MarkM

Dobyns 735 Savvy paired with Lews TS1SH with 50# power pro. I use this as both my frog rod and jig rod.

Centrifugal cast control minimizes backlash more than magnetic because it keeps the spool from speeding up too much at the beginning of the cast. Magnetic cast control helps control the spool at the end of the cast. With the combination of both, the TP provides not only better cast control, but allows the user more options/selections for controlling or "customizing" the cast based on proficiency, lure weights, and wind conditions. The dual cast control is the biggest advantage of the TS over the SS. But, the TS also has one additional bearing making for a smoother reel and a drag upgrade from 10 to 14lbs. If these features are not important to you, then you may like the SS. The TS is well worth the additional money for the addition of the centrifugal cast control alone; the other additional features make it even a better value.

From first feel and looks, I agree. I plan to put mine through its paces this weekend. I haven't sampled the Tournament Pro, but there really are only minor (IMO) differences between the Tournament and Tournament Pro. The TP uses one extra bearing and a carbon fiber handle. Both reels have magnetic and centrifugal cast controls, >10+1 bearings, a clicking star drag and spool control knob, and 14lbs drag. For <$120 on ebay, the tournament is an excellent value; the TP is about $30 more. I also like the gloss black looks of the Tournament better than the flat black of the TP.

I didn't need that much drag for most its use. I use the Saragosa for inshore for large snook, reds, and maybe a small tarpon if I hook into one. The reel is mated to a med-heavy/heavy 7' rod. I considered the Spheros, but went with what I thought was a slightly better & smoother reel in the Saragosa...love the look of it, too! Exactly.

I'll give you another option. Shimano Saragosa; it's made for saltwater and has similar stats as the Stradic with one important difference. It has a max drag of 22lbs! I have a 4000F that I love. It is a bit more $ than the Stradic and a little heavier, but I believe it's worth it. I was debating between the Saragosa and the Penn Conquer (smaller version eqivalent to the 4000 Saragosa). I chose the Saragosa, although the Conquer is also a very fine reel. I agree with SirSnookAlot...if you're using this reel for offshore or large inshore fish, the Stradic is not the best choice.

Thanks, Rooster. I just did as you suggested and you're right. Tightening the drag eliminated the backplay of the antireverse. I hadn't considered that as my other reels' antireverse don't seem to be as sensitive to the drag setting. I'm much happier now and relieved.

I just received my Lews Tournament Speed Spool (not the pro) with the 7:1 gears. There seems to be a little slop in the antireverse. By this, I mean there is minor "backup" of the spool when reeled backwards. Has anyone else experienced this or this a feature of this reel? My Curado and BPS Pro Qualifier do not demonstrate this. The reel seems smoother than the reel it is replacing, although that reel seems to have a better antireverse. I don't think it's a major issue, but just thought the antireverse would be better for a reel more expensive than a PQ. Any thoughts? Is there a way to "fix" this? Thanks

While the OP pointed out some specifics about the Lews reel he either did not like, did not make sense to him, or were of poor quality, like others I would not consider this a review simply because there was no on-the-water evaluation. It was simply a long list of opinions on qualities of the Lews reel (by purely looking at it) that conflicted with what he liked about a Shimano. No problem. Each of us has our preferences in what makes for a good/great reel and which reels we do not like. What one individual likes in a reel may not be the same as someone else. The thing is maybe all those additional bearings and other features that weren't liked have a reason and purpose and perhaps, after actually using the reel, he may feel different. But, he'll never know because he's already eliminated it as a possible purchase. I have no problem with his decision because the truth is, most of us make a reel purchase in a very similar judgemental and even biased manner. The Lews clearly did not fit the criteria the OP likes in a reel. But, like with any other piece of equipment that is commented on within this forum, his opinion should not be the final word on the quality or performance of the reel. Let each be their own judge. I have just ordered a Lews Tournament (not the pro) Speed Spool to replace a reel I never really liked. Whether or not I like the Lews reel once it's put through its paces is unknown until I try it. But, I can't stand my current reel and needed a replacement. I reasoned that the Lews was a logical choice based on so many positive comments. I'll soon see if it was worth it.

In short, there is no relationship. The density of water increases by only about 0.02 g/mL from 75 deg C - 3 deg C. It is completely unimportant in choosing fishing weights. If you wish to reach the bottom, the choice of weight is based on depth of the water, not density. You'll need a heavier weight to get to deeper depths. Too little weight and you'll spool out more line horizontally than vertically due to currents and it may even be difficult to reach bottom with a very light weight and deep lake. Ice is less dense than water because the hydrogen bonding in ice is organized in a manner that forms an "open" octagon; this openness is empty space (air). Air is less dense than water (or ice) and its presence in the ice lowers the density. Ice has a density of approx. 0.92 g/mL (liquid water ~ 1.0 g/mL, varying slightly with temperature as mentioned previously). It's why ice floats in your ice tea.

You were looking at the Laser MG Speed spool....the least expensive of the Lew's reels. The $130 reel USMA2015 mentions is the Tournament MG. The Tournament MG has 2 additional ball bearings with an aluminum frame instead of graphite side plates. I know the Tournament MG has magnetic cast control, not certain about the Laser MG.

I'm going to be mainly cranking with squarebills and shallow divers (<10'). Would I be better off with a 6.X:1 or 5.X:1 ratio reel. I currently have a BPS Pro Qualifier Tournament (6.4:1) which is not matched to a rod. Will this reel suffice or should I get a lower ratio reel? Thanks for any advice.

I'm considering purchasing a new rod for spinnerbaits between 1/4 - 1/2 oz. It will also be used for texas rigged plastics, usually around 1/4 - 3/8 oz. I have a jig/frog/small swimbait rod in a Savvy 735 that I like. I currently have a G Loomis MBR843 GL3 which I purchased about 12 yrs ago as an all purpose rod for both bass and Inshore. It is still in great shape, but I'm looking for a slightly shorter & "dedicated" rod. I'll keep the Loomis as an Inshore rod. I'd like stay below around $180. It will be paired with a Curado 200e7. Rods I'm considering with some comments: 1) Powell Max 683C the 682C I think would a be little light in power. 2) Cashion 6'9" med heavy Not certain I would like the carbon fiber handle grips as I prefer cork. I HATE foam! 3) Dobyns Savvy 663C A tad shorter than I'd like, but not sure I could afford to step up to 683C Champion 4) St Croix Legend Tournament Bass 68MXF last years model. I've heard some of the St Croix rods fish about a power rating higher than advertised. Is this this true of the LTB series? Any comments/suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

I'm looking to purchase my first true crankbait rod. I have a Dobyns Savvy 735C that I love and want to stay with that line of rods. So, my question is which rod would the better choice for lipless, square bills and moderate diving (<8') crankbaits? Any opinions on these or other Dobyns options would be helpful. Thanks

Dobyns Savvy 735C

I was going to spool up with 12# P-line CXX or Yo-Zuri. This will be for shallow crankbaits (<8 ft) and jerkbaits. I would go with fluorocarbon if it was a crankbait only setup, but have read that fluoro is not the right line to use of jerkbaits (i.e Pointers, X-raps, etc.). Any other recommendations/opinions are welcome. Thanks!

I have to agree with you there. I'm the same height as you. A 7'6" or greater rod would be more difficult for me to manage. I use a Dobyns Savvy 735 for my flippin', pitchin' and froggin'..it's not that much more difficult than a standard 7' rod and gives the extra length you need to get the bait out there and the extra leverage for winching them out of the slop.

How did you like the Cocoons? I wouldn't expect them to compare to prescription "high end" sunglasses, but what did you think about them? I've been thinking about purchasing a pair of the cocoons, but wondering if they were worth it.

Cork all the way for my bass rods and inshore saltwater. EVA or similar for larger/offshore-type saltwater rods.

It "looks" cheaper than a Savvy. I have a 735C and while not a Champion or Extreme it still looks like an elegant rod. This does not. The tan reel seat looks like it came from a Cracker Jack Box. It's F-ugly!! Instead of releasing this, Dobyns would have been better to release a Savvy line of crankbait rods that a large majority of his customers are clamoring for.

I'm right handed, cast with my right and reel with my right on both spinning and baitcasting gear. yeah, I have to switch hands after the cast but it feels awkward to reel with my left. My dad, who I fish with often, has always given me grief - from when I first started fishing with a spinning reel until now when I'm in my 40's - about reeling a spinning with my right. He finds it funny... I find it uncomfortable any other way. Glad to see there are a few other right handers on here who use right-hand retrieve spinning gear. I thought I was the only one as no one else I know or have fished with does it my way.

I'm going to bite the bullet and grab a few Lucky Craft cranks. I was wondering which ones you preferred the SKT or the mini SKT? Probably each one has their place, but if I was going to buy a selection of just a few, which would be the better choice? And which depth..MR or DR. Based on the lakes I would normally be fishing seems like the MR. Colorwise I'm thinking of rootbeer/chartreuse, gunmetal, American Shad, ghost minnow, and crack. (probably not all at once..not sure if want to drop that amount of cash yet) For Florida fishing, like Lake Tarpon or Okeechobee, any recommendations?

Good luck finding them. I was interested in one these as well, but wanted to examine them first. My nearest BPS did have them in house.

I got an Offshore Angler Catalog from BPS, but haven't received their regular catalog yet.

So, now that I have my Dobyns 735 which will be used for Flipping/Pitching/Froggin', I have one question about a reel. I'm wanting to load the reel up with 50-65 PP braid, but most reels only hold a small amount of line (>=120yds of 12lb mono which = ~50lb PP). Would a wide-spool reel be a better option, or should I stick with a standard width spool? I'm liking the Browning Citori in either the wide-spool or standard. Looks like good reviews and pretty beefy drag and the right price. http://www.basspro.com/Browning-Fishing-Citori-Baitcast-Reels/product/10205099/-1650517 Thoughts? Thanks.

I have to agree with this. It depends also what type of cover you'll be working. You might want a heavier power rod if you'll be fishing the slop. The Dobyns Savvy series are very nice rods for the price. They make the same rods that have been recommended here in the Savvy series. True, they won't be quite as light or as sensitive as the Champion or the Extreme series, but are still quality rods that will only set you back $180 leaving $$$ for an appropriate reel if need be or a box full of jigs.