DaveT63

LOL

Just to clarify, the vast majority of fish I have caught, which is hundreds, were caught on those three rods. I wish most of them were 6 pounds or more, but realistically it's only been about a half dozen over 6. But all of those came on one of these three rods. I agree with the you on the the rest. Most of the rods I use for striper fishing in the Chesapeake are 7' ML rods.

I don't mean to hijack a thread, but @A-Jay, since you mentioned pyros, what is the correct way to disposed of expired flares? Thanks, Dave

Two of my favorite rods are 7' MF. St Croix Legend Xtreme casting rod and G Loomis MBR842C GLX. My other is a 6'8" MXF St Croix spinning rod. These 3 have accounted for hundreds of bass for me, and nearly all I have caught over 6 lbs. I love throwing light T-rigs on MF casting gear.

It's actually worth it to scroll through their whole clearance section. They have an Aird-X 7' MHF casting rod for $19.49, Berkley Big Game Lip Grip for $16, Aftco fishing gloves for under $10, and a couple different Plano Edge boxes for less than $15.

Thank you!

I've got a bullshad that I normally throw on a Dobyns SB795. But I will have limited room in the boat in my next tournament and will be taking my toad face for frog fishing. Would it be okay to put the bullshad on? Thanks, Dave

I would jump on that trade. SC Legend Xtremes are fantastic rods.

My first foray into the BFS realm. Waiting for an Alphas SV TW 800 Shallow Spool to arrive for it.

Thanks for all the replies! I think I'm going to start with the Alphas SV105 with stock spool. I'll play with that for a while. If I decide to go further, I'll order a Ray's spool. Dave

I'm just now thinking about venturing into the BFS realm. I've got a 7' MLF casting rod rated for 1/16 - 3/8 oz, 4-10 lb line I plan to start off with. I've got the following reels. Which would you all recommend for BFS, if any, as they are now, and what mods would you make to any of them for BFS use? Curado 51E Scorpion 1001XT Aldebaran Mg (51 size) Steez 103HL Steez SV103HL TD-Z 103ML Pixy PX68L Alphas SV 105 Alphas Ito 103L I prefer to start off with something I have. Or am I better off buying something else? Thanks, Dave

I've never fished a newer Met, so have to leave that to the guys that have. You don't seem to be averse to Daiwa, so to me, this is the way to go. New Zillion LH 7:1 for $198 on Amazon. It's legit, mine came in about 3 days ago and is the real deal. https://www.amazon.com/Daiwa-Gileon-1000HL-Handle-Model/dp/B08NP3DZQJ/ref=rvi_d_sccl_6/136-7206024-9898258?pd_rd_w=aeMqX&content-id=amzn1.sym.f5690a4d-f2bb-45d9-9d1b-736fee412437&pf_rd_p=f5690a4d-f2bb-45d9-9d1b-736fee412437&pf_rd_r=80D2204CVJJP5SZ5W192&pd_rd_wg=nqy87&pd_rd_r=e8d675f1-9688-4a36-81ce-26d721885045&pd_rd_i=B08NP3DZQJ&th=1

It could still get to you early. I ordered a JDM Zillion and it was originally supposed to arrive on the 22nd or 23rd. I got an email from FEDEX after it got to the west coast the other day saying it would be here on the 14th.

I want to use my SV103 for frogging. I have a number of different spools I can use in it. Which of the following would be the best for this purpose (and I realize "best" means a little something different to everyone)? Plan on using 50lb braid. Zillion SV TW G1 RCS SV1000 Boost Steez SV TW 1016 Stock Steez Zillion G SV TW HD Mag-Z RCS 1016 from a T3 Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Dave

The original Alphas variants, including the Sol, as well as the original Alphas SV, use 33MM spools.

You can't go wrong with Mike at Delaware Valley Tackle. He lets you pick every detail. I LOVE my DVT rods.

The 843 is a better choice for an all purpose rod. The 842 is fantastic for light t-rigs and such. But the 843 is the better all purpose rod.

Thanks for all the pics and input! I considered a number of different options, like a Plano 3700 box, a shoe box, and stealing my wife's portable Craftsman 3 drawer tool box. But that was bigger than I wanted. Today, I found this little beauty in a pawn shop for $5.00. May use as is, or scuff it up and hit it with a rattle can. Haven't decided yet. That is a Daiwa TDZ in the pic for size reference.

I'm not a reel repair guy, and don't even do my own maintenance. But I've got small drivers, pliers, tweezers, and stuff like that to change handles, knobs, bearings, and stuff like that. Right now, they are on a pile on a shelf. How do you all store/organize your reel tools? Thanks, Dave

Thanks for all the input! I'll check with a couple local shops. And I'll be taking the motor to be given the once over before I even think about starting it.

I bought a used beater bass boat back in 2016. Since I only fish TM waters, the motor hasn't been started in years. There is probably 10-15 gallons of gas in the tank left over from when I bought the boat. Now the wife wants me to get the motor running to take her out on the river. I'd prefer to use new gas. How do I safely dispose of the old stuff and clean out the tank before adding new gas? Thanks, Dave

I'll go a slightly different route here. I LOVE my GLX MBR 782C for jerkbaits. TDZ 103ML with Sunline mono. Never lost a fish on it yet.

I've seriously been considering having a rod built on one of those blanks from NFC. Just can't decide which one.

I used to keep a 2-pc St Croix MF spinning rod and Shimano Sahara reel in the trunk of my Corvette to fish the ponds I would fish on my way to/from work every day. Worked well for what I needed.

I did for years. 2 piece MF Ugly Stik spinning rod. Then, as someone else said, I found Bass Resource. I now have over 50 rods and reels and take at least 6 with me even when I go bank fishing. Needless to say, my wife is not fan of this forum. 😂