Choporoz

Reasonable enough question. I don't know. When I started using baitcasters five or so years ago, I bought a reel with magnetic brakes. I thought that having external brake adjustment would be 'easiest'. So, I've stuck with what I learned on. (I've owned Abu, Lews, Daiwas, Quantums, Pinnacle.) (If I NEEDED a new reel today, I'd start by looking for a Tatula or a Smoke.) I've not picked up a Shimano, just because the voices in my head said that I didn't need to mess with two different systems. Clearly, Shimanos have a TON of fans, so I don't think you can go wrong with any well-made, widely available reel today. You're evidently ready to do your homework and practice a little, so go ahead and dial back the apprehension a bit, choose either, and dive in. Slightly daunting, perhaps, but it isn't rocket surgery.

I use mine through a scupper hole. Like every new anchoring method, the first big wave or current is a bit unsettling, but even in big boat waters, it is actually quite stable.

Hunting Run is a bit of a drive but better fishing than most above. They rent boats and motors. Been a few years since I have been to Brittle... hope their prices have come down. Think it was around $50 for boat for a day back then.

Lake Ridge, Brittle and Burje all rent boats....or did in past years. Not sure if you can rent motor anywhere other than Fountainhead and Lake Ridge. Buying a trolling motor and a battery (or two) was a great investment for me. Won't take long time pay for itself.

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Kayak+stakeout+pole

Two thumbs up. Does exactly what I wanted it to do. Doesn't get in the way and manages the anchor line perfectly. Trolley/carabiner combo does the trick. Two cautionary notes: 1. Stowing anchor in rod holder does change center of gravity slightly....not big deal, but worth being aware of 2. I transport with Wizard removed. I lost track screw and small track plate because I have to back screws out almost completely to slide wizard off. No room in my tracks between sliding and completely unscrewed. Fortunately I launched same place the next time and found the screw and plate in gravel where I'd parked previous day.

Those UltraHeads are like magic. Even better for working rocky rivers

Who you calling old? :)

How many $? Probably. I have one that cost me $99 a few years ago. Worth it then. Probably can be had for much less now.

Never....until this past weekend. 20# PP snapped right at the spool

Got out there yesterday for first time in months. Rented boat from Fountainhead - didn't take the gas motor; just trolled pretty much between five fingers and Fountainhead. Despite the oppressive heat, the bite was surprisingly good. Nothing huge, but decent numbers; biggest was just a hair over 3....I did lose a couple very heavy fish. Apparently the tourny guys did very well yesterday - I was told that big bag was 25, and a couple other boats brought in over 20. I struggled with the deep bite that I expected to rule the day. But dropping jigs down ledges and into mid depth brush (6-15') was very effective.

Years ago, I bought two CHEAP Quantum spinning combos for a trip. (Probably paid about $40 for each.) One of the rods broke in a week and one of the reels crapped out in less than a month (of pretty heavy use.) That experience soured me on the entire Quantum line. (I had similar experience with very cheap Daiwa reel long ago.) Sux for the companies, but that's how impressions can be made. Year later, I fell into a crazy deal for a Smoke 100PT - less than half of MSRP. It is my favorite reel, and I've since bought 3 others. Now...I'm not entirely sure what price tiers these reels fall for comparison. I think the initial MSRP was $199. I didn't pay over $100 for any of them. They're far better than any other reel that I've bought for under $150. But are they as good or better than other reels that MSRP around $200?....not at all sure.

I have four Smokes and absolutely love them

Welcome...from an MKE expat. I favor fruit preserves, but I try not to judge.

I appreciate the in-depth analysis. Thank you. I was going to post something about my Tat experiences, particularly with regards to Type-R's....and maybe ask for a little more clarity on others in the Tat line up. So, I went to Daiwa's and TW's web sites and there are 24 and 23 different baitcasting reels....7 or 8 of which are all Tat's (and Fuego). To make matters more confusing for me, TW is 'closing out' Type R's....seems like they were just introduced a couple years ago....anyway, aside from detailing particular differences, I'll just say that I'm extremely happy with my Type R's - and I am not going to try to keep up :)

From an old slimy thread

Sorry, but I don't find it difficult at all

Prop bait looks like a Spin-I-Diddee Top is probably a Crazy Crawler and the others look like Jitterbugs All very cool...none likely worth more than about $15, though, I'm afraid

1956

sideways may present more of a fish-like profile....but I'm not certain it matters. I use Rage Tail Bugs on 90% of my chatterbaits, and I usually rig 'flat', but sideways seems to work as well

I harbor this ridiculous dream....that one day we will find that we've all been duped since forever...that all mono, flouro, hybrids and copoly are actually the exact same line originating from a single secret manufacturer out in a secluded Nevada desert....that every discussion about abrasion resistance, absorption, buoyancy, knot strength, stretch, etc has been been for naught. It really is amazing that nearly every single noted characteristic of any of them has been well argued as being better than the others....amazing and amusing at the same time.

Braid (or Gliss) with YZH leader on every combo except a couple of cranking rods.

Sounds like rod is fine. Don't sweat it. Last year, i got a rod costing three times that in a box that looked exactly like that. No issues. Whatsoever. Check it over again... straight...guides have inserts....flexes fine...no cracks... you're gtg

Couple things I didn't see mentioned above; headlamp, empty bottle (urinal); tp in waterproof baggie

baitcaster or spinning?