Tywithay

Daiwa Z2020. It might be my favorite reel period, but it's crazy good with big baits.

I'd 100% reccomend the new version of the Tatula.

Fluorocarbon is heavier.

I'm more of a Daiwa guy, but the Curado DC is the one I find myself picking up more often than not. There's something satisfying about making it sing.

Rep samples purchased from an authorized dealer carry the full manufacturer's warranty.

Thanks for the write up. I've looked at the Zilla rod but never pulled the trigger because I couldn't find much information. Seems like there might be better options out there. For your t-rig rod, I would ecommend the Edge Black Widow. They're on sale right now below $300. Very sensitive rods and they look pretty dang good too. Another great option is the rep sample Legend rods at Tackle Trap. Won't find a better deal than those right now.

When it affects performance. As long as it's casting well, I've never seen the need.

My Tatsu is going on 4 or 5 years now with no issues. I figure I'll replace it once I've retied too many times and run out, or if by chance it starts breaking off unexpectedly.

Abu Garcia Venerate. I have 2 of the 7' ML and they're crazy good rods for the money. 36 ton graphite, titanium guides, and a full cork handle. Only weighs 3.8oz and above average sensitivity.

I'd keep an eye on the sales here on this website. For $150 or less, you can find some awesome rods. Loomis E6X readily go for that amount and they're excellent. Lots of other good ones as well.

I could be wrong, but I think a lot of the clam packs are "made for" reels, like for specific stores. I don't think that they receive the same level of care that's taken into the packaged reels.

Used to be better products. The USDM were generally watered down versions with less bearings, different components, etc. Not so much the case anymore, but there are some different models and options still not offered in the US. It's a lot easier to import the items nowadays too since we're in the internet age with a global economy. Just stay away from China and use reputable retailers and I've never had any issues.

The best $100 rod is a previously used $200 rod.

All the money ends up in the same place. Plus, pilots, drivers, postal workers, customs workers, etc., all get paid by shipping items all over the world.

I ordered on the 24th and it was delivered today. Not as quickly as usual, but not unreasonable given the current circumstances.

I bought a reel about a week and a half ago and it shipped just fine, but it's been held up at NY Customs for a few days now.

It's not an "inferior" system. It's just used for different applications. MagZ offers no advantage when you're throwing big 1oz+ baits. My Lexa 300CC has standard centrifugal brakes and I haven't seen many, if any, reels that can cast further. Deeper spools do indeed hold more line, but more line also equals more weight. The startup inertia requires more force, so obviously it will struggle with lighter baits. However, with the added weight it will spin far longer than a lighter spool, meaning more distance, if the weight, rod, line, and conditions, will allow.

How are these reels holding up? I ordered one from Plat for $98 and I'm waiting for it to show up. Just curious if everyone is still liking these.

Nice slab

The 2 main walleye lakes near me have a limit of 2 per day with a minimum of 21". There's years that it's tough to catch a keeper, but it has helped the population. Problem is, people still keep short fish, or far more than 2 per day.

Yeah, I caught it around 1 AM. I walked the dam at a local lake, throwing crankbaits.

It gets bad around here this time of year, for sure. I'm actually excited when I see the wardens out checking stringers. It's just me and the old lady, so I'll harvest a couple fish to make a nice supper, but the guys filling the freezer make it tough on everyone. Most lakes have a limit of 2 over 21" and I've actually seen guys filet fish on the tailgate to hide them in a cooler and go back for more. It's sickening.

The spawn has started here in KS and I managed to catch my biggest eye to date. Measured in at 27" and 7.43lb. We don't grow 'em as big as you guys up north, but it's still a stud in my book.

I still have several higher end rods, but I have looked around for some better values. You can get some really nice rods in the $150-$200 range that compete with the $400 rods.

Fantastic rods. Their blanks rival the top offerings from any company. I haven't had to deal with customer service yet, but I have heard of some issues in the past. They do take a while to ship, but I just order mine during the winter and they're ready to roll well before springtime.