kschultz76

Are you secretly Mark Zona?

I’ve had Pfleugers and a couple Stradic FJ and a couple Stradic CI4+. I much much prefer the line management features of the Shimanos, less line twist and tangles by far. I also think xship really makes a difference in spinning reels.

Likely all decent options. But I’m going to throw in a better one in my opinion. The Tackle Trap looks to still have the Megabass Orochi XX Dropshot Rod in stock for $175 shipped. In terms of sensitivity and quality in my experience it’s a step above all the options you’ve listed. Check in with tomorrow to confirm it’s still available. On your list I’d probably go with the KLX. But if you don’t pick up the Megabass then I’d wait till Kistler has a sale and get a Helium 3 over the KLX. Avid X is another great option in your price point.

Stradic hands down over anything else.

Check the label for what graphite it is, if it says SC III it’s the new version.

At one point I had mostly St Croix, but I still wanted to see what else was out there and discovered Megabass and Kistler. Now I have mostly Megabass, but I still have a couple favorite St Croixs, I have a few Kistlers, and a couple Loomis sticks. Oh and before I got serious about St Croix and if her end gear I had all BPS rods. I’m to interested in what other brands have to offer to stop seeing what else is out there. Hoping some day I’m so apply with what I have I stop wanting to try more, it’s not an inexpensive habit.

The Tatula SV TW has really impressed me, especially for its price point to me it punches above its weight. But caveat emptor I wanted to play around with upgrades when I got mine so I had upgraded spool bearings and some other tuning done out of the box. Ive experienced the SV103 and Angry John is right, it is one hell of a reel too. It’s buttery smooth and built like a tank. I personally find it doesn’t fit my hand well, it sits up higher then some other reels, and caused some discomfort for me. For that reason I dont own an sV103. If the ergonomics of that reel work for you then it is an incredible value.

The Tatula CT and it’s variants, including the SV TW and the Zilion SV TW are all built on a smaller and lower profile frame then the original Tatula 100 you have. So they are lighter, in my opinion way more ergonomic, and they have smaller spools. In my opinion the original Tatula 100was way too big with a spool capacity that was just overkill for most bass fishing.

I’m sure you’ll be very happy with that rod. Accuracy and control seem to be important to your fishing situations. I’d suggest either a Tatula SV TW or a Zillion SV TW. You’ll be able to spend more time dropping your lure where you want to and not focusing on controlling your cast or pulling out over runs. A close second choice for me would be the Chronarch MGL in Athens Shimano line up.

Thanks Rippin...should be interesting.

That’s crazy, hasn’t been around that long and it’s a hit! Does that include the variants like the Type R and the SV? Or only the base CT?

No personal experience with those rods, though I’ve heard some great comments about the Elites. Just wanted to throw it out there that in that same price range you can get a Megabass Orochi XX Dropshot Rod right now for $175. Last I checked that was one model The Tackle Trap still had left. I ordered one on Friday in fact, personally I like an uplocking reel seat and specifically the VSS seat. I really like how MB implemented it on my Addermine. But both of these rods grips are built to hold the grip more forward of the reel then traditional grips.

Agree the HE3 punches above its weight, really like the two I have. I am surprised you felt the Diablo spec R was heavy, I find that rod balances very well and feels pretty light in hand. It’s actually one of my favorite sticks. Someday im going to add a HE 3 Heavy xfast to my rack, even though I don’t really need one.

No doubt the Caenan will work if it fits your budget. Previous versions of it have not been reviewed well and I’m not a fan of plane graphite framed casting reels. For about the same price the Fuego CT I think will be a better reel overall and I personally think, despite having a lot of Shimanos with infinity Svs and a couple with Vbs, that the magforce-z will be easier for a beginner to control. The Fuego looks to go for about 70 on eBay.

Caenan is a graphite or plastic frame. Can’t compete with the Tatula CT in my opinion. I’m generally a Shimano guy but at certain price points you can’t beat what Daiwa has in the Tatula. The Tatula CT can easily be found for 90-100, sometimes less.

For the reel, especially for a beginner, I’d try and work your budget to get a Tatula CT. I think the braking system makes learning easier and it’s a reel that punches well above its weight. They can be found very affordably many places. Then look for a good deal on a versatile rod. A Dobyns Colt plus a Tatula CT should put you right around 150.

What’s your budget?

Everyone above is probably right you don’t need an expensive or high end rod for chatterbaits, or for a lot of bass fishing. There are just a ton of amazing options for rods today in the $100 bracket. But it if you like higher end rods and enjoy collecting them then there’s nothing wrong with getting what you like, it’s your money. Another great rod that is close to your price range is the Megabass Orochi XX Diablo Spec R, on clearance at The Tackle Trap for $189 right now, Spinnerbait Special would also work but it’s a little shorter. I only bring them up because they’re killer deals right now and they won’t be available much longer. I know they push your budget just a bit. Both of those rods are super versatile sticks. I throw all my swim jigs on the Diablo. But that St Croix should do a great job. I have 3 of the Chronarch CI4 + reels, good reels no doubt. But at the $150 mark in today’s market even for chuck and wind baits I’d suggest the Tatula SV TW, mine is a fantastic caster, feels great. And it has just a touch more line capacity and will give you a leg up for any skipping under trees, docks, etc and well controlled casting in tight. Good luck and and let us know how it turns out.

That’s a great idea. Depending on what you need the rod for there’s some fantastic deals on the MB Orochi XX line. All between $175-199.

I’m in complete agreement with Ajay. Buying a refurb that’s had a guide repaired or a minor cosmetic blem is one thing. I can’t see any value in buying a rod that’s missing a portion of its tip.

How do you like those Zillions for cranking?

I haven’t fished any whopper ploppers. Based on their size and weight, and if the other walkers you’re talking about are a similar size then maybe the Tour Versatile. But before you take my advice give The Tackle Trap a call.

There’s some 2piece Shimano Expride on sale on TW.

That is an easy fix, though I’ve never had an up locking seat loosen on me. Unscrew the lock down nut all the as far as you can after marking the first visible thread when tightened down on your reel. Now wrap from that thread up in a couple layers of Teflon plumbing tape. Put your reel back on and tighten the nut down. I’ve used this method on a couple rods that the nut tended to loosen up on. It’s not visible if your careful, and won’t get gummy or sticky.

Save some coin and go order a Megabass Orochi XX from the Tackle Trap at $100 off original price.