kickerfish1

Maybe give him $100 and either some msc plastics or hardbaits if he is in need of some or treat him to dinner or drinks. Generally used in good condition they fetch at least $150+. If he is giving it to you for a deal ($100) as a gift for say a birthday or what not then do what you feel is right. Maybe offer him more or what is fair but if he insists you pay less that is one thing.

Congrats to the angler and also to Mike for making an outstanding jigs!

Your lack of email responses could have been due to the Japanese Holidays which took place not too long ago. Since those are over try getting a hold of them again. I have ordered from 3 different Japenese vendors and the longest I had to wait was 5 days and the shortest was 3. Unbelievable how I can wait a week or 2 for something to arrive stateside but from there I can get it in half the time. As others have said it really depends upon how long it sits in customs once it arrives. I believe some of the wait may be caused by which Customs office it comes to and to an extent your location. Mine have gone to Chicago Customs and then to me which so far has been a pleasant experience. It is kind of a roll of the dice but I would say majority of the time you should see it rather it quickly.

Are you want a reel more fore casting or flipping/pitching? There are a lot of JDM reels that could be put on that rod but it really boils down to what you want to do with it? Another option would be the Shimano Exscence DC which is right around your budget and matches that rod to a "T". The weight of the reel should help balance out a bigger and more powerful rod like that. I have 2 and from the sounds of it several board members here have purchased one over the last few weeks. If you are a balance freak take some of the reels you have on hand currently and try them on the rod to see where the balance point is with reels of varying weights. This will give you and idea of where you want to be with reel weight. Sounds like Shimano and Daiwa will have some new reels released over the next few months. If you are not in a hurry you could wait to see what comes out and their prices and specs to see if something else might catch your eye.

Yes, I use these for the same reasons you listed and in the same sizes. Works perfect!

Years ago, an old neighbor once caught a rod and reel combo that appeared to have been recently dropped over the edge. Upon closer inspection he found the the newly 'snagged' outfit to be nicer than the one he was using. He thought about releasing his but decided to keep both.

Thanks, there is another option if they can still get the parts.

Man that is a gold mine of obesity! Looks like that lake is loaded with weight watchers bass.

We see how it started but why don't you share how it ended? Where are all those Shimanos?

You are the 2nd guy on here to the Exscence DC recently. Leave some feedback when you get to use it. I am sure you will like it and have some fun with it.

I fish the 4.8 flickshakes with a 1/8 oz head on a ML rod. I feel the rod loads better at casting the lighter weights than a medium would. Not sure about the Ned Rig as I have used them only a few times but again the size of the weight used would be the deciding factor when looking at ML vs M.

There are bluebasser86's chatterbaits and then there is everyone else's.

I may have one lined up to paint as a plan B or C. I am very picky about the looks of this rod build and am looking for something particular. It should work out but like all good things it will take some time. I just wish their was a Matagi shop stateside with an all English catalog or website.

Buzzed bait the best presentation is in a display glass. The plastic is quite stiff and offers little movement especially at rest. Despite the additional length and eye the bait isn't anything to get excited about IMO. Perhaps they will bring better luck to you. One of the only dropshot baits I would never buy again and I am a huge Jackall fan.

I have spent this winter salvaging some of my older jigs and spinnerbaits. You need 3 things: 1. A vise like you would use for fly tying 2. 24 gauge floral wire from a craft store. 3. Wire cutters. (2 close pins optional) I use these to hold the 2 sections of skirt away from the band so I can tie it. It should look like this when separated. Then do 2 or 3 wraps and then twist and trim the extra.

Go for the wire tied option next time. Totally worth it! Wire will far outlast any banded collar.

The clone fry isn't nearly as good as the I-shad or Cross tail shad.

The green pumpkin is great looking . Big fan of the weedguards too.

I did see that and currently have a K2 built on one in that same color. I am looking at this one from Matagi.

This line has been well documented here and other places. For the price it is among the best you can get. I have 2 bulk spools one in 8 and one in 12 for next season to line a few reels of that tells you anything.

Well it it looks like the painted reel seat I found may not work with the other parts I want. Really starting to hate custom rods...

I buy a massive spool of Trilene Big game to use for backing. Something in that 1500 to 2000 yard range. Gets me through a year of lining reels for dirt cheap on the backing.

Thanks for the replies I think I have found the black gloss reel seat stateside without going through Japan. Also I have found the blank I want to use. Messed around on the Matagi Japan website for a few hours and found what I need but have no idea how to order. I ended up more confused then when I started. I may just request a catalog in English if they have one for the future.

You sure that is not a Phfleuger President? All the cool kids have those! Just messing with ya, nice snag, and great outfit.