G3 Fan

I think the theory behind it is to keep the line from contacting the blank when the rod has a load on it. idlov2fish is right once you use it you'll like it. I love my custom (thanks Flechero)

If you are going to have technique specific rigs you might want to have technique specific lines. I usually only carry a few rods and I have a MH casting outfit with 12# Trilene which is my spinnerbait, buzzbait, senko, tube, etc rod and then I have another casting rod with 30# PP and I use that for frogs, jigs and heavier worming. Also take into consideration what kind of cover you will be fishing. I can't really comment on flourocarbon, I tried it on a spinning rod when it was new and I thought it was too fussy. The stuff on the market is much better I just haven't messed with it.

You might want to check out All Star's Team All Star line. I think they are a lot of rod for the money(less than $100.00). They have two different 7' Medium actions. I have the 6'8" MH it is a custom by Flechero and that is my all round rod. I can throw just about anything with it, I haven't thrown many crank baits though. I too fish mostly from the bank and when I had this rod built I was using a 6'6" M action rod and as a bank fisher I had troubles landing fish. If you fish the outside edge of a weedbed from the bank you have to get the fish THROUGH the weedbed not away from it as a boater does. Just my .02 worth

I wipe mine down after each use, especially if I am fishing in water that has a lot of floating debris that collects around the line guide and drops down onto the reel seat. As for a full blown cleaning I'd say monthly, I sell and trade my gear quite often and I try to keep things looking like new. So to answer your question, no you are not weird. By the way, I ordered an STX today because of your glowing reviews.

If you are looking for an inexpensive reel with the flipping switch the Quantum Code has it, at least the BPS KVD version does. And I think the Daiwa Rojo has a switch on it that acts like the Castaic when the switch is depressed it engages the spool. I don't think the Daiwa versionis quite as handy as the Shimano version though. And for $150.00 you can get the Ardent flipping reel but I think by doing that you will end up with a very technique specific rig.

I have used Castaics and I really like them. I don't have any now because I am always selling and trying out new stuff. Before I bought my Castaic I posted a question on here and some people complained that they would accidently hit the instagage when they were casting (conventionally not flipping or pictching) After owning one I don't see how someone could get their hand that high on the reel, even when I was flipping and pitching I had plenty of room. Typical Shimano quality with a reliable braking system. I really liked it for frog fishing, with a conventional reel I will sometimes drag the frog a little bit when I turn the handle to engage the reel. With the instagage that wasn't a problem. I hope Shimano updates it someday since it is looking pretty dated. I'll end up with another one by the end of the summer.

I agree with Burley, also I think the intended use needs to be considered. I do a lot of bank fishing and I like longer rods for the added leverage and longer casting.

Hey Flechero, You know I want a matching set! PM sent

DW, you should get a commission from ABU, you are doing a good job of selling me on the Revo's. As for the Carrot Stix posse, has anyone had one long enough to know how well they will hold up? When I looked at them in the store I was kind of put off by the guides, I'm sure they selected those for weight reduction but I was concerned about their durability. The things are light though.

I am looking for a heavy cover rod I want something for Frogs, C rigs, jigs etc. I would like something light in the hand in the 7' to 7'6" range. It can be telescopic as long as it doesn't weigh a ton. I know this is a loaded question but I would like some suggestions, the budget is no more than $400.00 for the rod and reel Thanks again for the input.

I want to thank you all for the great feedback. Of course I was hoping for a landslide decision one way or another. Actually I am glad that it is such a personal opion it just shows that the mfgs are turning out good equipment. I did fish all weekend with a borrowed Black Max which I know is a different mag brake than the Revos and I was pretty impressed with it. For the most part I prefer centrifugal brakes. If I buy the Reese I couldn't afford a second reel and I am on the fence about a low gear ratio but it sounds like maybe I should get an SX or STX and a winch (or other mfg with a CB) and see which one I ends up being my "go to" Thanks again for all the great feedback.

I have spent the weekend trying to decide which reels to buy. I am about 90% sure I have it narrowed down to the Revo line but I need advice from some members that have experience with the products. I am getting two reels and I will probably get the two different gear ratios. My first question: is the STX worth the extra $30.00 over the SX? My second question is in regards to the brake systems, It seems like ABU has gone to a centrifugal braking on their newer releases (Winch, Skeet Reese, Toro) is this a better system? Any issues with the linear braking? Thanks for your help. Steve

I think it goes both ways and depends on the price point of the "signature" series. If you look at the Quantum PT series signature rods you will see the Quantum Pro's fishing them. But the BPS Quantum KVD rods and reels are consumer grade. I think Skeet Reese fishes with the Skeet Reese Lamiglass signature rod. And the Skeet Reese reel from Abu Garcia is a high end reel and I think Skeet uses them. So my $.02 would be the price point dictates if it is a pro grade signature series or if it is just a marketing ploy.

I have the 7'6"MH flipping stick in the IM7 series. I am pretty impressed with it. I think I paid $60.00 for it. It has Fuji guides and an ECS reel seat. I have only been using it with frogs so I don't know how sensitive it is. I am not impressed with the IM6 series the guides are cheap looking and there isn't enough of them. But I guess for $29.00 it would work. My brother in law has one (IM6) because they had a deal if you bought a reel over $40.00 you got a free rod. He hasn't fished with it yet though.

Thanks for all the great advice. Even though the Ohio website was messed up I looked at some other states and it seems that at will employment states are pretty much the same and my option is to take the cut or quit. I worked for a family owned business for 18 years and in April they sold out to a national company. All of our time/seniority was supposed to come with us. Yesterday I found out I was classified as an entry level manager and thus the paycut. I don't know who to vote for in November but whomever ends up in the Whitehouse better make it a priority to get jobs back in the USA. Thanks again for all of the input.