T-Rick

I'm loving all the responses. Keep them coming. Great stories!

I just put the 51E on a TBC71MF and I really like the look of the white reel on the blue rod. I have not used the combo enough to comment on the performance but I did want to support the other posts which addressed visual appearance. T-Rick

As a new(er) angler and someone who is in their first season of using a baitcaster, I've twice landed a bass this year while clearing out a backlash (birds nest, professional/non-professional overrun). I couldn't believe it but two times now I have landed a fish while cleaning up my mess. I was fishing with a senko on both occasions and my lesson learned is to slow down while fishing. So, my question is: Share with us the odd, weird, or strange ways you have landed a bass. -T-Rick

I figured I'd update this thread with my results as I made my first trip to BPS today. I was able to return and exchange both reels without any issues. Their stock was limited today especially in the left hand models so I did the following: Exchanged the 7.1:1 reel for the same BPS PQ model (even exchange) Exchanged the BPS PQ 6.4:1 for a Curado 200I in the similar speed range (paid the price difference) I was hoping to get the Curado 200 in the 7.2:1 speed as I plan to use this reel for topwater but they didn't have that one in-stock so my options were limited to the 6.3:1 (CU201I/HG) or select another make/model or get the BPS PQ in the 7.1 ratio. Thanks for all the advice and I hope that I am happy with the new 200I.

I think the file will attach now that I have re-sized the image. Regarding your question, yes, the internal brake uses a pin which appears be connect to a spring. Check the image out with the spring that appears out of alignment. Thanks

Great to hear. I need to decide if this will be worth the 1.5 hour drive or if I should just mail them back. I hate to be without 2 of my 4 reels for an extended period of time considering that August will most likely be my last month fishing this year.

One was bought in September 2013 and the second was in March of 2014. Regarding correct operation? I've only touched the brake pins 2 or 3 times since I bought the reel. Perhaps being I newbie I don't understand how they could be operated wrong. Don't you use move the pin in or out to turn the brakes on and off? Then just makes sure that you balance the wheel (2 brakes on that are opposite each other)? Thanks

Yes, today I fished both the Avid/51E (8lb mono) and the carbonlite/BPS PQ (8lb flouro). Both were fine throwing the 4" senko. As I improve with a baitcaster, I hope to get some additional distance out of both. Thanks for all the advice. T-Rick

After hitting the water today, I have started thinking about going with a braid with a flour leader. Before I do that, I better start learning a new knot :-)

Sorry, having trouble with the image. The image size on the iPad is too big.

Hello, I have two of the above reels with the same issue. One of the internal brakes seems to have an issue. The plastic piece that engages and disengages the spring/brake seems to have lost connection with the spring. If I try to move it the pin, it doesn't want to move. I find this odd that I am having this issue on two reels that are both less than a year old with very little use. In the photo, the brake in question is at 9:00. Any idea if this can be fixed easily by me or do both reels need to be sent in for service? Thanks.

I may go with flouro at some point but I figured I'd use mono to start out with the light weight in case I am backlashing often.

Thanks. I picked up a 51E along with the AVC68MXF. I spooled it up today with 8lb trilene XL mono and made about 6 casts tonight at dusk. Caught one of my first cast so I was happy and didn't really worry about distance. I'll have to give it a workout sometime this weekend. Thanks for all the replies.

Is the Curado 50E no longer available and is the Chronarch 50E it's replacement? I might pull the trigger on a reel today too.

Thanks but the itch is coming on very strong. I may jump on a reel soon too.

The rod that I am using is most likely 30 years old and time for a change as I've just gotten back into fishing recently. While I am catching fish, I am certainly out-fished by my buddy in the boat. While I know an awful lot goes into being out-fished but the gear is due for an update and upgrade. I've never really given the carbonlite a shot at the senko. I threw it once and backlashed and switched up to tubes and 1/2 ounce or less cranks. That rod currently has 15lb Invizx spooled on and I'm thinking that is a little too heavy for the 4" senko. If I am going to throw the 4" senko on the MF carbonlite, I'm thinking I should go to an 8lb test mono or flouro. Right?

I was looking to spend around $200. I have a PQ reel sitting on a A-rig rod which doesn't get much use. I was thinking, light plastic rod first then a new reel in the off season. How many internal breaks do you have on? Thanks!

Hello, I am really torn up on which casting rod to buy to throw weightless senkos. I am new bass fisherman and I am learning that 4" senkos are really hitting on my local lake. I've been catching them pretty well using a very, very old spinning rod and a cheap but new Abu spinning reel. I really want to starting using more baitcasters and was looking into something new to try to start throwing weightless 4" senkos. I already have a BPS Carbonlite MF 7' casting rod paired with a BPS Pro Qualifier 6.4:1. I've been using this to throw weighted tubes and plastics. For the weightless, I've been considering the St. Croix Avid casting rods and will put on another PQ 6.4:1. I was specifically looking at the AVC69MLXF, AVC68MXF, and AVC66MF. Any suggestions on which rod to choose? Perhaps I am creating a problem I don't need as maybe I should just use the Carbonlite rod. Thanks, T-Rick

Okay, so a month or so ago I couldn't help myself and on an impulse picked up a second Mojo Bass. This time I added the MBC79HF for an A-Rig rod with a 6.4:1 BPS PQ baitcaster. Not getting much luck fishing with the a-rig, can so I use this rod for something else? Could this rod do double duty and serve as my frogging rod? It seems a bit big and I should have bought something a little more versatile for my 4th rod in my arsenal. FWIW, I have the reel filled with Power Pro 65lbs braid. Thanks!

Great fish! Your video makes me want my own yak.

Thanks. Being so new I didn't think it was even worth weighing but wanted to be sure.

I've only fished for an hour but I caught my first fish yesterday. It wasn't very big but it was my first of 2014 and my 3rd bass ever (just started at the end of last year). It also was my first on a baitcaster. Any estimates on the weight of my first and only catch of the 2014 would be appreciated.

This will be my first full season back with a rod in hand (been over 20 years). I took the time to learn to use a baitcaster in the fall and early winter. I would say that I am getting reacquainted with the spinner and learning the baitcaster. So no real preference at this point. I'm thinking of just taking a reel off of one of my other setups when I travel so I really was not considering buying another reel at this point. Would it be a big hassle to take that approach? Should I be considering another reel for this setup? Yes, sorry. I will be bank fishing in these spots. No, the only plan is for freshwater in Europe, Canada, and the US. Yes, I am looking for an all around utility rod that will only get minimal use. For example, my trip to Europe in the next few weeks if I get in 2 hours of fishing, I'll be happy. That is why I'm looking to keep costs down and also if the rod is broken (in luggage) or stolen, I won't be too upset. As far as a case/bag, I was just planning on putting the rod and reel in my luggage along with a small tackle box. No plan on which pieces or brands to buy yet but I need something in the next 5-days. Thanks for all the responses and help. -T

Hello, I am looking into buying a travel rod to take with me on business trips to see if I can get in a little fishing here and there. I've noticed multi-piece casting and spinning options in various brands. Any opinions on which type I should look into? Also, specific recommendations would be fine too. I'm looking to keep it under or around the $100 range since I don't think I'll use it very often I and already bought 4 new reels and 3 new rods this winter. Thanks, T

Thanks! I am still scarred. Funny thing is one my my colleagues who was with me last night was over here in PA a few weeks back. During our dinner I brought up this event and she said, "yes, we were pretty rough on you that night." I thought it was nice to admit but also a bit of an understatement. My colleagues did finish the rest of the "pudding" that night. Oddly enough, on the plane ride home they also served "black pudding" as well. I was lucky to be flying in envoy class and asked for something else with my meal.