kickerfish1

Couldn't tell ya the process. I have a custom painted reel and it is stunning. The paint job cost a pretty penny as the reel has to be taken down to the frame to be painted then obviously reassembled. There arent many folks out there doing this or at least doing a good job with it. I recall a poster on here completing a custom painted Citica reel in Black. It might have been in the show of your stuff thread... couldn't tell ya who it was or if he is active on here anymore. Did a darn good job.

I fish a custom Alphas 103 (same platform as the Sol). I have fished 10# flourocarbon on it without issues. Willing to bet it would handle 8# or so.

Sort of the same color scheme as used on the Okuma Helios. Should be interesting if they will put this rod under their usual warranty program. Not sure if I will try one or not. Not a fan of the color scheme and if it fishes below the Savvy series it would be a deal breaker.

Good to know. I guess I just figured that certain reels warranted higher repair costs similar to the Stella. A DC reel is on the radar!

Awesome preliminary review Goose52. I tend to think that your reviews, breakdowns, and photos are as good or better than other reviews that can be had online. Appreciate you going the extra mile...

Nice post Goose! Assuming the only potential negative comes from slightly higher maintenance costs? (Labor and parts)

Send Mike a PM with what you have in mind for the rod in terms of length and power or techniques. He will be able to tell you what would fit that criteria. Your costs will come from materials and labor. I honestly believe he could build you a very nice rod for $150-$200.

Shimano D series reels. The Curado or Citica would be ideal with their low gear ratios. Bullet proof reels but great for moving baits.

Those Hawgtech knobs are pretty nice looking. I may have to order some to try out. Stellar reel by the way!

Tremendous fish, something to remember forever!

Sick color! I know I would buy some...

Appreciate all the replies. I have forwarded him to a link to this thread and he is planning on removing it and installing a new one. Thanks!

I will be getting one more than likely. The only current Shimano rod currently in production that is of any interest to me.

The 893 is definitely the rod you want. The 873 would work for everything though it isnt a great weightless plastic rod. The 894 is a beast (think Dobyns DX 745 as I belive you fish these?) and the 895 is more of really heavy jig or punch rod. I would personally guide you towards the 893. That rod maxes out with a 1/2 oz jig plus trailer so you should be within its limits. Its sweet spot is certainly 3/8 oz +/-

So a good friend purchased a used rod. The rod has micro guides and he didn't notice until the rod was home that the second guide from the handle appears to have the "smooth guide insert" missing. There is a somewhat rough or not really smooth guide housing there but he worries with it being rough it may fray the line. The price he paid for the rod was $40 so sending it in and shipping it off is just not cost effective, as this would be more than the rod. What would you suggest for a good fix? Keep in mind there arent any local builders or shops where he lives. 1. Remove the guide and replace it? 2. Apply something to what is left to make it smoother? 3. Other? What materials would you suggest to acomplish this? Thanks for the advice fellas!

Could be any number of baits. Swimbaits Drop shot Flick shakes Jerkbaits More natural colors are what I start with.

This! I prefer casting mine most of the time. I like a foot to 2 feet from hook to weight.

Sorry to hear AJ. Losing a pet is never easy. Praying for ya!

Yes it was, and I bought the pointers from a different guy this year.

12# flourocarbon Dobyns savy 734 (also my spinnerbait rod) 6:4.1 reel No problems with hookups or fishing the bait around cover.

Nice boat and fish!

Had 2 escalade reels I purchased a few years back. Loved them the first year. Second year the gears bound up and retrieve quality suffered. They also started backlashing as you noted. Breaks and tension knob are in check and have been adjusted. Reels were professional serviced as well. Wouldn't buy another for any sum of money.

Purchased a few things from a local tackle swap yesterday... Wired tied jigs Hair jigs Pointers 3 for $25 Custom painted warts for $10 Custom painted topwaters and cranks for $10 Rage and msc soft baits for $.50 a bag Bulk spool of trilene line for reel backing for $3

Nothing to say however I noticed you were back posting. Just wanted to say good to see ya back Tom! Craws... carry on...

Not Mike but offering another oopinion since Mike has already weighed in. The swing impacts make good trailers on the bullet or more finesse style jigs. There profile and weight are perfect with lighter hook. If you step up to fat swing impacts the 3.8 is perfect for beefier the tournament swim jig. The hook is more stout and adds to the larger profile. I will step up to the 4.8 if I want a huge profile. Good jigs paired with good trailers = good day on the water!