GaterB

Haha perfect! Thanks guys

How does the Dobyns Champion 735 handle skipping frogs under trees, logs, and docks?

I've thrown weightless trickworms on a medium power, moderate action rod about 30 yards with my Tournament Pro. I had two of the centrifugal brakes on and the magnets set to about half or a little over. I haven't used a 50E, so I can't really comment on its performance. The 50e is made to handle lighter baits and lines, with a shallower spool and smaller overall profile. In my experience the TP will handle some pretty lightweight stuff. It isn't ideal, but it will do it pretty well. Just my .02

I've used 50lb braid on mine and the reel can flat out launch a bait with it. Sounds like the braid is dug in. The rumor that T3's couldn't work well with braid has been dispelled. I've read many reviews and write ups about it on this and other forums.

Awesome replies guys, thanks again!

What are the limitations of this reel in terms of the size of lure they can handle? I like that they are smaller and have a shallower spool, but was wondering if they can handle more than just lightweight worms and such. Thanks for the advice in advance!

Welcome to the forum and great info!

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I use 7.1 for anything that isn't a "moving" bait, and some things that are. Buzzbaits, buzz frogs, burning lipless cranks, etc. I like not having to reel as fast to take up a lot of line quickly

I've used both in 50#. The superslick has a waxy coating on it that gives it that slick feeling, where as the regular does not. The slick is slightly less noisy, but not a ton. It is easier to tie and cinch knots with the superslick because of the coating. LIne to line knots are a breeze. As far as casting distance, I don't really notice much difference. Also, the superslick's color fades very quickly. I have the timber brown and it is now a light color after only a few trips. The regular takes a lot longer to reach the same level of color degredation. I like both, but in the future will probably just stick with the regular. I don't see the advantages justifying the cost difference for the superslick.

That escalated quickly...

Does anyone think Shimano will release a 50 size in the new curado/chronarch series of reels??

6935 is too big. I made the mistake of getting it. I'll soon be using it for catfish

I was in the same boat as you (no pun intended) in terms of being frustrated trying to fish slower finesse techniques. A stake out pole will solve a lot of this. Plant that sucker in the bottom, and you can sit still and fish as slow as you want. If the water gets deeper you can always employ an anchor system. However, in a flowing water situation I would advise against both of these, and especially the anchor. There is also something called a brush hook, which does basically what it says--hooks to brush, and holds your yak in place while you fish. As far as spooking the fish, I've literally pulled up on top of fish in clear water, stopped, backed away, and then proceeded to catch two fish out of the spot I was just paddling over. I don't think they care too much

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Based on this, Punch it! It's a new technique, and you'll do it more because you'll want to use the fancy new gear!

I would look at what type of "punching" you'll be doing. What I'm saying is, how thick are the mats that you'll be fishing? Are they going to be like FL mats where there could be half a foot or more of grass you have to bust through, or are they thin enough to where a 3/4 or 1 ounce weight will penetrate them? The reason I say this is because you could possibly get a rod that would be good for lighter punching, and also have enough tip to throw senkos and flukes. I fish from a kayak, which I realize is very different than what you'll be doing, but it does make me consider rods that will do multiple things well. Maybe a Champion 735 or DX744? I know those rods have a ton of backbone, but also have enough tip to throw senkos and flukes. They won't be the very best at either technique, but they will handle a number of techniques above average. Just my .02

Tatula is a solid workhorse reel. Time will tell with the new Curado but all signs point to it being a very nice reel. Possibly check out a Chronarch E series too, as many believe they will soon go on sale because of the introduction of the new Curado and possibly a new Chronarch from Shimano

Looking forward to this!

I've wondered about that as well. Not necessarily if it would harm fluoro, but how a guide with no insert would perform and hold up over time. I don't think Duckett would release a fishing rod that would harm any type of line. Now, I could be very mistaken, but I would hope that a company would not release a product that prevented a user from utilizing one of the major types of line anglers use.

I've been waiting for a while to try out a Shimano reel. They're pretty much the last major brand I have left to test out. Part of the enjoyment I've had while getting serious about bass fishing has been figuring out what brands/types of equipment I like. I'm looking forward to giving Shimano a fair test. Plus, a Chronarch E is going to look pretty sweet on my Duckett

Anybody know when the current Chronarchs will go on sale? I'd love to snag a 50E or two

Welcome to the forums! This one's a classic for me haha

I was able to replicate what you described just now with mine. I was able to eliminate the play you talked about by tightening down the spool tension knob. However, I do not tighten it as much as I did to eliminate the aforementioned play in the spool when I am casting normally. I believe this play may come from how the piece of the spool that moves outward on the cast (Part of the MagForce-Z braking system) fits into the side plate. I have never felt this play when reeling or casting the reel, and I don't think it will hurt performance at all.

Had to add that today I finally got to really test the casting ability of my Tatula. With a Spro frog tied on (older one that I use just to cast around in the yard), the brakes set to 6, and the spool tension set to a medium rate of fall, I almost threw all the braid off my reel. I have about 65 yards of PP Slick on top of 20lb mono backing, and was able to almost reach the connecting knot. I was blown away.