chelboed

The LFS is made in China. I sold both of my Chinese speed spools in favor of Korean-made reels. So much smoother, better fit and finish. Still a great reel.

They still have rods. Their eBay store has then for $99 shipped

Funny...that's exactly what I said, hahaha.

James A Reed is hitting Senko's and Fat Ika's

I got out last evening with the new Team Lew's Gold Speed spool and and happy with it. Last year, I purchased a 7.1:1 standard Speed Spool (Made in China MSRP $99) but I got a good deal on it for $55. After using it for 4-5mos, I hated how "geary" it felt. I actually sent it back to Lew's and had them change it over to a 5.4:1 which made it smooth as butter b/c there's obviously not as much strain with the lower ratio and the pinion gear would have more teeth and larger diameter to make it feel smooth. I was skeptical with doing another 7.1:1 reel, but I figured that the nicer Korean-made reel would be worth the effort. I wasn't disappointed. It was as smooth as my other gear ratios for sure. I had a Falcon 6'10" Heavy Bucoo sitting around to mount it to, so I wanted a reel that I could take to my In-Law's farm ponds and cast waaaaay out from the bank and work structures and holes in the weeds...but still get a good solid hookset, so the heavy rod was perfect with some heavier line than I normally use. The higher ratio just makes it that much quicker and easier to get my bait back to me so I can chuck it way back out there again. I was casting around 35-40yd to a drainage tube and working it back only a few feet before getting a bite, so setting the hook with 30-35yd of line out. Long story short...works like a champ and stacks up right next to the Team Lew's and Team Lew's Pro. I'd say the Pro still casts a little better. (probably marginally higher bearing spec) Over all, and work horse that should last me years. None of these will replace the other, they all have a place in my arsenal: Team Lew's : Tournament SL Speed Stick 6'6" Medium : Stren 12# Mono Team Lew's Gold : Falcon Bucoo Micro Pitchin' Stick 6'10" Heavy : Stren 17# Mono Team Lew's Pro : Team Lew's HM85 Speed Stick : 6'10" MH Fast : Stren 12# Mono Team Lew's LITE : Tournament SL Speed Stick 7' MH Fast : Stren 14" Mono

Did that several times already...she's smart...she'll figure it out, hehehe.

I'm jealous...I bought a 6'10" MH earlier this year for $99. Over the last 6-8 months, I've bought 3 rods and 4 reels. I just can't get another now. My wife would flip! Would love to get a spinning and swimbait rod.

I finally got my hands on a new Team Gold. Got a killer deal on it too! I bought it because I had a spare rod lying around and needed a 7.1:1 reel. I'll see how it stacks up to the Red and Pro.

I wonder why some swear by the backward rigged Ika and others forward.

I'll give it a shot. Tube with a front rung jig had would be alright.

Carl Actually the predecessor to the Team Pro. Now discontinued...but every bit as valid today as they were in 2013. Check this out: http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/150765-lews-team-team-pro/ The team red, team gold, team pro are essentially fancy versions of the tournament pro...though I really do wonder if the Team Pro has a better bearing spec because mine casts to the next county. The Budget Fisherman: get it...it's nice. Good for anything your Gold may be lacking...and vice versa.

http://www.lews.com/casting-teamlewsgold.php Team Gold Speed Spool

I just nabbed a Team Gold New in box for $159. I was going to do a Tournament Pro, but I couldn't pass that up. Basically the same reel, but I love the ti finish.

Well, they're catching me fish...they're just not lasting long. I'm kinda winding if maybe I should try an Owner screw lock hook...this way, the whole nose of the bait is being held on-to instead of just the center around the offset hook.

I can't here right now. The only reason I use the weight is to guide the weeds over the top of the bait. Seriously thick weeds right now. If I don't use some sort of cone shaped weight or float, the Ika will get pulled off my hook.

I've been using Gamakatsu 4/0 EWG with a 1/16 bullet and little rubber Bobber stop, but the vegetation is so Daggum thick right now, it's tearing up my Ika's. I was considering a G-Lock. Thoughts?

I launched my top water frogs and field mouse into the next county on my LITE. Worked well for me, but as Carl stated...can't go wrong with either. Both are very nice.

James A Reed was really slow this evening. 2 bass...one on a Trick Worm and the other on a Senko. Nothing on spinners, frogs, jigs, etc...

Both excellent reels. Can't go wrong either way. I have the Team Lite and am more than happy with it. Smoothest, best casting reel I own. If by chance you need support, Lew's gets it done fast...but I've never had a lick of problems.

Any free rod and reel is worth the money!

Nice! I'm still stuck in the 5-6# PB range. 21". My goal this year is a master anglers award...so 22"+ or 6-7#. Tough from the bank, but I'm determined.

Ha! Me=doh!

Hanging out with Jimmy Reed, tossing pumpkin Stick-O's...

Mini? The MB is built on the new LFS platform, so its the same size as the Team Lite. There's no "mini". The MB is on the'bay all day long for $115

For sure...but I was limiting on trout though.