WanderLust

KVD Line & Lure treatment overnight. Cast them out on the yard the next day to see how it responses. Do a couple reties and tension tests to tell if its brittle. I'm completely OCD so I would change it but just to have something to do waiting for the thaw.

I'll just throw this out there... NC Female bluegill 78 and 100 are absolutely deadly if that's a primary forage. Only place I could find it was Dick's...

All excellent suggestions. In order for production for me: 1) Watermelon 2) Watermelon with red 3) Junebug 4) Watermelon with the chartuese tail

It rocks! Does a really nice job with lighter baits and have a nice all around gear ratio that can be used for a tons of applications. Best of all, its a Shimano.

How the frame feels in your hand is huge... That feel is one of the only reasons I selected another Curado over an STX or Premeir. I have fished the Exceler, Zillion and Advantage. In the +$170 range the Advantage is the only reel I would buy; its review on Tackletour is a good read as well. If the Zillion was lower priced it would be in the running. You can demo the reel from TW... http://www.***.com/demoselect.html?productlist=TDACAD&page=demoprogram

If you don't like the frame... you'll never like the reel. If you're looking for an upgrade and like Quatum maybe check out the Smoke. When I think of high end BC reels I think of Shimano, Daiwa and Abu. I would take a hard look at each of their offerings in the range I would like to spend. All have fans and haters so just pick what you like.

Or better yet, take them fishing!

8# Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra soft... Tough as nails and cost effective. If you need more options, 20# Daiwa Samurai with a pure Fluoro Leader or mono depending on application.

Shimano Citica Revo S BPS PQ Look around for a deal and certainly check the flea market!

LOL - indeed. Out of all Society's trappings, the sense of entitlement that someone people display is the worst for me. You want something? Earn it.

Big Game is tough to beat on casting rigs. For mono, I've always had good luck with Stren and Suffix. Both are fairly cost effective. If you're into copoly... Yo-zuri hybrid and CXX are great as well.

This about sums it up.

I find this to be accurate... Lighter fluoro in general is real pain to pick out regardless and kinks are the kiss of death. Roll casting, handle up are all good points. If you need to overhand cast for whatever reason, make sure the handle goes to you shoulder and its a smooth, fluid motion. If you want to use the thumb trick as DVT pointed out, your drag must be tightened down.

Interesting... I keep at least one rod with Stren rigged at all times. The majority of my pointer fish last year were on straight braid or braid with a Fluoro leader. I used a slower speed reel & a rod with a moderate action for this though.

TW will match their price with free shipping. I need to investigate this one.... Also I wish TW carried the big IKA. I had my local guy order some for me.

Return it where you got it from.... Or http://fish.shimano.com/publish/content/global_fish/en/us/index/customer_service0/Warrenty_Services.html Ask Shimano how to handle it. Best of luck.

T-rigged Watermelon \ black fat IKA...

It worked well for me. There are some haters on this one but honestly after watching the rigging tips & trying it... Like all other Rage baits. Its great.

Happy Birthday! Enjoy your present, I'm sure it will serve you well.

The poor color selection saved me from the bait monkey at this site. Clear & oxblood are both legit but nothing beats watermelon with fading black.

150 has more line capacity and is available in 7.3:1 at only slightly more weight. ACS I have no idea.

High speed in either would be great. I love both of my curados, when lubed and tuned is such a great reel. I have an Abu Winch and it does feel smooth but I like the weight and overall body style of Shimano better.

I just make my own with whatever # test I think is required. Since I tried so many different lines last season, I'll have plenty of options. InvisX or AbrasX will be my leader material... I have 6, 8, 10 and 12 left over from last year.

I have the 803 GLX paired with a 51e... Great combo especially for lightweight presentations. Best rod I have ever fished. I also have a 201E7 which was great for me all season. Its currently sitting on a St. Croix Avid 7' MHF. I looked at the Core as well but it wasn't $$$$$$ better than the 51.

If you use it like a swim jig (e.g. bed fishing) I would suggest a white double tail grub or Mr. Twister. If you stick with it I'm sure you'll have success.