Arv

Didn't know about the Orra. The Revo S is a great reel too though. You can usually find them used for well below 100. I just sold a first generation Revo S for $55.

My guess is its the trailer but its hard to say. What were you using? Swim jigs should run straight through the water w/o spinning.

Phenix M1 7'2 H/F - (looking for new reel) - Jigs, C Rigs, T Rigs, Spinners, Frogs, Buzzbaits Powell Endurance 723cef - Lews Tournament SS - 50# PP - Spinners, T Rigs, Jigs, Buzzbaits Powell Endurance 695cb - BPS PQ - Squarebills, Lipless Cranks, Walking Topwaters St. Croix Avid 7' M/F - Abu STX - 30# Suffix 832 - T Rigs, Jigs, Fluke Dobyns 702c - Shimano Curado 51e - 20# PP - Shakey Head, Senkos, DS, Jigs, Fluke, Lipless Cranks Daiwa Fuego 6'10 M/F - Daiwa Tierra 2500 - 20# Suffix 832 - Wacky Rig, Shakey Head, Fluke, Weightless Plastics

Size and sensitivity are why I buy them. Whether they are worth the amount you pay for them is up to you.

IMO, you'd probably have to increase your budget to get a reel that is both a 1 peice aluminum frame and a much larger drag than what you find on the Lews SS and PQ unless you stick with a round reel.

I've done it on both before. As long as the gear is appropriate I don't think it matters that much. Go with what you're comfortable with.

I'm selling a PQ in the fleamarket if you're interested. As far as reels under 100, the only two that I would feel comfortable recommending are the PQ and the Lews SS. Of the two the PQ gets my vote because of the dual braking system.

I'm selling a Powell Endurance 695cb in the fleamarket for about what you are looking to spend. It normally retails for 170 and Powell is jacking the price up to 200 for 2104. I also fish from a kayak so I don't throw any deep divers. Its a great rod for squarebills and lipless crankbaits but also does a good job with other reaction lures.

There are some guys that know what they are talking about on here when it comes to reel mechanics, I'm not one of them unfortunately. I will say that if you can't figure it out DVT is highly recommended for reel repair/cleaning/etc. and I believe he gives a discount to BR members.

That makes more sense

This is one of the main reasons I have cork on all but one of my set ups. I have seen guys do what Fishes in trees do though.

The Citica should be fine. I had 2 G series, one that I used for jigs. Never any issues.

sounds good to me

Yup. That stinks. First time out in my kayak was also my first time out with one of my reels spooled with 16# Sunline Sniper FC. 3rd or 4th cast I birdnest so bad I couldnt use the reel anymore until I cut the line out. That sucked.

It happens. I've had plenty of days where I've been skunked. Then theres those days you break a rod. Or backlash a brand new spool of some expensive fishing line so bad you have to cut it out, and you just put the line on there...

Haha! I've done the same thing. The way it felt at first it may have still been attached to the tree before I ripped it off.

Ok good, so I'm not the only one thinking this doesn't make sense. Like I said, I've straightened heavy hooks with 30# test. I don't think I need a special "tie zone" to make sure my braid isn't going to fail on me... ON TOP of cutting out however many feet to get to the next tie zone...

Whats your guys take on this? I've straightened out some pretty heavy wire hooks with 30# test. I don't know why you sould need a special knot tying zone. Or maybe I'm missing the point of this.

I'd opt for a M myself. Its going to be personal prefernce on length. I also don't know how the Omens cast so thats hard for me to say for sure.

Also, what other species of fish will you be targeting. Going after pike and bluegill would make a big difference.

I third this

I just got an Avid and I really like it. I think its well worth the extra money as it performs better than any of the other 100 dollar rods I've fished with (although I havent used a ***). I think that would be a solid choice as part of your set up. If you are going to stick with a spinning set up you could pair that rod with the Pflueger Supreme MGX. I don't have one myself but they get outstanding reviews. I was about to buy one until I found a deal on another reel in the fleamarket. If you're going casting and want to stay under 300 you could look at a BPS Pro Qualifier as a reel. I've had two and think they are great reels that perform above their price mark of 100. If you can go a little over 300 I'd recommend something like a Shimano Citica, Daiwa Lexa, Lews Tournament Speed Spool or Abu Garcia Revo S. Also, check out the fleamarket. You will find some amazing deals on quality equipment there. Pretty much everyone that has been a part of the forum for a while should be a trustworthy seller as I've never had any problems with any sellers or buyers since I joined. Good luck and welcome to BR!

This

I think your best bet is to look at the 100 dollar mark. Guys have mentioned good rods in the ***, Veritas and Mojo Bass. I don't think I saw the Shimano Compre mentioned so I will add that to the mix. Those would be the top 4 I would recommend at that price range.

Split shot rigs are definitely a good way to catch fish. I don't fish them just because I'm working on refining other skills right now. You could also texas rig with a bullet weight or carolina rig it (essentially just a bigger version of the split shot rig. Or just fish it weightless. IMO, if you're catching fish, you're rigging it right.