coak

This describes me to a T. I tried reeling a spinning reel left handed and felt as if I'd just landed on the moon and had to learn to walk again. Both types of my gear are right hand oriented.

My wife picked up on it quicker than spinning gear.......prob because they're kinda like spin cast reels

Consider something like a muffin pan to organize your parts

Thanks Quake for the clarification. I thought the Helios might've been an Al. frame and side plates since the Helios Air is a Mg frame. I didn't realize about the bearings though! Great information to know as I'm still thinking about another reel soon!

Cabelas has 100 sized Quantum Smokes in 7:1 on clearance for $99 right now......holds about 140 yds of 12lb test

I stopped in to Cabelas today and was looking at these two reels. I've been thinking long and hard about the Okuma. I started to browse other reels and saw their house brand Verano had the same eva paddles, what looked like the same spool and line guide (just another color) and the kicker is the braking system inside is exactly the same b/w the two reels! My question is other than perhaps the Verano being an alum. body platform and the Helios maybe not, what are the other differences? If there really are not any, is this a good look for someone wanting a Helios without having to buy the Okuma and saving the $50 difference in price? Coak P.S.--I did pick up a clearance Quantum Smoke for $99. They only had the 100HPT, but for that price I couldn't resist NIB

I wore Oakley's for quite a while, that is until I decided to bite the bullet and buy a pair of Costa Del Mar glasses. There are a ton of brands out there: Oakley, Costa, Wiley-X, Ray Ban, Maui Jim, Kaenon...........my advice would be to do your research online and to also make a point of trying them on in a store.

I live in Central Ohio and have already caught fish on topwater. Today I landed a good 4-5lb on a R2S Whopper Plopper 90!

I have two Loomis rods I use for L/ML applications. The first is an SBR721 and an IMX 782. These rods are phenomenal and have more of what I consider a 'true' fast action. I replaced a bass pro crankin' stick (6'6 ML/F) that was in no way a 'true' fast for my liking. I have one rod matched with an older TE and the other with a Curado 200i.

I really like the looks of this reel. I must also say that the 8 block braking system has me intrigued compared to the standard 6.

Those Field Mice are giant killers for me! I can't even begin to tell you how many 5+lbers I've caught with them. If you find some bullrushes or reeds just throw'em into them and let'em land where they fall. The bass will smash those!

I had one (6'6" M/F) and sold it to my buddy. Was more than happy with the guides and reel seat, and it balanced nicely with a 7 oz reel. It was stiffer than what I envision a 'true' medium powered rod to be. I threw spinnerbaits and chatterbaits on it and it did well. The tip is a little softer than other rods, meaning even though its a fast action it has a little more flex to it than some other 'fast' tips. I ended up going with a 6'7" M/F *** Black rod to replace it. Again not a bad rod for the $59 sale price I snagged mine for, but for full retail I prefer the power/action of the *** currently.

I have been able to find a happy medium w/o opening my reels up. Someone else may be able to verify, but I don't think you can adjust brakes on the spool like a Shimano.

I own this reel and several of the Tour Edition models as well. The ACS braking takes some time to get used to and some fiddling with the tension knob will be needed as well.

The Shimano Sellus is a decent rod for about $50, I had the 6'8" mh/f and was quite impressed with the weight and balance of the rod

I'm guilty of this......no boat for me and I primarily wade rivers.....but I hardly ever re-sell my gear though

That $100-125 price range is getting seriously tough to choose!

You could always look into an in-shore too. I have an old Calico Jack 7' Med pwr rod that I've drug some nice fish out of thick weeds with.

Just work on your cadence for the retreive. I've had a few Kopper's frogs and they were always a little more work to walk than some other brands. Watch some YouTube clips and also about trimming the legs. Also, you don't need to always be in vegetation to throw that lure. I think you should check out the field mouse they make too. That thing walks way better for me than the frog and gets smashed when I throw in and around reeds and cat-tails!

Thanks. I was just worrying that I would tire a bigger fish out too much during the fight if I hook up with one. I agree I think I'll be alright. Coak

Hey guys, I just purchased an SBR751 today @BassPro. After the rod trade in discount and gift cards, I only came out of pocket like $85. Now to the question: this rod was purchased to replace a 6'6" ML/F BP Crankin' Stick. I used the crankin stick to fish creeks and smaller rivers. I'm starting to wonder if the "1" power rating will be able to haul in the occasional 3-4# smallmouth that I sometimes catch out of these creeks/rivers? I love the crankin stick I really do, however, I also feel that when I throw small zara puppies, the rod is more of a med-fast action than a medium action. With the Loomis rod it feels a lot more crisp and responsive for throwing pencil baits with. Is there any worry or cause for concern with the "1" power rating? Thanks, Coak p.s.--I went into the Cincy bp but couldn't find Hootie to help me with the decision!

Is the reel and rod trade the same days this year instead of separate weeks as in the past then?

I just picked up an MBR782C. Is this an older IMX or one of the newer ones?

You ought to be able to find an older tour edition or energy cheaply on the bay. Either nib or used. If that's what you like, I'd stick with it if it was me. Just my .02 though.

I either use a pair of serrated scissors or a pair of clippers used for getting in grown toenails