Tartan34

Its a heck of a reel, there is no question. I fished one of mine both days this weekend on my *** H rod, with 65 # Smackdown....and landed a bunch of fish with an Air Frog. With this reel, unlike any others in my arsenal, I felt totally in control of the fish at all times. It was easy pulling them out of the grass or pads, and a total joy to fish with. I caught a bunch of fish, the largest being around 5#s. I have total confidence in this reel.

I throw it on my A-Rigs, and it is ideal. I've had zero complaints.

I put backing on my reels to get more value out of a spool of braid. I use 12# Big Game, and have had no issues.

For that budget, I'd go with the following: *** Black ML 7'1: $100 Shimano Saros FA 2500: $140 It isn't an Abu combo, but this is the one I'd buy if I had a $250 budget.

Thanks everyone, I'll definitely check out the Lews on that rod. I think it will be down to that or the Type-R. I think I need a mid 7 oz weight to balance the rod, as.I put a *** on it today, and it was really off balance. The Curado I felt a little better....but need a tad more weight, I think.

Big Game works great for me.

Hi everyone. I've done a pretty exhaustive search, but haven't found anything...so sorry in advance if I am asking a "repitative" question. I'm looking for a punching reel, something to pair on my newly acquired Kistler Grass Punching Stump Grinder 7'6 XH Rod. I'll be punching grass mats in Central Florida, so I need something that can hold up and handle up to a 2 OZ weight easily. I have limited experience with a good punching setup, but a sturdy reel and a beefy drag are important to me. I was thinking of either a Tatula Type R, a 13 ***, Chronarch 200E7, or a Curado I....but am open to other suggestions. I'd like to keep the cost to $200 or below. Obviously, there will be limited/no feedback on the 13 and Curado I...but they are in the decision for me. Anyone have experience with the Tatula for punching? Either the regular or Type R? Thanks in advance!

I'd for sure have one for moving, single hook baits. Spinnerbaits, small swimbaits, etc.

I have a bunch of IMX and GLX rods (both older editions)....and LOVE them. If you are patient, and keep your eyes open, you can find them at great prices (very lightly used) on the secondary market. The most I have paid for any IMX or GLX is $150....which includes my all-time favorite rod, the BCR803 GLX. I've never had any problems with them. I have a few NRX rods as well, and they are GREAT rods, but for $300 (they can be found at this price point), I'll go with two older GLXs if given the choice.

Fools at the ramp who take way too much time entering and leaving.

Nice work! I really like the ability to pick and choose different options. I'm not sure how big of a deal it is for you, but I've found that columns such as line & lure ratings on a rod, and lure weight are important to me as I build out my combo list.

I fished with two Curado I's today and was really, really impressed. With two breaks on, and the dial set to 1, it was ideal. I tried to use only one break, but couldn't make it work without issues. I enjoy the feel of this reel more than my CI4+, and it is just as smooth. Setup 1) MH *** Rod, 3/8 Jig Head, 5" Easy Shiner. 12# Yozuri Hybrid Setup 2) H *** Rod, 6/0 Owner Beast, Air Frog. 65# Smackdown I could throw these baits a mile. The reel feel like it is indestructible, but really light. Perfect for me to palm, and has SERIOUS power. Love this reel. Will be in the market for more. I'll be using my CI4 for lighter lures...and my I's for anything 3/8 or higher.

Single swimbaits over grass flats, frogs over deep cover (thick grass or thick pads), soft plastics under docks. The bite is tough right now, lots of fish locked down on beds.

I had an Opsrey "Buzz the Tower" today....almost gave me a heart attack. I was reeling in an Air Frog, and when I pulled it out of the water next to the boat, an Osprey game from behind me and tried to grab it. Feeling the wind generated by the animal's wings, and seeing him right next to me was pretty neat. He had to have tracked that frog for quite awhile....but I had no idea.

It is on sale for the BPS Classic, 25% off I think. I have 65 on my new Curado I that I've been breaking in and 50 on a Tatula. Great line. Smooth and strong. No issues yet...

Last time out, I saw a Bald Eagle. Amazing to watch, especially as he was doing his own fishing fairly close to the boat.

I like the Shad Rap much more than the Scatter Rap. They have been totally ineffective for me, and I regret buying the quantity I bought.

My opinion of a dink changed when I moved to Florida. It use to be anything less than a pound....but now.....I'd say your definition of 2 #s or under is a dink would fit, At 3 #s, the fish starts to become a "nice fish".

I fish a frog setup on one of mine, and it tosses it just as far as any other reel I own. I have 50 # braid with mono backing, and it does the trick quite well, actually.

There are usually 5+ people on staff trying to sell vacations....right between the tank and the fishing area here in Orlando. They are VERY aggressive. I've used the ignore, the cell phone, the mad as hell, and the polite techniques. None work any better than the other. Now I just take extra time to just walk out of the way and avoid that whole deal. It is a nightmare, and reminds me of people hassling me at a shopping mall. Terrible.

EVERYTIME that I've asked for help, mostly at the reel counter, I got the vibe that it was a massive undertaking to help me. That included pulling a 200HG off the shelf this morning at 9:01, when I was the ONLY person at the reel counter....with 3 BPS employees just staring at me. Now, I do wear my TW shirts when I shop at BPS....and let loose of a little "rebellious" behavior...after many terrible experiences.

I haven't had a hangup with the Alberto, and I have fished it through micro guides.

Once I started using the Alberto knot, I won't go back to anything else.

The best A-Rig I've used has been the *** 7'3 H...and it is $120. I throw a fairly light rig, but this rod is perfect for them. If you are throwing a rig less than 1.5 oz, it is ideal.

They bend easily, but they catch fish. I use the one with four blades. Usually I can bend it back, but sometimes they go in the trash after a couple of fish.