kickerfish1

I see what you did there!

I don't dislike them I have just found them not to my liking. Right now I am exclusively using Daiwa and Shimano for all my casting reels.

But she is soooo worth it. Truly an incredible dog!

Great vids! Keep them coming. These are the kind of fishing vids I like and not the ones with young kids doing stupid things for subscribers.

I would have a hard time believing the Met DC would outcast the MGL for everything. Perhaps for heavier baits weighing a 1/2 oz or more but I would take the MGL for anything under especially the 1/4 to 3/8 oz zone. I have a few Exscence DC reels that can really get after it for distance but they need baits around 1/2 oz or so to really fly. The MGL will outcast them for everything 3/8 or less. There is a Scorpion DC on the horizon and significantly cheaper then the Met and it weigh less than the Exscence DC. I belive it uses the same DC brake profile as the Met DC. DC reels have started to go up more in recent years as I bought my pair for about $250 a piece and now the price is well over $300 and the new model will be almost double that. Like Goose said, the DC reels are fun and are unique as their isn't anything like them out there. However they have their limitations like anything else and if sheer performance you are after I would have a hard time believing their are many reels out there better than the MGL. You can also get the MGL for around $300 from Digitaka.

If I was having a rod built to cover both I would either build on a MHX MBR 843 or 844. They are perfect taper for these baits with the only difference being the power. I have the 843 and it is a great rod for these apps but if I was tossing a lot of 1/2 oz baits I wouls have the 844

If we are talking Shimano spinning reels for example the 1000 sized reel is ideal for 4 or 6 # line and the lightest of bass finesse apps. The 2500 is a great reel for all around bass finesse use and best with 8# line give or take. The 3000 size is the same frame of the 2500 with a deeper spool. If you found yourself wanting heavier line or added line capacity for fighting fish that make long runs. Personally I have no need to go over the 2500 size. You could absolutely throw a hard jerkbait on ML rod. I use my Fenwick Elite Tech ML all the time for lucky craft pointers.

I would say absolutely yes. There are 2 sizes of spybaits. One is 3/8 and the other is 1/2 oz. The 3/8 would be ideal on a ML spinning rod, 6# line, and something like a 1000 sized reel. Same setup can be used for Ned rigs. You can even go 8# line or a 2500 sized reel as well.

Nice! I use Tinypic to upload photos here. If you are still having trouble shoot me a PM and I will try to help.

There is a huge following for classic reels like the Pixy, Steeze, TDZ, Calcutta, Chronarch D, etc. For a lot of folks no new reel will replace them.

Shimano Stradic FK 2500. American Legacy has the reel on sale for $139. Went ahead and ordered one as that is nice price on that reel. Going to pair it with a ALX Zolo B Maestro spinning rod which never really had a good mate for it. Should see it in a week or so and will take some photos then.

Some good looking setups their Carter Can you list the reels from left to right?

Not sure where the 1/8 oz weight is coming from but I would venture to guess they are closer to 3/8 oz IMO. I can cast them weightless on a 5/0 hook as far as I can cast any other weightless plastic like a senko or a fluke.

It is a very good compromise rod when you are in between the 893 and 894. The 895 is likely NOT a rod you will want. Pretty much a broomstick/punching rod. The 894 would be a better bet if you are wanting something for 1/2 or 3/4 oz jigs.

The MBR rods are designed to be slower in taper and thus more versatile. Great for folks who aren't using a lot of technique specific rods and need rods to cover multiple apps. I agree the 873 is more powerful that the 844 but perhaps some of that has to do with it having a faster action. Looking at the 844's ratings of 1/4 - 1oz and the 873CRR at 1/4 -3/4 one would assume the 844 is the more powerful rod. That 873 is a tough customer because it is the only rod in the Loomis lineup labeled as CRR or Carolina Rig Rod. All of these NRX rods being discussed are all bottom contact worm and jig type of rods where as the MBRs can be me used for moving baits and spinnerbaits/chatterbaits. To say the 873 is more of a 4.5 powered Loomis would be a tough statement because to some that would mean between the 894 and 895. IMO the rods isn't between these two but more between the 893 and 894. Also keep in mind that not all of the actions are the same as some are fast and some are x-fast between the 893, 894, and 873. I still would give the 873 the slight nod for the OP's intended apps though a number of rods could effectively get the job done.

The 873 is not your true 3 powered rod. It came out prior to the 894 and many felt it was mislabeled. It is more of a hybrid between a 3 and 4 powered Loomis. I use it for 3/8 and 1/2 oz jigs and it is completely at home with either. The 893 is more of a weightless plastic or 3/8 jig rod. The 894 is more of a 1/2 oz jig rod. The compromise rod IMO is the 873 and I absolutely love mine plus it is in a length in between the longer 7'5 rods and the shorter 7'1 rods. Yes, the EMTF Orichi XX and 893 are quite similar with the key difference between the action/taper. The EMTF is more versatile while the 893 is a 100% bottom contact rod due to the XF action.

I wouldn't get it. The 854 is one of the lifeless rods in the NRX series. You would be better off with the 893 or 873.

A pike or muskie when you least expect it!

If I have to give up all my jigs I won't be happy.

You can find a Metanium MGL for around $300 and many including myself believe it to be superior to the 13 Met. I have heard lots of good experiences with the Steeze SV TWS but no first hand experience.

Good work Hootie! Your a real chip off the ole' block!

I am excusively in the Shimano/Daiwa camp for casting reels. For Rods I am all over the place... customs, Loomis, Kistler, Daiwa, Fenwick, Megabass, ALX, Kistler, Dobyns, Powell, Majorcraft and Shimano. How I look at it is for reels Daiwa and Shimano provide the best quality and longevity plus you know that they will hold their value. For rods there are so many quality rods out there that it is incredibly tough to pick one. Unless some company wants to fork over so much money, products, and advertising pieces, I have no reason to be 100% committed to one rod and one reel brand. The only advantage would be when change between outfits the type of cast and adjustments would be the same.

Must be some kind of rod that you are trying to rejuvenate. Figure around $25 - 30 each way for shipping, materials, and labor and will easily clear $100 to have a new grip put on. Are you using a local builder or sending it to someone? Have you inquired around to get some quotes from some builders?

Maybe stock up on more plastics. It tends to be what I and many others have lots of. So many types for different types of situations like there are hardbaits. From finesse worms to curly tails to craws to beavers to swimbaits and grubs. I also fish waters full of snags so I am constantly losing baits especially on a few lakes I frequent. Best advice would be to figure out what kinds of baits work the best in YOUR waters and stock up on those. You can try new techniques and baits as you would like but not all will work at a high success rate where you live.

Couldn't even tell you the last time I bought a rod locally. We have a Cabelas, BPS, and a Scheels here and I rarely shop at any of them. 99% of what I buy is online meaning I don't get a chance to handle a rod before purchasing it. There are so many reviews and knowledgeable folks out there that have great insight on rods and rod models that by asking the right people I can get the info I need to make a decision. Most of my rod purchases have been mid to higher end rods bought online or custom builds.