pondassasin

I just purchased some abec 7's to swap out in my Curado. I thought I had heard that if you only change the bearings without sanding the friction areas that it could cause damage. Is this true?

I got the same two rods today and will be pairing one with a Lews tourney pro and the other with a Curado 200E7. Can't wait to get my Lews, I've read nothing but rave reviews. I don't understand the beef with Kistler, people seem to like the rods, not the business practices but I don't know enough to have a say.

What's the lowest you would go? Also, what size flouro leader would you use and is it okay to use a leader with micro guides?

I haven't fished either reel, but after handling both and reading the reviews, I'm definitely going to purchase a Lews this week. I have two Heliums on the way and I'm going to pair one with a Curado 200 and the other with the Lews tourney pro. I'm really looking forward to the light weight pairing of the Lews/Helium. That being said, for $100 the 50E sounds awfully tempting and I'm sure you can't go wrong that route. Good luck either way and let us know what you get!

Kistler is having a pretty good deal on their website. I picked up a 7' MH helium LTA micro for 249 and got a 7' MH helium LTA for free! Not too shabby!

Thanks from one novice to another! I've been burning up the internet looking at everything so I will check out the Falcon. Any and all advice is always appreciated

Edit: Also, sorry for kind of thread jacking, pondassassin. I hope you have some of the same questions that I do and that this helps you out as well! And an answer for your question: I myself am looking at a Curado 50e paired with a Fenwick EliteTech Smallmouth rod.

Thanks John. I was looking at the new GL2's last night (specifically the 7' medium action), I'll have to look at the one you specified.

Well for a jig I guess light would be 3/16 total weight. Plus whatever a weightless fluke or speed worm would weigh.

I'm looking to add a new baitcasting setup for throwing light jigs and plastics. I was looking at the Powell swim jig rod and a Shimano 50. What are some of your suggestions? I'm trying to keep it under 400

Haven't been fishing in a while because my wife and I were blessed with two little twin girls so needless to say I've been busy. I got the go pass from the wife too hit the water this weekend and was looking for just a few pointers from you guys. I don't have electronics so that is not an option. Weather is looking decent, warm with light winds. The lake I'll be fishing in Florida is smaller, probably teen foot deep or so with hydrilla. Any tips on looking for a pattern or what lures to use would be appreciated as I don't get to hit the water too often from a boat. Thanks in advance!

After putting the 8 lb yozuri I think I'm gonna be happy with it. It really does seem to have very little memory as advertised. I can't wait to test it out.

Kind of unrelated, but I purchased some Yozuri hybrid ultra soft 8lb test and was wondering what everyone thinks as to it being to light our heavy for that setup. I know the Yozuri has a higher breaking point than its rated so I'm not worried about that, more of how it will cast.

I purchased the Powell rod. I have been using a 7' St Croix medium but I wasn't impressed with the sensitivity and I think I'm gonna be able to make more accurate cats with the shorter rod. Thanks for the heads up, after reading the reviews it seems as I'm getting a great rod at a great price.

I'm looking for a medium/medium light spinning rod to use as an all around rod for throwing soft plastics, drop shot, senkos etc. I'll be pairing out with a shimano symetre 2500, and I'm looking to spend in between $100-150. Also, if anyone has a good used rod I might consider purchasing a gently used rod. Thanks!

Thanks Gambler, I was planing on trying them on a swim jig,I'm gonna boil a few and leave a few crooked and see if I notice any difference.

I wish they came in blister packs, but you can't beat the price and I've only heard good things about them

Picked up some big ez's today and I noticed some of the tails were a little crooked. Do any of you boil the tails to straighten them out or just roll with them the way they are?

Thanks Matt, disregard the pm I just sent. I appreciate the fast response

Hey guys, I recently purchased two Mattlures Baby Bass swimbaits and I decided to go down to my pond to test one out. Even on a slow-moderate retrieve the bait would start to roll on its side. Is this due to the bait being in the package too long and can I boil it to bring it back to its original form? I've read nothing but positive reviews for this bait and it looks amazing. I was hoping I could get this ironed out before my trip this weekend. Thanks in advance!

Wanted to say thanks again for all the advice and give yall an update. Went to Orange lake a couple weekends ago, didn't catch many, but I did snag the big bass of the day between my friend and his dad (nice 4 pounder). I've also been tearing them up in my ponds I fish. I've been using a 1/4 oz strike king bluegill color with a wat/red baby rage craw trailer and have had zero problems with them rolling over. I just love throwing one a few feet from the bank in about a foot of water and burning it back and seeing the wake of a fish about to tear it up. I've definitely found a new confidence bait!

I appreciate all the advice. I will try and run them solo and also try the craw for a trailer. I will keep y'all posted after the trip...hopefully with some pics

Thanks,i might have to try those out this weekend. How do you rig the craw, do you thread it like a grub?

Thank you both for your replies. I've had this problem with strike kings as well as omega's. It must be a rigging or skirt problem. I've noticed sometimes the skirt will bunch up and I try to spread them out evenly. I guess a little practice will make my rigging perfect. Any brand suggestions?