Smallmouth Hunter

I stocked up on a bunch of stuff.. I need to sto buying stuff LOL. I've spent over $300 in the last 2 days.

Wait for the tatula glass rods.. They are going to be SWEET rods!!

Haven't seen one bad review for these Irods... Makes me wonder why they haven't taken off like 13 did.

Lefty will feel weird at first if you are switching over but you will feel comfortable using it within 1-2 months, and you will not look back. I vote yes.

Cool story bro.

The 7'6 heavy mojo rods are VERY stiff so make sure you check them out in store before buying.

Hand that palms the reel: controls rod, sets hook, holds rod/reel, pulls against fish Hand that is on the handle knobs: turns the handle I think it's pretty obvious why you would want your dominant hand/arm palming the reel.. I vote that you should get a lefty reel if you are right handed.

I agree.. The zillion didn't impress me once I uses the tatula.

NOT the zillion.. Lol The zillion is a good reel for baits 1/2 and up (isn't great at 3/8 oz compared to other reels), and even with 1/2 oz baits the reel does not stand out among other reels in casting performance. I believe it shines with 3/4 oz baits and up.. I think you should look at the SS SV. Poor mans steez, but with an sv spool.

I love chatterbaits. If you aren't catching fish on it, try matching the colors to your main forage more. Then, slow roll them through creek channels, over points, under docks or burn them in heavy cover or above grass. I can't seem to catch fish on floating jerkbaits. I have done OK with suspending jerkbaits though. Also, brush hogs.. Too bulky for me.

"PROVEN" is not even a thing LOL. Proven is an ADJECTIVE.. Adjectives can't be things.. Proven cant possibly be a thing.

Look into the tatula heavy power rods too.. Some people on TT really like them, and tatula rods are very lightweight!

Flush the bearings, ghost. I can almost guarantee that is your issue if you're getting inconsistent distance.

I am going to get hate for this, but I believe it is the truth. Quantum advertises way more than any other reel company out there in the US, and they have all their pro staff push the products. Like Gary Klein who says his quantum smoke is what allows him to catch fish even though it is so loud you can hear it over him speaking during MLF. Shimano and daiwa sponsor few pros compare to quantum and even lews. Their reels speak for themselves I guess...

With most of the modern reels, thumb is not necessary... Spend a little more and get a used 50e or 200e and don't look back.

Get every bit of grease/oil off the spool shaft, and don't forget to clear out the inside of the pinion gear! Have fun cleaning it! (I enjoy cleaning reels; I'm not being sarcastic)

You might've caught the lure on one of the guides and when you went to cast, the rod went flying.

Tatula would be great for any cranks over 1/2 oz (really shines in the 3/4 oz+).. My vote goes to the chronarch/curado 201e6. The e5 is too slow for me. Best cranking reel I have come across for a number of reasons.

Tatula casts much better IMO. I have used them side by side and the only thing the zillion excelled in was ease of casting for short distances. I am guessing this is due to the lighter spool and free floating spool.

I've seen the type R available for $130 at some places. No contest in my mind.

GFor those that turned away from big game, what cheap bulk spool lines did you turn to? I am turning away from big game as well after experiencing the same odd line issues. I only have issues in 10 and 12 lb test though...

Easy fix. Take out the spool and use a paper towel to completely dry off the long side of the spool shaft. There is probably an excess of oil on the end of it. If that doesn't work, try this: Take off the knob and use a q-tip to get a bit of the oil off the shim inside the knob that the end of the spool shaft rubs against.

With reels, you kinda know what to expect. The gear ratio, braking system, and spool capacity (and even spool weight) basically give you an idea of what it will behave like. With rods, it is a completely different story. There are no standards out there so most of the time you are guessing, and if you are indecisive like me, buying rods is tough. Sometimes you just need to bite the bullet and get the one you really know you will like regardless of price. To answer the OP's question- I really don't know. I would probably guess rods as of right now because I have explored deep into the world of reels but not so much into rods. Love trying new rods even though sometimes they are a complete bust and don't act like I predict. I do love to tinker with parts and spools and stud though. I enjoy servicing reels too. I haven't had the opportunity to explore DC or SVS Infinity either so I am still intrigued by many reels..

The shimano VBS reels are the best for this. Loosen the spool tension so the spool can wiggle a bit, and put on 4 brake shoes. Then train your thumb a bit.

Anyone know of any sales right now on the SC avid?