coak

I usually hook onto the guide foot if no keeper......but not with micros

I have two of the red ones, and they're alright sticks for what I paid for'em. I def would not pay full retail that's for sure. I can't stand having to put my lure on the reel since they have micros you can't even use an eyelet!

^x2.........Ohio stores never seem to have much selection at all, except perhaps for the old Galyans locations, but even then stuff hardly ever goes on sale. A couple of months back, one near me was still selling a Curado G for $160 and wouldn't come down and match BPS or anyone else. I seldom ever shop there anymore.

Thanks guys for the responses. Roadwarrior I really appreciate your write-ups and reviews!!! I'm really interested in that Air I must admit, since its 1) less than 6 ounces, 2) magnesium framed and 3) can be had for less than $300 if you shop around. I'm also intrigued by the rods as well. I'm thinking that I see either a Helios or Helios Air in the not too distant future!!!!

I like using the stuff. After one or two outings like grantman said it gets better and lays on the reel just fine. It's not bad for a cheap braid........but as is often the case......if you're not used to it, then you get what you pay for. For me it's fine to use for frogging in 50 or 65.

I was browsing through some manu's websites over the weekend and saw that Okuma is offering some pretty decent rebates right now. So I'm curious to hear about any experiences with the Komodo, Helios, Helios Air or any other reel I may have overlooked. So please let me know either pro or con of the Manu or certain reel. Thanks, Coak

You can also take a bigger sharpie, cut out a V in the tip and use it to touch up line if it bothers you with the fading..... Coak

Thanks guys. I'm really enjoying this technique and am catching bigger quality fish when they do strike, but the strikes come slowly and that may be due in part to me not walking it erratically enough. I appreciate the information!

Ok so the pause then, is that a blink of the eyes or more of a 2-3 count?

Do you guys have a cadence when retrieving either like a jerk bait, or do you just walk it directly back to the bank/boat?

Fish'em like you would a spinnerbait or swim jig, in and around the same kind of cover.

I was out tonight walking a frog (found it hung up in a tree limb awhile ago so I don't know which brand), and I happened to notice as soon as the sun got 90% set if any bass hit the lure they just kinda tugged on it instead of blasting it like earlier in the day. Do bass 'shutdown' a little when there is little light? Would adding a rattle or a couple bb's help for the fish to better locate the lure. I'm curious because I've chosen to focus on topwaters this season and want to maximize my chances of landing fish. Thanks, Coak

Young man, may I suggest posting a WTB post in the flea market. I think but don't definitively know that both of those reels are not an aluminum or metal frame. I think you'd want a reel with an aluminum frame so as to reduce flexing or warping while setting hooks/fighting fish in rough stuff. Like I said maybe post in Flea Market and you may be surprised at how some members may be willing to work with a young angler such as yourself and sell you a decent reel for about the same coin as these two you are looking at. Cheers, Coak

An under-rated lure that is a go to for novice to pros alike is an inline spinner like a Rooster Tail or Shyster. You immediately feel the resistance the blade makes and you know for sure when you have a strike.

You could get away with square bills on a frogging rod possibly, but not much else

I fish this way as a lefty. Both right retrieve on either type of reel. For me it boils down to holding the rod in my dominant hand for hook sets and fighting fish, as well as controlling the cast.

12 inches missing.........I'll bet there's no flex anymore. Without flex, you could try it for catfish, maybe strip it down and use the parts as replacements for another rod?

Cheap reel =BPS ProLite Cheap rod=BPS Crankin' Stick 6'0"-6'6" ML/F I bought 2 of these for 'my wife to use'........I almost always use one to fish when I wade in the river. I never go past 1/4 oz when fishing them

Mswp=manu's suggested wholesale price?

Maybe a Curado G5 if you can find one?

Could be a 'if it ain't broke' kinda thing. I'm in Ohio and didnt learn casting gear until I was 28. I grew up fishing smaller rivers, creeks and runs. There simply was not a need because I was throwing stuff from 1/32-1/8 only. Could also be the frustration many experience when initially starting on casting gear. Some simply will be 'one and done' if they can get it 'right' that first time. Also cost could factor into it. I could always find a decent spinner for $100 or less and up until recently.....I'm talking within the last 5 years or so, it was simply harder to find a decent casting reel in this price range. Just a couple of possibilities for you as I see it.

Fwiw, if you can find an older BPS Prolite they are pretty small as well. This is the reel my wife uses and she's petite, like 5'1" and has small hands as well. As a plus the reel has a dual braking system too!

I use a military issue Medics bag. Three zippered pouches and can hold a ton of gear for such a little bag. Plus there's an adjustable shoulder sling so you don't have to worry about putting it down. You may be able to find on @ a military surplus store or online somewhere. The main pouch was designed to hold 2 quarts of saline so I can fit 5-6 Plano 'small' boxes of lures.

Check out the 'older' Tour Editions as well. I'm talking about the 'chrome' finish reel. You can prob find one used pretty cheap. They are a solid workhorse of a reel, and flat out perform as well. Another option is the KVD Tour as well. Again a solid reel. When dealing with Quantums, keep in mind that the ACS takes a little getting used to, but once dialed in the reel is like butter. Also the 'older' Energy PT is another great option that could save you some dough for either a rod, tackle or just spare change in your wallet.

I picked one up recently too with never having owned one before. I'm am very thrilled with how easily it casts with two shoes on!!! Even without flushing and lube, this thing is zipping lipless cranks a country mile.