nameiztaken

Just checked, spool shaft is the straightest I've seen on a reel so far (no visual up/down movement when rolling), the wear is even on all sides of the shaft so it looks like it isn't bent. The bearing also functions smoothly and is seated correctly from what I can tell.

I bought a used Citica E on the monstrous auction site, works great so far, except for the fact it has been fished a good amount since 2008 without any gear swaps... So yeah, I think it either had bad grease on it before, or maybe the previous owner was just using it for high-resistance baits. I also see other signs of wear such as drive shaft slop (I replaced the bushing with a bearing and that fixed it) So far I love this reel, but just need to get one problem sorted out, it seems that the gears may be a bit worn, they give off a decent audible geary feeling on the retrieve, and gets stronger if I tie on a high-resistance bait. The gears look great to me visually, so I cleaned out the reel and reapplied some standard marine grease to the parts that need grease, and flushed and re-oiled the bearings with a drop of Abu Precision Oil. The geary feeling is weaker now, but not by much. I can hear the gears meeting together on the retrieve. However, if nothing is tied on and the line is taped down to the spool, the reel is buttery smooth on the retrieve. I bought the reel intending to upgrade it to become a "Citrado 200e7", so I had a gear swap to 7.0:1 in mind before I even purchased it and can purchase the brand new gears for $45, but I just want to know if I am doing something wrong with the gears, or if the gears are just worn out before I need to purchase a new gear set. It also seems that the pinion gear may be rubbing up against the spool shaft, as I see wear on the spool shaft where it rides on the pinion gear. Note: The seller noted this in his listing, so I was not "scammed" by any means, I also purchased it for a VERY good price! Thanks in advance!

I have too many cormorants around here, thats why all the fish in my #1 pond are under 3.5lb. Had one come up next to me today with a gill that was impaled by it. Cormorants are baddd news! Its impossible to get them to leave here too, they hang out in super thick trees all day.

Got these pics while tinkering with exposure and stuff, turned out pretty good IMO, and yes, it was sunset.

Take a look at a Pflueger, heard great things about them. From my experience I dont think a decent cardinal can be beat. I tried one last year and it was instantly my favorite spinning reel, too bad I forgot the model xD Note: I have used a new Stradic 2500FJ that belongs to my friend for a little bit, and I'd take the cardinal I tried any day. not sure how the durability is since I only used them once or twice, but still, the cardinal put up a good fight (and won) against a $200 reel. Hard for me to say that as well due to the fact I have a thing for shimanos

Have you used a bps pq? I was thinking about getting one for a loaner rod soon

It varies for me, I don't like leaving treble hook baits on, but I don't mind a Texas rig. Really depends on what you think at the end of the day.

Check out the Tatula CT for $110 on the big auction site. Been hearing good feedback on those and was debating getting one, ended up getting a Citica E.

Grab a H2O Mettle reel and a Abu Garcia Vendetta and fish that combo hard until the cows come home (for the 10,000th time) The Mettle has a aluminum frame and centrifugal brakes, what more could you ask for at $59.99 or even $29.99 on sale! I'm sure some other members will join in and comment on this reel soon. Very heavily recommend that combo, amazing quality for such a low cost.

I don't have that kinda money burning a hole in my pocket just yet :p, I wish I did though... I love the higher end Daiwas

Thanks for the input everyone! I think I'm going to keep the stock spool in it for now, and might upgrade the handle. (Maybe with a 4 bearing handle I don't use) My next tuning reel may be a Daiwa, really liking the amount of mod options they have.

Would a Curado spool in the Citica make a difference?

I got 2 Abu's for $25, got a older 5000 and a 6500, super good deal imo

Not sure which edition scorpion you are referencing, but from what I can tell you won't be disappointed, plus... that color!

For that price, I hear way more people saying to get a H2O mettle than I do people saying to get a carbon fire.

Haha you made my YEAR! #GoShimano

I have a Medium, Fast 7.0 Veritas. Get it. I absolutely love this thing

Honestly the bass pro store brand rods aren't that bad, I'd try some out.

That looks so amazing! and ignore the quote above this, I couldn't get it to go away lol Also, from what I hear, you can interchange spools with a Curado, might be something for me to look into.

From what I know, Lexas have mag brakes, and no, as long as you don't get a backlash when the bait hits the ground you should be fine.

You sound exactly like what I do, I bring a box of plastics, box of skirted baits, and box of hard baits with me along with one baitcaster, I like to throw things other anglers aren't throwing, in places that other anglers aren't fishing at, I have had good luck doing this.

Bought a lightly used Citica 200e for $80 from fleabay, already has the drive shaft bearing installed, Going to mod it with some aftermarket parts as well as some bearing upgrades.

Haha, stuck with the old 302 for now, I do know some machinists so I might try that, thanks for the idea!

Different as in hot rodding, the reel I had on the rod before was a lews, and it broke beyond what I care to repair, that kinda gave me the idea of hot rodding a cheap reel, also been looking at the older daiwas like you mentioned but I think I found a nice shimano to try it on. Will keep this thread updated for sure!

Never said I would be doing it, just had an idea that I thought might have a good turnout. I already have sub $150 reels I like, but have an empty rod and want to try something different (to me at least)