Arv

So, it happened. I tasted a reel (Aldebaran) more refined than my Tournament Pro's... I'm looking at getting another, of course. I love the way the Aldebaran palms, and its crazy smooth, but I want a 6:1 reel that I can pull double duty as a worm/jig rod and a squarebill/spinnerbait reel. I'm a bit lost on which reel to look at getting. I want something similar size to the Aldebaran, but I realize the core 50 series are only 7:1. How do you guys like the Steez? Maybe I should think about a Metanium as well? Let me know what you guys think. Thanks!

I would also encourage you to spend the extra on the DX. I think the DX744 is exactly what you're looking for.

Something fast

Yup. As long as the weight is appropriate.

I had a curado 51e spooled with 10# sniper on a Dobyns 702c. I loved that combo. Super dumb decision to sell it...

I guess for me, it's just fishing gear at the end of the day. I buy it to use it. I don't really worry about breaking it, though I am definitely cautious and responsible with it (making sure it doesn't get slammed in a car door). I trust the gear I buy to be quality and to improve my fishing experience. Though my most expensive set up is only around 700. Maybe it would be different if it was 900

I use braid on everything. Tie a leader on if necessary. It's my favorite.

The more I research and think about it, I think that's the way I'm going to go. I really liked my M1, I wouldn't mind trying the Recon.

grubs, trick worms, stuff like that

How would these handle small weightless plastics?

Thanks for the replies everyone. The heaviest I plan on throwing with this rod would be 3/8oz, so yeah, along those lines that you mentioned. I did get the BFS. I would like to be able to throw the small weightless plastics you mentioned, like grubs, trick worms, etc. but I would also like to be able to throw things like 1/4oz traps as well.

I'm looking at picking up a finesse casting rod to match with an Aldebaran I just got. I'm looking at the Phenix 682/683 and the St. Croix Avid 6'9 ML. I would be throwing small jerkbaits, topwaters, plastics, etc. Does anyone have feedback on which rod they like/would choose? Thanks!

It's silly how bass will eat baseballs.

Like others have already said, i TX rig them. I don't c rig much but they're also an option there. I really fish them like I would a worm on either application.

They have the Cumulus listed as well

Lures are one thing. I don't care if friends lose plastics and jigs and whatever. I do let a lot of my friends use my rods abs reels but I'm always with them since I am usual the one taking them fishing. I'll give a quick list of don'ts and then we're off catching fish, or trying to at least.

Hmmm... I have both, I may have to try then out

This is all I throw now as far as shakeyheads go. They stand up far better than others that I have used. A 1/4oz shakE2 with a zoom trick worm is hard to beat when I need a bite.

I crank with straight 30# braid and I have no problem catching fish. I used to use 12# co-poly and it worked just as well. I've never cranked with a leader, though I've considered it before. Personally, I don't see anything wrong with the idea of cranking with a leader. I'm curious as to how you lost the fish? I'm assuming there was line breakage since you're inquiring about different tests and what not. I can understand losing confidence in 8#, but I think jumping all the way to 20# might be a little over kill. Hogsticker also brings up a good point about the differing diameters between the 20# braid and 20#fluoro. Lastly, I'm curious as to what brand of line you were actually using? I know everyone has different experiences with different products, but I do believe that all lines are not created equal.

Glad others mentioned the Tatula as well. Haven't fished on but they've been getting great reviews. In hand they feel nice... maybe I should buy one....

If you're limited to TW and 150, I'd check out the Duckett Magic/Micro Magic, St. Croix Rage, and Fenwick Elite Tech. Powell Max is a nice rod. I used to have a 683cef that was my do it all rod, though I wouldn't call it a dedicated jig rod.

If fish ranger still has the Endruance on for 150, that's definitely where my money would go

haven't tried too many, but the SK Caffeine Shad is my favorite thus far

That's a decent anywhere bass if you ask me

I'd be scared to fish it... haha