DaveT63

I've got a PX68L that I absolutely LOVE. Great reel. I did the PixZilla upgrades on mine, and there really isn't anything I won't use it for. I've never used a Dobyns rod, but can tell you that Pixy paired with a St Croix Legend Extreme 7' MF rod is just plain sick.

I have one of the Avocet Gold II 500UL reels and LOVE it. It is a he'll of a reel for that money.

Rods - St Croix, G Loomis, and a Berkley Reels - Shimano, Daiwa, and Abu

Not to hijack a thread, but what is the point of a Tennessee handle anyway?

I saw this reel for the first time advertised on ebay tonight. I was looking for one of the original Sols and came across this. Anyone used one or know anything about it? How does it compare to the original? Thanks, Dave

For me, it's a tossup between two days. Once, I got special permission to fish a pond that nobody was normally allowed to fish. I caught 52 bass in 2 hours, the smallest about 1 pound, the largest close to 5 lb, most in the 1.5-2 lb range, before having to leave for work. The other was the first day of vacation several years ago. Fishing from shore on a lake at a resort in TN, I caught a 6lb 4oz LM (tied my PB), and then a 6lb 1oz LM within 20 minutes of my first cast, and less than 50 yards apart. I caught more fish that morning, but those two pretty much made the rest a blurred memory.

In my mind, it depends on what you want to use it for. I have one of the original CI4 reels that I have been using for spinnerbaits. If I throw one bigger than 3/8 oz, it feels to me like it is working too hard. But with soft plastics and such, it is awesome. I am switching my spinnerbaits over to my Stadic FJ, and I'm sure that reel will be fine with the bigger spinners. Unless you just want the weight savings of the CI4+, I would look at the Stradic FJ as well. Dave

St Croix Legend Extreme with a Daiwa Pixy PX68L Retail about $900, spent about $500 G Loomis MBR842C GLX with a Steez, Retail close to $1000, spent $400. I don't buy hardly anything new. Too many good deals to be found on good used gear if you are patient and keep your eyes peeled.

They are also having the buy one, get one at 50% off sale online. Free shipping on orders over $49, and you could also save shipping by having your order shipped to the store and picking it up there. They seemed to have pretty good stock on stuff.

I've never used the MB, but love my St Croix rods. I would seriously consider having Mike at DVT build a rod on the SCIV (Legend Tournament) or SCV blank (Legend Elite/Xtreme blanks), or look on the numerous forums for a good used one. Dave

The LES spinning rods are fantastic. I have a 7' MHF and also have a 2-pc 6'6" MF LES, and the 2-pc is better than most all my other rods.

Thanks for all the input, everybody! I just snagged a nice used St Croix Avid 6'6" MM crankbait rod from another forum, really looking forward to giving it a try on these wake baits. Hopefully that is heavy enough for these smaller wake baits.

OK, thanks for the info, everyone! I will try a different color next time I experience this.

I've been fishing the Arashi Wake Bait a lot lately. I've caught a good number of fish on it, and like it a lot so far. But I've probably had at least twice as many short strikes on it. There have been many times a fish has hit at it an thrown it out of the water but not taken it. Other times they tap at it from behind or below without taking it. I've tried slowing it down, speeding it up, and stopping it numerous times during the retrieve, without any increase in hook-up. Is there any kind of trailer type hook for a crank bait that might work? Or any other suggestions? Thanks, Dave

I have the Avid 60ULF paired with a Stradic CI4 1000, and LOVE IT! I tried the 70ULF, but sold it because I felt, like others above do, that it was too whippy. But the 60ULF is SWEET. I can't imagine you being disappointed going that route. Dave

I can't speak to your cranking question with the Core, as I've never used mine for that. I have used the Core 101 and 51, and the Steez 100 and 103. I like the Steez, like other said, it's buttery smooth. But I LOVE the Core 51. I would trade one of my Steez for another Core 51. Just something about that reel that feels good in my hand, and I also feel it casts better than the Steez.

I've recently started fishing the Arashi Wakebait, and am pretty impressed. I've caught a number of fish on it, and had even more hits on it. But I've lost several fish as well. I am fishing this on a 6'6" MF rod. Would a crankbait rod be a better rod to fish it on, considering the treble hooks? I did a search, and I've seen people mention using 7'6" XH rods for wakebaits. Can I presume they are talking about swimbait wakebaits? I can't see the Arashi even loading an XF rod well enough to cast. I've also seen people mentioning using a MLXF rod. I know everyone has opinions, and uses different rods for different purposes. I'm just looking for some sort of concensus on what others fish this and similar baits with. Thanks, Dave

Someone has a 7'MF St Croix Avid for sale in the Flea Market here for $125. That's a tough deal to beat.

I haven't used the CI4+ yet, but absolutely LOVE my Core 51MG7. I've got a Steez I would gladly trade for another Core 51.

I've used the FC Sniper and like it, and I LOVE the Super Natural Mono.

Don't forget that TW currently has the T3 Ballistic on sale for $110, and if you can stretch a bit more, the T3 for $198. Both great deals.

If you really want to go high quality (and high dollar) St Croix also makes several 2-pc rods in the Legend Elite line with their SCV blank. I have the 6'6" MF 2-pc and I really can't tell the difference between it and a 1-pc Legend Elite rod. Great rods, but it will run you a good bit more than an Avid.

I've never thrown a wake bait. When and where do YOU throw them? Warmer or colder water temps? Morning/evening or all day long? Shallow or deep water? Any advice would be highly appreciated. Thanks! Dave

I really LOVE my St Croix Legend Xtreme XC71MHXF rod paired with a Shimano Core 51. Not sure I would prefer to have anything else over that.

The Ambassadeur D is the green one and seems to be in great working order, with a few scrapes and some boat rash, but otherwise pretty nice. Already exploring a possible trade on that one, as I'm not a round reel type of guy.