hitchhiker

Like Russ said, the Sol is well built. It has a bronze drive gear and bronze worn gear. It's got a good drag. My issue is that is has a very light free floating spool and the intent of the reel isn't heavy cranking. It's a finesse reel and a reel for light baits. Will the Daiwa Sol do deep cranking duties? Yes. Will a Honda Sol pull your bass boat? Yes. But that's not its intent. That is just what I needed to hear. Great analogy. Looks like I'll stick with the Winch. Thanks

Noise doesn't necessarily mean that the reel is shot. If you have the time and want to tear it down, flush the bearings, clean and lube every part, and you may end up having a reel that you thought was trash, but works better than when you got it. If not then consider it practice reel maintenance.

I already have the Sol, and have a Winch, but just wanted to see if I could get by with something lighter. The Sol gets 23.5" per turn and the Winch gets 21", would the longer handle on the Sol make a difference? As for capacity 100 yards of 10, and if I got lucky and cast half of that, wouldn't the reduced spool diameter also slow the retrieve down? Or does the Sol just not have the guts to handle the application? I don't feel like it's weak in any repsect, but just looking to lose some weight.

...anybody use one for those purposes? Thinking about putting one on a 7'11" MHX crankbait rod I just built. Gonna use 10lb CX. I plan on throwing DD22's, SK series 6X, Fat Free Shads, Mann's 20+, etc. with it.

That is a FINE choice. Light baits, heavy baits, will do it all.

Being that I'm more a crankbaiter, I have never used Megastrike. I haven't seen it stocked locally, and although I do order a lot of tackle online, it's usually stuff that I am looking to refill and replace, rather than try new stuff that I have never seen. I do have a lot of power baits, and smelly jelly left, and my hands stink enough when I use it/them. Like others, I'm not sure taht makes scent makes a real difference or not, but maybe when I have to replenish, my scent stock, I'll give it a try.

I think it's from the Advantage HSTA, you may also need the swept drag star. Or you could go with carbon fiber for the handle, but again I think you will need the swept star as well. I love those reels and whenever I try a different one I always seem to go back to my Fuegos. Good luck with the upgrade. Post some pics when you get it back.

IMO Fat Free Shads are a fine bait to be hung up on.

Load up on em while you can. They have some really nice colors.

I like them, and at their price point it makes it easier to throw a crank into cover where there is a good possibility of not getting it back.

You're gonna need a bigger boat...

Then you could go and buy all JDM Daiwas.

Just as I broke down and bought my first Shimano baitcasters. Curado 50 and a 200E7. Just wanted to try something different. I'll give them a try, but hold on to my Daiwa Fuegos and Sol's and Revo Premiers (2010) and Winches then.

Haven't used them, but if they are anything like the craws, they will catch fish, but they'll be one fish one bait.

Your yard looks JUST like mine.

UNREAL!!! or should I say TOO REAL!!! I don't have the words. Beautiful baits!!! You are a master at your craft.

I too never fished a Curado until I got a 50. Very nice reel. Still have my Daiwas and Revos, but I think now that I have fished a Curado, there may be a few more Shimanos in the future. Maybe time to sell the Revos.

You could also use those zip ties that have a loop on the end. Attach the reel, and put the zip tie on the threads ahead of the reel and clip it close. Or you could buy a hook keeper from a rod building supply catalog and wind one on. Either one should be an easy diy.

Same situation here. I just ordered one online. They said it was in stock, so I hope it gets here asap.

Jeeze lol Think he wanted another shot.

The lakes you are fishing definitely have a healthy catfish population. At least you are catching a few fish on your cranks from the bank. Could always try a piece of hot dog and go to town on the channels.

Don't have any experience with what you have used, but if it comes to fishing, generally anything that is "no knot" you will likely be disappointed. : Just my take on it. Not trying to be a $marta$$.

Throw it parallel to the bank before you've walked past it, one long piece of structure, even better if there's a dropoff really close to it.

Daiwa, they don't have Ike anymore so you could become their new posterboy. Should be real easy to land a sponsorship now. ;D Bud Light and Peanuts please.

x2. with something in the pic for size comparison. i need a 50 size BC in my life. x3 if it is much smaller, I really may break down and try Shimano.