PitchinJigz

I find it odd that you bought $200 worth of stuff and "forgot" about it...

Skinny Bear products are great. Never used OMTD. I bought a bunch of Decoy hooks last year and they've been okay except for their flippin hook, which is pretty bad.

x2. His statement makes zero sense.

I don't think that's what he meant but they kinda are. lol.

Since its t-rigged, use a heavier rod and harder hook set than you normally would on a topwater.

Honestly I don't think you can go wrong with Shimano or Daiwa reels. You could go with the Curado I or the Citica I (which I own) and I think you'd love it. I have a new Daiwa Fuego and from what I can tell so far, it's a great reel. If it's anything like the Tatula that should be a good choice. As for the Lew's, there isn't a whole lot wrong with their reels, other than the fact that they don't have a top-of-the-line feeling to them. Not saying that's terrible or anything, they're good workhorse reels but if it was my money I'd get the Tatula or Curado.

You can find Tatula's online for $85-$90. That's what I'd go for.

Well, I bought an 8.1 Fuego kinda on a whim. Haven't seen anything on them yet. Hopefully it's good!

Is there something I don't know here?

"It's the same blank as the Tatula series, different guides, and a different handle."

Tatula XT has the same blank but different components that make it cheaper.

Lol, chill out buddy. To answer your question, chatterbaits and lipless cranks are my favorites for ripping through grass. Other reaction baits such as soft swimbaits, spinnerbaits, and swim jigs are great around grass but are a bit difficult to "rip."

X2

I would get the 102 for the frog rod. 90 for jerk baits because a long knob might make the quick jerks a little more uncomfortable. 90 for square bills also.

My thoughts exactly.

x2. Sometimes Daiwa does things that makes zero sense. That's why I usually lean towards Shimano now. I don't even mess with Lew's, Abu, etc anymore though. <-- But there are some good reels in their lineups.

There's an Ebay store called "sportsmansoutfitters" who is selling all the baitcasting models at $100.

Well you can check my name off on that list, more bearings definitely catches my attention.

You're right if they're in the handle, then it's pretty lame. I was hoping they'd be supporting the spool. Right now you can get the Fuego and Tatula for the same price so I might grab a Fuego. Not a huge fan of T Wing.

I have not used the original Fuego, and I understand that it was probably an awesome reel. Although it has the same name, it's a totally different reel now. I just wonder how it will hold up.

4 more ball bearings, $30 cheaper (retail-wise), and different color scheme. It's a lot more difference than Shimano has in their Curado and Citica I.

I don't know why anyone would say they aren't "worthy of the name." I haven't even heard of anybody who's used them (except Daiwa workers of course). Never head anyone say that.

Unless you go over because the waves are too big... Sometimes you just need to stay home on big water like this.

Has anyone else seen this reel or had experience with it? Came out at iCAST from Daiwa this year. Has 12 ball bearings, an aluminum frame, and no T wing system (which some may like). Also comes in 8.1:1 gear ratio and can be had for $99.99. With those specs, this reel seems like it has gone under the radar so far.

I have the same problem with my trap caster micro guide rod. Great blank but absolutely hate the fragile guides. The tip guide has given me a lot of abrasion issues too.