katmandew

EBay has several sellers selling them around $135.

Awesome, thanks. I totally missed that. Please excuse the newbie.

That All-Pro SMG sure is a sweet rod. It flat out ruined me. Started using that same rod last year. I used to use bionic blades and BPS Extreme (still do for cranks and spinner bait), but the sensitivity on that rod fishing with soft plastics, jigs, or swimbaits is unbelievable and it wont bend past that 2nd eye, but the tip is very forgiving so it takes those surges a smallmouth makes at the boat. Tough to beat that rod if you are specifically targeting smallmouth. Super sensitive too. The Stradic FJ would make that rod a dream combo.

I'm a complete rookie when it comes to this bait. Looking for tips on how, when and where to fish it. When to use wacky rig versus Tx rig, etc. What seasons and which conditions does it produce the best? Is it just cast it out, let it fall, pump a few times, and reel it in? Fish it on a drop shot? Where? At what depths, and what types of cover are most productive? Any info is much appreciated!

Just checked out both reels yesterday at bass pro. The Stradic FJ is much smoother. Based on initial feel, I almost think the new Symetre is a step back from the Symetre FJ.

I just hide them in the basement. What rod, honey? That ole thing's been there for years.

...and nice table fare!

I think the KVD stuff sells more on name than anything because its KVD. Especially with rods and reels. I do like some of the lures tho.

Is it the 500FJ or the 1000FJ? I didn't realize they had anything smaller than a 1000 series?

Yes it's very light and all the new features are what make me think maybe I should save $40 since it is an ultra light being used on a crappie/panfish specific rod. I did hook the 6.5 lb lunker largemouth you see in my profile pic on that previous 750FI crappie reel though, so there's a chance in February that I may catch a few of those caliber fish while crappie fishing. They tend to like my white Road Runner in February...but dang that Stradic is NICE and at that price it's making my decision difficult.

Stradic 1000 FJ - Found a deal for $138 shipped to the door. Symetre 1000 FL (2013 model) - $99 retail My old Symetre bit the dust, so I need a new 1000 series for my crappie rig. I just got a Stradic FJ and love it, but I'm wondering which of these 2 I should get. Is it worth the extra $40? New model Symetre has X-Ship and 1 bearing less. I'm sure they've added other features as well and made the Symetre reel better. Anyone had their hands on a new Symetre yet? I have the FJ Stradic, so I know that's a sweet reel. I'm just not sure with all the new features on the new Symetre that I shouldn't save the extra $35-40. I'd like to hear your thoughts if any of you have used the new FL series reels yet.

Just bought a Stradic FJ as well on ebay for $140 and it is smooth as silk.

I know what you mean. More than likely I'll probably try to sell the lightning rod to recover some of the money for the new rod. I bought an all-pro SMG rod for fishing my swimbaits and jigs. It was the first $200 rod I've ever owned. The feel is unbelievable. I usually use BPS Bionic Blades and Extremes, which I will continue to use as my casting crankbait rods. I don't see putting that much in the crankbait rods, but the finesse fishing requires more feel.

Found the Cumara on sale for $169 at the local tackle shop, but they only have the 7'6 M/F model. They they didn't have the 7'2" M/XF. It's made for a shaky head, but what are your thoughts on that rod fishing with a drop shot as well?

Considering most are made in China or Malaysia, or other countries that have cheap labor, I agree they are all over priced, but I've got 2 Patriarch XT's and they are flat out awesome. I found mine for $200 on ebay. Also have a Lew's tourney pro and it is very good as well $150 on eBay. Got one of the newer Revo STX's last week. Haven't used it enough to form an opinion on it yet though. Shimano makes great reels tho I don't own a current model. I know several guys use the Citica and love them.

Just curious, what does the 7'2" rod do for you that a standard 6'6" won't? Wondering what the advantages are to the longer rod. Also, I was thinking of spending my money on a good ML/XF drop shot rod and using my Medium/Fast action Berkley Lightning Shock Rod (I don't have any really good sensitive spinning rods since I fish baitcasters mostly) and use that setup for the shaky heads. It's 6'6" and I know is a low end $40 rod, but when it comes to feel and if I'm using braid with fluoro leader anyway, will I not feel most bites on a shaky head with that setup?

I figured I would be able to use one rod for both. Sounds like I can, but would be better if I had a 2 different rods since I need a ML action rod for the drop shot, but that would be too light for the shaky heads. So I'm guessing sensitivity wise, I'd wanna a spend more on the rod for the drop shot and just use one of my cheaper medium Fast action rods for the shakey heads?

Cumara is a little high. What about the Crucial. Is there really that much difference?

Where do you place the suspend dots on the crankbait? I got some of these to try, but haven't placed any on my cranks yet.

Got a new Shimano Stradic I want to pair with a good sensitive shaky head and drop shot rod. I'm new to both rigs and I know you need a sensitive medium action rod with a fast or extra fast tip, but I'm curious what brand and model rods are best for this type presentation. Any suggestions? I'd like to stay under $200 for the rod.

Great tip. Thanks. I think I'm starting to figure that one out as my Pfluegers and Lew's do not require that. There's a ton of hype around the Revo's and I just had to have one to see what it was all about. Now that I have it adjusted right, I cant wait to fish it this weekend.

Occasionally when necessary, but not on an open water cast where I want max distance. Sure, I'll thumb the spool for accuracy type cast when bank fishing. I had set my other 4 reels where I don't have to thumb them except for distance control. I've been throwing a baitcaster for 10 years. I was just having trouble with this particular reel. It appears that the changes I made last night have corrected my problem. It's casting much better. Thanks!

Trying to decide if I want to "Get Vicious" or just stick with the more expensive P-Line Halo. Lots of pro anglers on youtube raving about this new Vicious Fluoro. Wondering what are the thoughts of those here that have or are currently using it? Does it live up to the hype? I sure like the prices better than the flouro I use now. Would like some input before I buy it. Thanks!

I have the Lew's TP1H model. Excellent reel. I think the Tourney Pro versions are much better then the regular versions. Price difference is about $55-60, but you get a much better reel. You get more for your money. $155 shipped on ebay right now. It's not as good as my $250 Pfluegar Patriarch XT's, but it's the best $150 class reel I've fished. Just got a New Revo STX Gen 3 for $155 (eBay), so that may end up taking that title in the near future. Time will tell.

Thanks Glenn, great video. Your videos are how I found this site. I had the flu over Christmas and it kept me off the water for 2 weeks, so I hopped onto Youtube to "study" since I couldn't be out there. I stumbled onto one of your videos and I think I may have watched every video on your channel. Your videos kept me wishing I was out there fishing. I appreciate what you are doing for the sport. I had already watched this particular baitcaster setup video, but was still having problems adjusting the Revo to brake correctly. I went back to 2 pins out and turned the mag brake up to about 8 after looking more closely at my Patriarch XT's setup. A couple of casts in the yard and it looks like it's casting better. Here's to hoping it casts like that on the water this weekend. Thanks, again.