Crankinstein

I haven't seen that exact set up but in an issue of bassmaster I remember seeing a jig that had a drop shot style worm further up the line. The article mentioned it almost like a search bait for suspending fish and the idea was to see if they wanted a bait on the bottom or if they wanted something a little higher. They also mentioned using different colors on the two baits to see which the fish preferred. Definitely an interesting concept and I don't see why you couldn't replace that jig with a texas rigged worm.

+1 I love those rods and I just bought my second one(sale at gander mountain for $80 instead of $100)

I don't have that exact Pflueger model but I do have two Supreme XTs and I can tell you they are great reels. The XT definitely has the nicest bail on any of my spinning reels and its magnesium construction makes it super light. I've had both reels for 3 season now and their still going strong.

Definitely did good on the Citicas. I have one in my line up and it gets just as much attention as my expensive reels, I actually fished my best day last year exclusively with it. I also caught a 17 lb channel cat that grabbed my crank bait with it as well. Great reel!!

I use the stand up alien head jig with the Gamakatsu hook. They work well and the hook has proven very strong and sharp, I foul hooked a bass in the belly and the hook wasn't even past the barb and was still able to land it. I like the hook keeper on it too. I use the missile baits fuse 4.4 as my go to bait for it. As far as fishing it I usually throw it close to cover in areas where there's a drop off and cast it to the shallow side and work it towards the deep side with the best results usually coming when the bait naturally falls and slides down the drop off on its own. I usually don't drag it very much opting to cast it, let it sit, then shake it and wait. Most bites usually come right on the fall or right after the first shake and pause. If you can cast it and then get it to rub against some cover like a limb or rock I've found that to work well too.

After holding both of those reels in my hand I feel like it has less to do with the overall size of the reel and more to do with the shape. The T3 has a lot more room ahead of the spool and does not taper like most Shimanos do. The Shimano is wider towards the back of the spool. The T3 also has a "flatter" type of shape as well. Those pics actually show the differences very well above. I would recommend holding the T3 if you can for your own comparison though because it is a very uniquely shaped reel and most people either love it or hate it. The same goes for the "open hood" TWS found on the T3.

This is off subject but did anyone think that Trophy was gonna fall overboard when they had it up at the front? Water kept splashing over the bow and I kept thinking man that'd make an expensive anchor if it went over.

I really like the Strike King KVD Rodent. It has a ton of coffee scent on it and the fish seem to hang on to it forever. I'm a lot better with hard baits personally so I'm not as good at getting those quick hook sets, having an extra second or two really made a difference for me. I also Like the RI beaver and the missle baits D bomb as well.

is the reel RH or LH? if its LH then the nuts will all be reversed and turning to the left will actually tighten it and right will loosen it. If its a RH then I'm not not sure what it could be but I wouldn't keep trying until you hear some more info. Luckily theres a lot of people on this forum that are good with fixing things like that, a lot better than me, I'm sure someone will have a solution.

I could go for that as long as they made the new design with some unique features to allow it to not just be another Curado with a new name. I like how Daiwa brought the TWS into the Tatula for that price range so maybe Shimano will take a feature from one its higher end reels and offer it in this price range too, within reason ofcourse. Maybe a new break adjustment like the Metanium and Antares have where the break has its standard internal break adjustment with the side plate off but also has a small dial on the bottom for small adjustments. I could see them also offering some wide ranges in gear ratio and size as well which would bring up the size 50 option we've been discussing. I think what I'm getting at is if they make a completely new reel I would like to see it have a "signature feature" otherwise its just going to be a revamped Curado.

I agree, its the price more than anything that I'm looking for. Having a size 50 on a reel design like the Curado would allow me to buy several of them. It'd be cool if they could bring in a new color but as long as the performance and the price is there I'll be just fine.

+1

nice combos! I really like that wall of baits, almost like having your own private tackle store.

I have a Tec Spec Elite that's probably the lightest rod I own. I only really break it out when I'm fishing jerk baits but its never let me down so I'd say there is some real value there. If your at Dicks I'd recommend also checking their St Croix selection, the one near me usually has some good ones. They have some great rods for the price as well.

I agree with whoever criticized the one brand guys. You've got to get out and test everyone's products from time to time even if you've been particularly loyal to one for awhile. Afterall the market changes and quality fluctuates among the manufacturers over time just like everything else in the world. As for me personally I have Daiwa, Shimano, Abu Garcia, and Pflueger reels on my deck and I use all of them. There is a lot of great companies making reels and it'd be dumb not to at least stay fresh on what everyone's doing. I recently bought a Daiwa for the first time in 4 years because I was interested in the T wing system and I'm really glad I did, the Tatula type R is now one of my favorite reels. You should always keep an open mind and stay optimistic, tiny tech advances can go a long way in our sport and you don't want to be the guy late to the party. You never know when a company's going to come along and change the game.

I have two Supreme XTs and I really love those reels. I was in a similar debate when I bought them and the determining factor for me personally was the bail. I preferred the XT bail over the Shimano wire style bail. I would also go on record saying its my favorite bail of any spinning reel I have ever used. These reels also stood the test of time and remained smooth over 3 seasons.

Just bought one today, 7' medium mojo bass. Love these Christmas deals

I use LH reels as well and I definitely agree with the original post, having a good feeling knob and handle is important whether it be factory or add on. I would also like to say that having a good star drag is important too. Its got to feel right in my hand whether its plastic or metal and have a smooth feel when adjusting it.

I would also recommend looking at them in person to do a side by side comparison. Holding a Tatula vs the T3 ballistic is what helped me decide. The function of the TWS on the Tatula is a lot different than the open hood design of the T3 and I thought the handle and the knobs were a little different as well. The Tatula has a more rubberized style knob. For me personally I liked the Tatula because I Thought it had a more natural feel overall but I've heard other anglers prefer the T3 because they enjoyed the unique open hood design of its TWS. It just comes down to what you prefer in a reel.

River2Sea junk grenade and Damiki Mamba and Mamba 2 are two of my favorites and they offer a few unique qualities. The jig head on the Mamba is more streamlined shape for use in heavy cover and also has a skirt with very wide strands. The junk grenade is made of tungsten and has a very fine skirt, I especially like how the hook and the weed guard just barely touch offering excellent weedless fishing. Those are my two favorites

After holding both in my hand I decided to go with the Tatula. Personally I thought they both seemed liked really good reels but the choice to me was more about user preference and I just liked the handle and the knobs on the Tatula a little more and I liked how the TWS didn't have the hood style opening. As most people have already mentioned I really don't think there is any disadvantage to the hood but I just liked the new TWS style mechanism better. I feel like its the next step of improvement for the system and just has a more natural feel. Again as mentioned before some people liked the t3 because of that different unique feel. In the end I say hold them side by side and pick the one you like best because their both quality reels.