kickerfish1

That looks pretty nice and something you don't see made that much. Does it track evenly in the water.

I have not fished either yet but on my last TW order, both baits were bought. I can tell you the design of the mouth and the way it cups is different. Their profile is quite similar and both seem to have good build quality. The general consensus from what I have read is the that the Evergreen SB just flat out catches fish. I bought one of each so I can see the results first hand and see which one works better.

Just a few pesos I don't buy much of anything locally so TW and a few guys that do tackle making get most of my business.

Try using a heavier and a more aerodynamic lure. Something like a lipless crank, a frog, or a topwater spook. They will all cast a mile with about any rod or reel. Other things that crossed my mind about lack of distance: 1. Your ability 2. Casting into the wind 3. Reel may need to be cleaned and re lubricated especially the bearings 4. Too light of lure or not very aerodynamic 5. Braid may be digging in on the spool

Do you have a picture of the pond you are referring to? Sometimes the phrase "heavy grass/weeds" means different things to different people depending upon region. If it is literally top to bottom of the water column it will be tough. I would look at punch rigs, hollow body frogs, weightless flukes, or maybe texas rig or swim jig. Hard to say what would be best without seeing it or being there...

Great write up A-Jay! As I type this we are sitting at 95 degrees with "Real Feel" of over 100. Night fishing sounds pretty cool right now

By shaking the head

It boils down to weight and frame material. The E-DC is a heavier reel. With that said I have 2 and I think they are one of best performing and most fun reels to use for under $300. I bought both of mine for $250 new from Digitaka before they were all sold out.

You sure that wasn't a Megabass Slant bridge!

I wouldn't change them on either bait unless they were damaged or rusted in some way after use. I am not a guy that is trigger happy on changing out stock hooks on hard baits unless something dictates

We are in the midst of an early heat wave. Temps between 94 and 100 the next few days plus what ever the heat index is. Add in mosquitos, flies, chiggers, gnats, and such I don't do much fishing when it gets like this. When I do I am up early and off the water early. Also with my medical issues anything above 85 is not very tolerable. I would much rather fish in the 40 degree stuff than anything over 85. Sunscreen or sun protective clothing, a hat, and plenty of water is always part of the game plan for warmer days...

YouTube is a great way to learn, be entertained, and pass time. I don't care for some of the fishing related stuff and enjoy other parts of it. Lots of guys out there post things for hits and subscribers. I can see their angle on it. Others just like to share info with others which is fine to. Unboxing videos are more or less a way to brag. Fishing videos provide a nice recap of your time on the water. Product reviews and videos featuring tips and tricks are nice for others wanting info on said topic. Just pick and chose what you want to watch. If you don't like what you see move on...

I have yet to catch anything on the BooYah version. The colors are not the same as noted above and I would also question the pitch sound made from the rattles. The frame/mold shape is identical but I don't think it is the fish catcher the old one was, at least not for me. Same scenario to the new vs old wiggle warts.

FYI I don't believe the M1 was ever the top of the line rod from Phenix. The Ultra MBX rods were there top of the line rod prior to the K2.

Thanks for the update. Please check in when they notify you how they are handling it and at what cost to you.

Ripp'n - I would like to see a more powerful and slightly faster MB Orichi model added to the spinning lineup. If you were wanting a rod for a wide range of single hook apps I would likely look elsewhere. Perhaps small light wire hooks would be ok but I struggled with hook up ratio with bigger tubes fished deeper. I believe the rod to be good at most things but not great at anything in particular.

The photo may be a bit misleading as I essentially just upgraded reels to the Stradic CI4+ over the older Ci4. I have fished the rod quite a bit and it's versatility and sensitivity is really good. I also like handle and foregrip a lot especially for dropshotting. The rod is good for anything under 3/8 oz. I wanted it initially as a shakeyhead and tube rod but soon realized it was good for about everything finesse. The blank diameter is quite thin so it isn't really powerful like you would expect in a shakeyhead rod. It seems like 3/16 oz is the sweet spot.

I would possibly pay a bit more than retail for something if I felt the reel was the exact fit for what I needed or wanted. I have yet to do this but would consider it if something happened to one or several reels. The E series Shimano Curado and Chronarch reels are now going for considerably more now than a year or more ago. NIB reels will easily clear $200 with some going into the $250 mark with regularity. The Chronarch D is the best example. I believe the MSRP was $229. Mint they clear $300 pretty regularly especially the D7. I recall seeing one sell for over $400. Any limited run reel that was built of a popular platform or that had a special paint job will also be worth good money. TDZ IZE personal orders, ITOs, AOIs, and various MB Alphas and Steez based reels draw good money.

Outside of the suggestions offered above, if it is like other Lews reels I have had apart, you will also need a spool bearing tool or plier of some sort to remove the spool bearing. Not a cheap tool ($30ish) but if you have a few reels and plan on doing regular maintenance it would be a good investment. Otherwise send it to a shop like DVT to work on.

Scorpion 1000xt with 7.7:1 gears, abec 7 bearings, and full polish and supertune. Scorpion 1000xt with 7.7:1 gears, abec 7 bearings, and full polish and supertune. MB Orichi XX Shakeyhead with a Stradic CI4+

I am not sure about why but I would tend to agree with that statement. My Alphas SV 105 appeared to have a sticky inductor when I got it. I followed a tip from a friend about lightly oiling something around that inductor (can't recall what at the moment) and haven't had a problem since. It casts very controlled and pretty far for baits under 3/8. I use mine for jerkbaits, finesse jigs, and small plastics. One of the best palming reels out there and relatively light as well.

I purchased my Alphas SV 105 for under $200 from Japan. I would say it ranks up there with the best of them. The Curado I in the 70 size or the new Tatula CT would also be contenders for me.

Sounds like you were using a line that doesn't exist!

When I need to toss the really light baits (1/16 to 1/4 oz) I use a Saros 1000 with a Custom Phenix K2.

Good to know Raul. I was thinking the reel "feet" would be magnesium as well.