War Eagle 44

They're fantastic reels but that statement is a little far. The Conquest is certainly up to par as well as a number of other reels, my Metanium XG springs to mind. My 101B is still one of my favorite and most used reels, it's sad that these type reels aren't being produced today due to everyone wanting lighter equipment. With proper care these reels will last a guy a lifetime.

I like to fish jigs lots of different ways but I think my favorite way is swimming them. For this technique I like the Dirty Jigs Coosa Style swim jig in 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, and 1/2 oz sizes. I normally fish these on 50# braid in the thickest grass I can find. My most fished trailers are NetBait Kickin B's, Rage Meanace, or Skinny Dipper style swimbaits.

You have a very impressive collection of Abu's.

I don't do a ton of wood flipping, 99% of mine is grass so beavers work very well. My favorite by far is the D-Bomb, second I'll go with RI Sweet Beavers (regular and small). I feel like I'd lean more toward a bait with some action if I were primarily flipping wood. Say a Paca Craw or Brush Hog type lure. I'm sure there are boat loads of guys out there that can really catch'em on beaver baits around wood but I'd have to have one really solid day of success doing it on a beaver before I'd go all in with this style of bait around wood. As RyneB said, having the lure that you personally have the most confidence in rigged on the end of your line is a pretty important part of fishing well. About the only way I know of to get confident in a lure is to fish the hell out of it until you start catching fish on it. I also understand that this is easier said than done.

I have only two things to add to the good advise you've already received. One, since it seems the problem got worse all of a sudden I'd check the roller bearing to make sure it didn't go bad. This is of course assuming this reel has a bearing instead of a bushing. Second I've been fishing Power Pro Micro Braid 4# white on my ultralight rod and absolutely love the stuff. I tie directly to the lure and don't seem to have any trouble getting bit. It will get a little "dirty" if you're fishing dirty water but IMHO that just helps it blend in a little better. Also the white doesn't have the coating that green PP has so it doesn't require a break in period. It's really thin but I never have any "dig in" issues. I spool it on fairly tight with no backing. I was amazed at the casting distance I was able to get over 4# fluorocarbon. It just made my whole ultralight fishing experience go to another level of enjoyment. Might be worth a look.

That last part surprises me, I think the D series is clearly the best all the way through the G series. Don't get me wrong here, I prefer to fish the E series reels on a day in day out basis but if I were given the ultimatum to pick one series of Curado's to fish for the rest of my life I'd go D series and wouldn't think twice. I'm fairly certain the E series would serve me just fine as well but I'm positive the D series would. This is, of course, assuming proper maintenance of both series when needed. The new I series looks very very promising and I'm super excited to get my hands on one but I still have a little wait as the lefties won't be available until April.

First off, if you're searching for Chronarch 114 Plus that's one problem. Second, the reel's correct name is Chronarch CI4+ (see-eye-four-plus).

I'll give the same answer I always give on this subject, Powell Max 735C. I spend a ton of time frog fishing every year and this rod is perfect for it IMHO. It's one of my all time favorite rods for sure. As for reels that's more of a personal preference thing to me, I myself am using (and have been for some years now) a Citica 201E spooled with either 50 or 65# braid. I've used quite a few different reels on this rod and settled on the Citica. Oddly enough now that I think about it's the least expensive reel I've tried. I've tried the Curado DHSV, Zillion HS, and a Chronarch 101B before the Citica. The CH B would be my second choice. Anyway back more to topic, the 735C is a really great frog rod.

Wow, I've had the exact opposite experience, I've found (the hard way) S8S to fray and cut much easier around wood and rock than regular PP. I was a huge S8S fan for about a year there but now I only have it spooled on one reel. I think S8S really shines anytime you need braid with a leader, as another poster already pointed out, S8S ties fantastic knots and IMHO casts and handles a bit better than regular PP. I lost a big fish while frog fishing last summer when I had 65# S8S cut on a small piece of wood like a hot knife through butter. Since that day I've only used it when attaching a leader. Still really like the braid just have no faith in it when tied directly to a lure. S8S also casts and handles better to me on spinning gear, but again this is just my opinion. I've tried 832 and while it's a good braid I just didn't care for it. It handles and fishes different than any other braid I've tried prior. Not a bad thing, as some prefer 832's characteristics, I on the other hand prefer PP, S8S, and P-Line Spectrex. I'm in the process of trying out some of Spiderwire's latest lines, Invisibraid and Ultimate, and I have to say I'm really impressed with both so far. I'm actually a fan of super limp braid so S8S is great IMHO when broken in

I've tried 832, Power Pro, Power Pro Super 8 Slick, and P-Line Spectrex braid all in 20# on spinning gear. I'd have to say I think my favorite is either regular PP or the P-Line. Nothing wrong with S8S or 832 either as I've not encountered a single problem with any of these 4 lines on spinning gear. They all have little things about them that I like but the PP & P-Line just have more things I like about them than the other two. I think S8S ties the best (prettiest) knots of the bunch but as I said earlier no problems at all out of any of them. I use about a 5 to 7 foot leader of P-Line 100% fluorocarbon in either 10# or 15# connected to the braid via an Albright knot tied like the video on Shimano's web site instructs. Never once had the connection knot fail, if I've ever had a failure it's always come at the lure knot.

True, very true. This is also the reason I need better split rings, now I have hooks and split rings that are appropriate for my style of fishing. Haven't had a problem since switching the hardware.

I was indifferent toward changing split rings on "quality" lures until this summer. I had a 4 or 5 pound bass almost straighten the split ring on my R2S Whopper Plopper. Funny thing is it happened by the fish twisting the hook rather than a straight pull. I know it was twist pressure because it also twisted the eye molded into the body slightly. I saw the fish because it attacked the lure from directly beneath and came about a foot out of the water when striking. It had the lure when it went back into the water head first but when I set the hook and started reeling it just came off after a few seconds. I was using 50# braid and a tight drag so the hookset was good. I'm not sure when the twisting took place, I would assume on the hookset, but you know what assuming gets you. Needless to say every since that happened I've become a big believer in the actual need for good quality split rings. Owners being my favorite so far.

I'd go with a Chronarch 200 E7, Chronarch CI4+, or a Metanium XG. Of course a discounted Curado G would work as well. Also if you can find one the new Curado I would be sweet.

I was planning on picking one up at the Classic Expo but there aren't any lefties yet. I was told by the guys at the Shimano booth the best case scenario was the beginning of April.

I change the hardware on every brand of hard bait except two, Spro and Jackall. Spro baits come with Gamakatsu hooks (obviously) and Jackall with Owners. Outside of these two brands all the others get changed first thing. Like papajoe222 said it's more a confidence thing for me, I just feel much better about my hard baits when I know they have good quality hooks and rings. I use either Mustad KVD, Owner, or Gamakatsu as replacements. I only use Spro or Owner rings.

I'm fishing a Curado 301E on a Cumara A umbrella rig rod for both of these techniques and I'm very satisfied with the performance. Granted I fish an A- Rig a lot more than single swimbaits but I feel the rod is perfectly suited for any bait within it's lure ratings. I've only spooled my reel with copoly for these two techniques as I'm not a fan of braid for either. I've tried it and just like the feel of copolymer better. I feel this rod is really good in the weight, strength, and action categories but there are some guys that don't like the short grip. I got acclimated to it quickly and it hasn't bothered me.

I agree with the point that the Chronarch B is a very good reel and one of my personal favorites but I'll stop short of saying that today's reels don't compare. Shimano is all I fish so I, like Raul, really like the brand and was a little disappointed in the direction it looked like they were headed with the Curado G/ Chronarch E situation. Everything they've done lately suggests to me that they are back on the right track now and everything is right with the world. Back to the Ch B, I use mine for a little of everything. Right now I have it on a 7' MH spooled with 50# PP. About the only thing I'm not using it for in it's current state is cranking. It is a very very good all purpose reel and it can handle some serious punishment. I fish mine pretty hard and I've never had a single problem. The weight of the older, heavier reels never bothers me because that's what I started out on so to me they feel normal. The Ch 101A was actually my first low pro baitcaster and let me tell you it's no slouch either in terms of quality. I've done a few "upgrades" to my 101B; polished spool shaft ends & pinion gear, Carbontex drag, OS 7 spool bearings, ceramic pawl for the levelwind, and replaced the standard red brake blocks with 2 each of 3 different weights (green, clear, and smoke) which gives me a much broader range of brake settings. Although I have to admit that 90% of the time I have one smoke brake on and never really have any reasons to adjust them further. The reel is a very good reel straight out of the box though so all these "upgrades" weren't really needed I just like to mess around with my tackle. I fish this reel the most out of any single reel I have and don't ever see myself getting rid of it. About the only thing I'd like to change is the spool, I'd love to be able to get one that weighs just a little less than the stocker. Again nothing wrong with the stock spool as it casts great as is I'm just looking to do any and all possible upgrades to this reel because I'm so fond of it.

5/16 and 3/8 are the two I fish the most. 1/4 and 1/2 when conditions dictate and ever so often I'll throw a 3/4.

Here's a pic showing the two different hooks. The No Jack Gamakatsu is on the left and the regular Mustad on the right. It really doesn't show just how much thicker the No Jack hook is but trust me it's much beefier.

My favorite is the Dirty Jigs Coosa River style. It comes with a nice Mustad hook and it's available in a lot of colors that work really well in my area. Also a shop here in AL has a deal worked out with Dirty Jigs and buys custom Coosa River style heads with the No Jack hooks. These are the absolute best swim jigs I've fished to date. Although I do still fish the regular swim jig quite a bit and I've never bent the Mustad hook. The only mods I do is to trim the weedguard the way I like it and tie the skirts on with braid.

I absolutely love this hook for flipping so it would be awesome to be able to get it in a swim jig. I'm definitely interested.

Bronzeye 65 Bronzeye Jr Bronzeye Shad R2S Spittin' Wa 70 Gambler Cane Toad

I regularly use hooks from Owner, Gamakatsu, and Mustad. These are the only brands of hooks I'll use, I've tried VMC and Trokar but didn't like them. I use mostly Owner and Gamakatsu but I do have quite a few cranks with the Mustad KVD trebles. I like Owner the best and would pick them over the rest if forced to only fish one brand. Gamakatsu would be my second choice.

My two favorites are the NetBait Kickin' B and the Skinny Dipper. Although I've had success using Rage Craws as well. I'm really intrigued by the Rage Menace and plan to use them quite a bit this coming year. If I could only have one though it'd be the Kickin' B no doubt.

There's just something "magical" about hollow body frog fishing that never gets old to me. I fish frogs way more than I should, on days I know I shouldn't, during times of the year I know I shouldn't just because it's the absolute biggest thrill in fishing IMHO. I fish frogs everywhere not just in and around grass and mats. I've had good luck under boat docks, in tree tops, shallow points etc. The majority of my frog fishing is done in and around grass though. I'm with the other guys here on the hook to land ratio, I'm at least at 80% but most days higher. I'm also in agreement with them that I very rarely lose one half way to the boat. I mostly fish Spro frogs, but I fish my share of R2S baits as well, I'd say it's about a 60/40 split. I've definitely gotten better over the years fishing this technique but I'd say my biggest "leap" forward was finding the right rod. It's made such a big difference in my success with this technique. Also I've been using this same rod for quite some time now and I'm very familiar with it and how to get the best from it. I am the exact opposite of most of the guys in this thread, I usually fish my frog fairly aggressively. It seems to me that they actually eat the bait when I'm fishing it this way whereas I've had plenty of fish subtly suck the bait under while it's sitting still and they only have it by the legs. Also when I'm fishing a frog in heavy grass I always use a Bronzeye Jr, I've had much better success using this smaller size frog. I think it's easier for them to get into there mouths. It hasn't seemed to effect the number or size of bites I get verses a full size bait. I always use braid, no exceptions. Now days I use 65# but I've never had any issues with 50#. I tighten my drag all the way and swing for the fences. I'm not sure where you live but I'd love to take you out froggin' sometime if you're ever in the central AL area. April and May are usually the two best months of the year for it to me.