tubeman

Hey, I have success without using a leader. The river I mostly fish is of darker water, that may attribute some. I have some flourocarbon leaders made-up, but hardly ever use them.

I use the Fat and Tournament Series in 2.5" on 10lb. Green Power Pro Braid. The color depends on the water. I use tube weights from 1/16 to 1/4 oz and the lightest that I can get away with in that weight range. Thanks Oregon Native for the outfitter name, I'm going to buy some from them.

A 3" Gitzit Tournament Tube in brown crawl using 10lb. Power Pro Braid.

Sirsnook/shootem, I have to agree after In thought about it.There is a local guy, but I am going to hang on to the reel in case I run across one for spare parts. The Stradic is calling me. LOL!

I am going to send the Sahara back to Shimano. Never hurts to have a spare!

Yes Katmandew that rod will spoil a person. The sensitivity is phenomenal. I also have an AllProRod in a 5'6" (I believe) in an ultra-light with a Tennessee handle that they made a special run of. The rods from TightLine are right there with the guru, It takes Charlie Armentrout, owner of TLCR, awhile to build one since he is a one man show. TKCR uses St.Croix blanks. That guru will handle some mean walleye also. That may have been what killed the Sahara. I'm probably going to put the Daiwa on the new pole and the Stradic on the guru.

Thanks a lot! I believe I will get the Stradic.

I wish that we had a nice outdoors store here. Gander Mountain is the closet in Roanoke, VA. I need one that will stand-up to being under water when I fall or accidentally submerge it when I'm tying a lure on. The Stradic is being considered. Don't mind paying good money for one if it lasts.

My new medium/fast action rod from TightLineCustoms.com is almost ready and I am chomping at the bit! I am trying to choose between the 2500 series of Quantum, Daiwa, and Shimano. I have the Daiwa Exceler TSH Reels,2500 series, on my All Pro Rods Small Mouth Guru Medium/fast and on my medium light/fast on my other TightLine. I had a Shimano Sahara 3000 on my Guru and noticed the other day when I was fishing that the drag was stripped. I don't know how it happened, but it did. I will be river fishing using mostly tubes/creatures in 3-4 inch size. I am finally investing in a fishing kayak, but will wade fish alot. It is great that there are many to choose from, but can be confusing. Any suggestions? I'm not trying to advertise for anyone, just trying to give as much information as possible.

I am currently considering a Quantum spinning reel for my new rod being built. That and the new Lexa reel from Daiwa.

Congratulations! I think they have this retirement backwards though! LOL!

My largest smallmouth was 4lbs. caught in the Jackson River below the paper mill in Covington, VA. this year. I used a brown craw with chartreuse tail Gitzit Spider Jig.