Fishing Doug

All, Sounds like you had a good time...I am bummed that I missed it. I didn't realize Little Dixie held bass that big. FD

I was thinking the same thing. Dan, Always enjoy see your posts and pics. You certainly have nice equipment and always seem to have a hawg (or two or three) on the hook!

Agreed....lets see some pics!!!

Very nice, Avid!

Redline, can you post some pics for us when it is complete? Would like to see how it turns out. FD

all of the Shimano baitcasters I have used-Citica, Chronarch, Curado... feel and sound like a meat grinder compared to my Daiwa's. I am with Redline.......but I now have zero Shimano baitcasters strong, silent, blah blah blah. guess I have been spoiled by Daiwa! ;D ;D ;D

I vote for an Alphas-the Japanese version of the SOL. an ounce lighter and cheaper.... There is going to be a new one available in the Flea Market section as soon as I get some pics taken. Or, I certainly agree with the other fellas, pick up a TDZ for 2 bills if they are still available.... FD

If it is in your price range, The G Loomis Crankbait rods seem to be great rods. I have the CBR843 and TD-Z (5.8:1 retrieve). The rod is med action and loads up a 1/2 oz rattle trap really well. The combo is very light weight which I think is important........especially since lipless cb's are a big favorite of mine... FD

+1 highest quality work and client service that you will find.

Farmer, Good luck with that.....every time I put more than 1 rod in ther rod locker on my 170, they get tangled. Maybe it is just my mistake luck, but they seem to always get tangled no matter what. The way the rod locker is set up where you have to slide them in, makes it borderline worthless, IMO. Overall, I am satisfied with the boat, and think it is a good value, but the rod locker and storage overall is my biggest complaint. when I look at my next boat, I will really look at something with enough deck space to have a rod locker that opens up from the top and allows more space for storage on the back deck. FD

got my 3 105's today and noticed the same thing....but i know the solution-REELMECH! ;D ;D One of my 100M's I purchased last year was a little 'rough' but after a trip to Kansas, smooth as butter. the 2 that I took out of the package seems a little 'dry', but like has already been said, these could have been produced a few years ago.

RW, Do you tailhook, lip hook, or other with your shiners? FD

What David said. What they said.

glad I asked the question...didn't realize so many of you used spinning gear for jerkbaits. I will add this to my list of presentations to work on. ummmm...did I just justify a Steez spinning reel???!!!! ;D

Fellas, stumbled across a fishing show the other day (drawing a blank on the name) and KVD was tossing jerkbaits with a spinning setup. Do any of you guys use spinner gear for hard jerkbaits? I have been using a MBR873 and TD-Z and it seems to get the job done. Is there a benefit to using spinning gear that I am not aware of? I remember a post a while back that discussed line size with jerkbaits, would this be part of the reason for spinning gear? As always-thanks in advance FD

Welcome to 'The Spot' FD

Natural, You going to keep up posted on this? I have been eyeing these too....but the warranty will be the deciding factor for me. FD

I am in the same group as Redline and Natural.....my fleet of baitcasters now consists of all Alphas and TD-Z's(of course the $199 at Cabela's increased that number). just something about the precision feel of Daiwa top end stuff. still have a fleet of Stradic's....but I have a feeling the Steez spinning reel may enter that lineup before the end of the season....

CBR843. have the rod and love it. I think some guys prefer the 845, but I fish a lot of 1/4 cranks and traps...I think the 845 might be a little stiff to load up properly with smaller baits.... Like Rockville said, get a lightweight reel to match up to it. I have fished my buddy's CBR 843 with a Curado 200 and it and the balance was terrible..... FD

Raul, All good information... I fish a lot of smaller lakes where our 'hawgs' are 6lbers so I don't need a lot of super heavy line..the next world record is not likely to end up on the end of my line. Also, I fish a lot of lighter baits-1/4 and 3/8 traps/cranks from time to time and am hoping the shallow spool will be just the ticket for these....if not, it appears to be a quick fix with an aftermarket spool. FD

Are the spools interchangeable? I have the 105's on the way and don't anticipate line cap being an issue..but you never know. just wondering if I have alternatives for aftermarket spools. d

interesting...I bought 3 and there was no shipping on mine......total was $599.85.....

I have 2 TD-Z 100M's already and I love them. I actually got lucky and picked them up for $199 each at my local BPS when they were depleting the stock last fall. I originally bought Citica's and those went right to the shelf..and then right to EBAY. Don't get me wrong, the Citica's are reels, but in an entirely different ballpark than the TD-Z's. The light weight has spoiled me. When I pick up my fishing partner's Curado 200, it feels like a paperweight.... Just wish they would have come out with a 7.0 to 1 ratio.......... Love the TD-Z's. FD

The Natural, This is all your fault.....now I have 3 105's on the way!!! ;D I shall watch this board with dedication on a daily basis in search of a thread that has a link to sweet deals on Loomis, St. Croix, Kistler, or just about anything to match these to. FD

ok, need some info..what is the difference between the 103 and 105? I have 2 100's and if I remember correctly, the difference is primarily gear ratio (and maybe line cap). can someone confirm the specs? FD