I've gotten back from him felt better than it did when new, including a 20 year old TD-Z I bought used and incomplete.

I have an Edge MB703-1 7' Med Light casting rod, rated 1/16 - 3/8 oz. Would it be strong enough to set the hook on a 1/4 oz total weight single hook spinnerbait, or am I better off trying some other bait? I'm just dipping my toes into BFS and want something I can catch fish on soon so I don't lose interest in it. Thanks, Dave

Are you talking specifically saltwater fishing or bass in the Bay and Patuxent? There are TONS of good rods sold in the area for the salt. It's pretty easy to find some nice custom built rods locally as well. If you are talking bass, or something you can use for both, I like Falcon Coastal rods and St Croix Mojo Inshore.

Lucky for me, everything I want is out of stock!

This is pretty much exactly what I was going to say.

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