TNBassin'

I've ticked a lot of money away in my lifetime, but it won't ever be on LC baits. I just can't justify buying those when cheaper options have yet to fail me. Plus, it's easier to lose a $6 crank as opposed to an $18 crank.

It's your money. If you're dead set on getting the Lew's then get it and try it out. That graphite frame though. Don't just go out and buy something to buy something. I've been there. You want what you want and you want it now, even though a little more patience will open up better options for you. If you can spend $80 on that Lew's, you can surely save up a tad more for a much better reel that will work great for the application you want to use it in.

While I have a 201E5, I still throw plenty of cranks with my 201E6, though 6Xds get tossed on the E5 only.

Yes the Lew's is better than the Max reels you were looking at, plus this has a 7:1:1 gear ratio, though I'm just not sure a reel with a graphite frame is ideal for frogging. Buy it and try it out. If it works then great. If not you can always return it but I'd listen to DVT.

Hootie doesn't need brakes on his baitcasters. he's just having some fun with us lol.

I agree with you on color choices. Not so much your tone.

I always have the spool vertical when casting. I was taught to do that when I was young.

Got back from our local BPS to check out the new Curado I for myself, along with some Academy price matched 6XDs lol, and talking to the guy at the reel counter he informed me that they've had a few come back due to the finish chipping off. Now I took this with a grain of salt, because not everyone takes care of their stuff like they should, but it dissuaded me from getting one until I've done a little further research. I keep rod gloves and reel covers on my gear, so any flaws in the finish that aren't caused by me doing something stupid irks me. Has ANYONE had any issues with the paint on these since you've had them?

Great crank baits. Try their NRX cranks. Much better than SK's 5XD.

Both reels the op linked to have graphite frames. I'd pass on those.

Can't go wrong with the Revo s/veritas.

Lipless cranks. Or more specifically, red eye shad.

Tackle warehouse has them. They are Rick Clunn baits.

Can't ever go wrong with another Chronarch.

The Max line of Abu reels are pretty good for the price no question. The only downside is that they have a graphite frame and have mag brakes. Mag braking systems tend to be much more difficult for beginners than a centrifugal system found on the Revo S and other reels.

Try and Okuma Trio 30s spinning reel. GREAT reel that can be had for around $50. It's QUALITY and it's priced right. Gives you tons of options for a nice rod too.

Too bad your budget isn't a little higher. The Abu Garcia Revo S and Veritas combo is VERY nice. $129 for the reel unless you find it on sale, and the Veritas is $99. I'd suggest the micro guide version of that rod if you do pony up the extra cash for this combo. Try AmericanLegacyFishing, as they used to give you a $25 off code if you sign up for their emails.

I'll go with the Chronarch E. Great reels, though you may wanna look at a Curado I as they seem to be the new hotness. I have not gotten to fondle one yet though.

The *** is a nice rod for $100.

A RES or a shakey head usually works for me when they don't wanna feast. Tossed a senko a couple days ago when the bite was slow and it worked wonders. Still can't wrap my head around how much bass like senkos.

When I fish a shakey head, I use a ribbon tail, or a squirrel tail worm by big bite baits, as its tail is buoyant and sticks straight up. For me and around here, the black or red ribbon tail works great.

I love Eva grips myself so hopefully they stick with that. Any word if they are gonna release a matching rod for the new curado I? Maybe an updated Compre?

Our BPS says they should have some in on Friday so I'm gonna swing by and see what all the fuss is about. I'm a lefty so hopefully they have some of those. Gonna be hard to take the plunge on an I when my chronys have been so good to me and I actually know how to service them lol.

Piggy ate Kermy!

Use something black. Chatterbait, spinnerbait, jig, worm etc.