breezy

That's all I've been able to find also. I've probably checked for the flyer at least once a day. BPS can send me 3 emails a day about ridiculous "sales" that I have no interest in, surprised they haven't been spamming this flyer yet. :

Kind of hard to tell on my laptop's screen but it looked like he was pitching to holes in the cover. It may sound weird but I wish lakes around here had more hydrilla, grass, general slop etc. Maybe 1-2 out of 4-5 lakes nearby MIGHT have some dense vegetation like that, depending on the year, water clarity, location. Hauling fish out of thick cover like that is one of my favorite ways to fish. Luckily there's plenty of nearby ponds that almost turn solid with grass/algae in the summer. At least I can get a little fix.

I picked up the most recent copy and thought it was OK, probably on the better end of magazines anymore. (had to edit post as I confused it with another mag at first, titles are all too similar ;D )

If you're trying to learn to use a casting reel and getting frustrated don't give up. It really does just take some time and practice. Like a few other people mentioned, if you're trying to use a $20 wal mart combo to learn you may want to look into at least buying a decent entry level reel. Each one definitely has its uses. I don't have an interest in casting 1/16oz jigs on a baitcaster, I would rather just use a spinning reel out of convenience. If I'm fishing a half oz jig, mid-deep diving crank, etc though there's no substitute (IMO) for a baitcaster. It's MUCH easier for me to make accurate casts using a baitcaster when the lure is 3/8oz+. I've had to do it before but I can't stand using crankbaits with a spinning reel, the entire process feels awkward to me.

I've been using InvizX on spinning reels for a while but recently started putting it on casting reels also (previously used BPS fluoro and other misc brands). IMO it's one of the limpest and most easily manageable FC lines. It's also reasonably priced. From reviews I've read and personal experience the InvizX has a lot more 'stretch' than a regular FC. It works great for cranks but it's not 'too stretchy' to use for shaky heads, plastics etc. I put some new 10lb InvizX on my BPS Carbonlite on a 7' M/F that I use to fish light cranks, shaky heads, light plastics etc and couldn't be happier. If you prefer a line with more "stiffness" to it on a BC may want to look into AbrazX. Unfortunately I haven't had the chance to use it near as much but had no complaints the 2-3x I did.

As nice as the stats are I'm honestly kind of excited just to see another black reel. Although it seems like they're getting more popular with the smoke, lew's, bps carbon black, etc. I just get so sick of seeing Silver/Green + Gold highlights ;D

My local store actually has an ok selection. A new angler could walk out with a decent setup no problem. Low end Abu Garcia, Pfleuger and Shimano reels with similar rods, Gamakatsu hooks and a decent selection of Red Eye Shads, zoom products and other misc baits. The only thing I ever get is line (Sufix mono) if I'm in a pinch and a few soft baits. Everything seems to be perpetually on sale and I usually grab a couple packs of yum dingers for $2-$3.

Like a lot of other comments I always order mine online. It's convenient, quick and I get a copy I can print out again in case I ever lose it. The only downside is they always have options for small donations to the F&W dept, subscriptions to state sports magazines, etc...and I usually end up paying a bit more for the license ;D

I've been wondering where the flyer is at too. The sale is less than 2 weeks away. Hopefully they're just waiting until monday

If drag is your only issue you may be able to upgrade to some carbontex washers relatively cheap. It sounds like you have more problems with the reels than that though. Personally I almost always hang onto all of my fishing equipment. Even if I'm not using the old stuff it's nice to have backup reels or loan out to friends. I would rather have the extra reel than go through the hassle of selling it for a low price.

Perfectly stated. Some lines are more accepting a parlmor knot and you may get away with a line twist before looping it over your bait. On other lines, this may cause you headaches! Again, most fluro's are accepting of the knot, so long as you are careful "knot" to break the two rules above. However, I had an incident with BPS Fluro one day that ended in me stripping brand new line of 4 reels in the middle of the lake because I kept breaking fish off at the knot. I've used the BPS fluoro in the past and tying a palomar knot without any issues. My friend however had the exact problem as you--his line would break at the knot, usually on hooksets. Maybe I have a much weaker hookset but since I was using the same line with no problems I always suspected it was something to do with his knot. As far as palomar and fluoro in general, I haven't had any issues with it. I'm always careful to make sure the line doesn't twist (too much), wet the knot and try not to damage the line while tightening. I think as long as you're careful while tying it you're not going to run into any trouble.

I went ahead and ordered the SS734. Thought I would save a few bucks and make sure I liked the rods before I bought any of the C series. Thanks for all the great info! Now I just have to wait for it to arrive..

I plan on it, the Sufix Performance Braid has been great and I plan on trying out the 832 next--no way I would go back to anything else for jig fishing. I'm a little hesitant with the 734 as most "heavy" rods I've used have basically been broomsticks. Even my MH Veritas is a very powerful rod. I don't necessarily want a less powerful rod, more like a softer tip. Since I'm not going to get a chance to handle any of the Dobyns rods in person hoping I can get enough feedback to make an educated decision. Thanks for the input!

I'm looking to purchase a new rod primarily used for jigs. Currently using a RevoS, 6'6 MH/F Veritas and 30lb Sufix. 75% of my jig fishing is 3/8oz with the rest 1/2oz. Majority of the time it's around sparse cover, offshore structure, etc, never really flip/pitch in any grass etc. Overall I'm happy with the Veritas with two complaints: a) wish the rod was longer (all they had in stock but I had to have it right then : ) the reel seat locking nut is uncomfortable I've been looking at Dobyns rods due to all the positive comments on this site and others. I really want to try out a new brand, plus I prefer much shorter handles on my rods and the Dobyns' 13 3/4" handle seems like a nice fit. I have two main questions: 1) The 734 seems to be the popular choice for jigs in the weight range I use, however since I rarely encounter heavy cover situations should I step down to the 733? 2) Can anyone compare the Veritas to Dobyns Savvy/Champion rods and am I going to see a noticeable increase in sensitivity? I want a longer rod regardless, but if the Savvy/Veritas will be similar and the 734C is going to provide that much more sensitivity I may spend the extra $70 (with BTD sale right now SS734 is ~$130 and 734C is $200) Thank you

I would definitely like to hear this also, need a new jig rod and considering these. Possibly the 703/733. Really enjoy the Veritas I'm using but the reel seat aggravates me in cold weather and it's only a 6'6. It's frustrating not being able to Dobyns handle the rods in person.

I own a 7' MH Veritas, 7' M Carbonlite and 6'9 M Vendetta (spinning though). In all honestly the three are close. Although rated a Medium the Vendetta is definitely much closer to a MH. It's a tossup for me between the Veritas and Carbonlite, they're both very similar. The reel locking nut on the Veritas bothers me a little but is far from a deal breaker. I find the Carbonlite to be a little more comfortable but feel the handle is just slightly too long (may be in my head, have yet to measure). Check them both out in store and see which one you like best, doubt you'll be disappointed in either. If you don't want to spend $100 then I would personally go with the Vendetta although I don't have experience with the BPS Extremes.

All of my centrifugal brakes are currently set to 2 opposing pins on. That's just what I'm used to and I don't think you will see any negative effects if they are not "balanced". The weights are so small I don't see them affecting spool balance, making something wear unevenly, etc. I would say bottom line is if the reel casts best with only 1 pin on use it that way and don't worry about it.

The only braid I use is Sufix Performance Braid. It's hard to beat for the price and I prefer it over PowerPro. Haven't tired the new Sufix 832 but it seems to be getting great reviews. Usually use 30lb test on all of my setups. I believe anything 30lb+ with Sufix actually has 8 fibers vs. 4 in PP or lower lb tests. Using it on two 2500 sized spinning reels at the moment with zero issues. In fact at this point I almost hate to use anything EXCEPT braid on spinning reels, even mono is a hassle after using braid for a while.

I'm going to second the suggestion for the Veritas ($100); the 6'6 MH I use for jigs has been an amazing rod, very lightweight and sensitive. I also use a 7' M BPS Carbonlite rod (also $100) for light jigs, shaky heads, etc and feel that it's in the same range as the Veritas for sensitivity and weight. Rod length is preference more than anything IMO. You will get a lot of suggestions here for a 7' rod but if you're more comfortable with a 6'6 go with that. I'm not that short but I find most handles on a 7' rod to be slightly too long; they end up getting caught on my clothing etc. For reels you have quite a few options. The BPS ProQualifier is right around $100. If you wanted to spend slightly more you also have the Revo S ($130), Citica ($120) or BPS Carbonlite ($120). If you do some searching or hit up an online auction site you should be able to find the Revo or Citica for right at $100. Any of those reels should easily suit your needs.

Lots of options in that price range. Some of the most popular: Revo S - $130 Citica E - $120 BPS Carbonlite/Pro Qualifier - $120/$100 As others have mentioned you could also find a Curado on a popular auction site new in box for $150, along with a Revo SX for about $140. Go to a store and handle all of the above reels or any others you're interested in. The biggest factor is going to be what you are comfortable with--performance wise they are all going to be very similar. For example the Citica/Curado is very light compared to a Revo, but I personally prefer the way a Revo palms and think it feels much more solid. You'll be able to get a good reel that will last you years for <$150 and I don't think you'll be disappointed with any of the options in this thread.

As far as castability, being better then a Curado or Revo, I dont buy it. If all 3 reels a clean and properly lubed, and adjusted. All three reels will be relatively close, give or take a few yards. I was almost spooling my STX yesterday with a crank bait(15lb fluoro). I can also do the same with my jig rod, same line. The point is, if your stuff is well taken care of it will perform better. By no means was I trying to imply the CL was far and above a Revo, Curado, etc. I can tell a noticeable difference when casting lighter weights compared to my Revo S but for general usage they are all pretty similar. Then again a poster above said they had no problems casting 1/4oz with their Revo S, so maybe mine could use a thorough cleaning or relubing. Overall I would say it is very comparable to most other reels in the $200 or less category. It was an easy choice for me: compared to the 200e I saved $60 and got a (slightly) lighter reel with more features. I can't argue about the durability and drag, but for the fishing I do I don't need the excessive 20+lbs. I hope it's durable (other BPS reels seem to hold up well) but only time will tell.

I recently picked one up and so far it's been great. I actually ended up taking a 200e7 back and picking up the CL + extra tackle, I just could not get over how "cheap" the e series felt. They are quality reels and cast great but it just didn't feel "right" to me. Even though the CL has two graphite side plates it feels much more solid. Again this is all my personal opinion, not based on any scientific facts; the curado may have outlasted the CL by 20yrs for all I know. Since I can't comment on durability, for performance I have been very impressed. Compared to my 09 Revo S, the CL is equal if not better for anything 3/8oz+. Below 3/8oz it is no comparison, the CL blows the Revo away. It's a struggle to cast a 1/4oz hair jig on the revo while the CL handles it easily. The 200e7 seemed to cast a little better (especially <3/8oz) but it is not a HUGE difference. Unfortunately I can't comment on the drag as I've yet to catch anything that put it to the test. My main complaint would be the thumbbar feels a little 'clunky' (may just be mine). Overall though I'm very pleased, the reel has a LOT of features for such a low price point.

You should be fine with almost any mid range reels from Abu, Daiwa, Shimano or even Bass Pro. It really comes down to personal preference. For example Curados are extremely popular, I've owned one and it did perform very well but just felt too cheap/"plasticy" to me so I returned it. Your best bet is to just go to a store, handle all of the reels and decide which one feels best to you. Some you should probably check out: -Revo series (wide price range so pick one in your budget) -Shimano: Curado, Citica -Bass Pro: Pro Qualifier, Carbonlite BTW, I ended up picking up a carbonlite after returning the curado. It has two graphite sideplates also but feels much more solid IMO. I couldn't be happier so far, for $120 you get dual braking, swept carbon handle, etc...features found on more expensive reels like the $280 revo premiere.

I've had a Black Max for roughly a year and it's been a pretty good reel. Definitely feels cheaper compared to a Revo S...but then again it's less than half the price. Haven't had any problems with it, decent drag and casting performance. My only complaint is it struggles when casting lighter baits (say <3/8oz). They also make a combo with the Black Max reel and an Abu Black Max rod for $60 (an extra $10 and you get a 6'6 MH rod).

Where can you buy BPS reels locally, that's not Bass Pro? :-? There are plenty of bait/tackle stores around here that sell BPS reels and products. One of them is "Pro Bass"... ;D