DaveT63

I've got a Shimano version of that Browning BB-1N, and had and sold the Scorpion 1001. I also have a 304, but more for collecting sake rather than using. All three cool reels!

Academy has Hack Attack jigs at about $1.50 in store. Strike King Denny Brayer and other jigs at $2.49 .

This might be an odd topic for this forum. But years ago, I got a Curado shaving bag with purchase of a 201E. I used it for many years, but it was always a bit small. So I decided to replace it lately. I felt it only fitting to continue the fishing theme. But I now have room to include a few extra fishing items as well.

We are going to be in the Pickens, SC area for a week starting Saturday, 17 Feb. Can anyone on here give recommendations on where to do some bank fishing? TIA, Dave

Thanks for all the advice! I think I'm going start with moving the Steez SV105 spool into the Steez, load it with some cheap mono, and give it a try on the MBR783C out in the yard. I'm sure that I will experiment with multiple rods and reels before I ever hit the water. I saw that, A-Jay. In fact, it's what got me thinking more about skipping. But my wife is looking to retire soon and stresses out every time I mention buying another rod or reel. So I'm going to try what I have first. But thanks!

I want to learn to skip with a baitcaster this year. I've done some reading here on it already. I want to set myself up with success, but want to see what gear I already have that would be good to use as a starter. Could I please get some feedback as to which rods and which reels I have that would work without having to go buy any new gear? I have the following rods and reels. Rods G Loomis MBR844C IMX 7' HF G Loomis MBR783C GLX 6'6" MHF St Croix Legend Elite 7' MHF Kistler Z-Bone 7' MHF Kistler Z-Bone 7'3" HF ALX Enox Decoy 7'1" MHF Edge Black Widow 7'1" MHF Custom build on NFC X-ray 7'3' MB735-1 MHF Custom build on NFC X-ray 7'3" SJ736-1 HF Reels SV103 with a Steez SV105 spool SV103 with stock spool Steez SV103 Alphas SV105 Zillion SV TWS Zillion G I have to believe I have what I need already. If you think I need something different, please throw it out there. Also, please suggest what you think might be the best rod/reel combo to start with if I have what I need. Thanks in advance, Dave

I second Mike Russell at Bag 5 Baits. I've had him paint a number of Baby Minus One cranks. I think the charge was around $11-12 per bait. He will also provide new baits painted in a pattern of your choice.

Black/Blue Christie Craw Texas rigged on a St Croix 7' MF Legend Xtreme with a TD-Z 103ML and Sunline Supernatural 12lb mono.

Indeed he will!!

In MD, its $20.50 for a non-tidal/freshwater license, and $15.00 for a tidal license to fish the Chesapeake and it's tidal tributaries. For 65 and older, the price drops to $5.00 total for tidal, non-tidal, and trout stamp.

I don't see a problem with either of those jigs! Glad to hear you were able to complete 2023! I also live in MD, but the southern part of the state. I started this challenge myself years ago to see how long I could go. So far, I've caught one every month since I started it in March of 2015. January and February are always the toughest, although, like you, I had one December get down to the 29th. And twice I've had to travel south to catch my monthly fish. I mostly fish farm ponds down here, which can ice over sometimes, so I get itchy in the winter. My wife has told me she is tired of me telling her I was concerned because I only have 25 days left to catch a fish in Jan or Feb. I caught one the other day on the 4th, so I'm good for January this year. And we are vacationing in SC next month, so I hope that increases my odds for February.

Got my first 2024 bad yesterday.

After chatting with Mike about it for a bit and playing around with it a bit more I now have drag. Thanks for the feedback! Dave It is a great reel. My changes were strictly cosmetic. Wanted it to match up with a new rod.

I bought a zillion TW HD 1000. I swapped out the original drag star for the blue one on the reel here. I now have no drag even when it's tightened down. I have the shim left over that I can't figure out where it goes. I did not pull anything out from under the drag star. I simply pulled the original off and put the blue one on. Where does this shim go and how does it affect my drag? I also got a new blue zero adjuster cap for it. Do I simply unscrew the old one then screw this one in? If so how do I know when it's adjusted properly? Thanks for any help you can give, Dave

Yum Christie Craw in Blue/Black Zoom Baby Brush Hog in GP

Yep, Mike is the man for reel work! And I HIGHLY recommend him for custom rod builds. The rod he built for me is like a work of art!

I have a question for the Daiwa guys out there. What is the difference between SV Boost spools and Mag Z spools? Thanks, Dave

I have the previous gen LE 6'8" MXF. I've used it as my Senko rod for years and love it. I don't consider the tip soft, as someone suggested. Bottom line, if it broke today, I would definitely buy a new one.

Nope, just the color, and the fact I already have the handle, knobs, and spool.

I like those! I'm doing blue accents on this one. Knobs, nut plate, drag star, Zero adjust. Gotta find a matching blue spool.

Yes I do. I want to bling this one up a bit though with some stuff I already have.

Anybody bought one of these off Amazon before? I like the looks. I'm taking a chance on it being the real thing. https://www.amazon.com/Daiwa-Slp-Works-ZILLION-1000XH/dp/B0BZBLDQJ5/ref=sr_1_54?crid=PYGVNV5Y21U8&keywords=daiwa%2Bslp%2Bworks%2Bspool%2Bbait&qid=1701342332&sprefix=daiwa%2Bslp%2Bworks%2Bspool%2Bbait%2Caps%2C67&sr=8-54&th=1

I've had a 1001XT and a 71. Sold the 71. Don't know that I will ever sell the 1001XT.

You simply cannot go wrong with Mike!

St Croix makes both a 7'3" MLXF and a 7'10" MLXF in the LTB series. I have heard great things about the 7'6" MLXF in the Legend Elite series, but all St Croix seems to have in stock right now is a 2-pc version. I can say from experience, their 2-pc rods feel as good to me as the one piece rods do. It does look like the one piece is available from different retailers if you do a google search.