PatrickKnight

What gear ratio is the JDM FK?

I don't understand why they still use felt but those Jacks put a hurting on any reel and it shows a lot that the FK holds up to them.

90% of my fishing is done with tubes, grubs, and paddle tails on jig heads as well as hair jigs on spinning gear. I fished an FK 3000 for the vast majority of last season while throwing these. I can easily fish 8-10 hours with an FK without issue. Last season it was paired with a 6'9" ML Fenwick HMG, this season I have yet to pick out the rod but it will be a 7'+ medium power rod. I honestly cant say enough good things about this reel IMO there is no better bargain in spinning reels than the FK. I have fished a CI4 FA and it had a bit more flex when compared to the FK under load. I have not had a chance to fish the new CI4 FB but if I needed a new reel tomorrow under 300 bucks it would be an FK without hesitation.

I will be the first to admit I am a Shimano fanboy but they are getting crushed in the low to mid range spinning reels. I am not sure how they continue to sell spinning reels in this range when they are out performed by the competition. Never thought I would ever say this but unless my budget can cover a Stradic I think I would look else where for a spinning reel. However if my budget was a Stradic or higher I would go Shimano hands down.

Are these made by Daiwa??

I would first target the head end to faster moving water and any deep holes. If those didn't work I would throw at any large boulders I could find.

Grub, tube, or a swim bait on an 1/8th jig head would be were I would start.

I sold two earlier this year for $75 per and they were no where near new I can tell you that. Those reels don't die and I personally never had any issue palming them. You can get a newer I for close to the same money and it will have a lot of Shimanos newer tech in it but remember the saying they don't make em like they used to.

I have this issue as well, I find the Z-Man brand baits hold up better just due to the material they are made out of. However I seem to do better on the Yamamoto baits.

Mother of God!!!!

If the fishing is just really bad I can always get something on 4 inch green pumpkin Yamamoto curly tail. Cast it up stream and bump it off every rock possible.

I fish a lot of tubes, grubs, and swim baits on jig heads as well as a lot of hair jigs. I was fishing a ML fast action rod last season and wasn't getting very good hook sets (using 10 lb braid mainline) at the advice of several members of this forum I will be throwing them on a medium power fast action this season and we will see if it makes a difference.

I held one of those HM60 Lews rods this past weekend and I was pretty impressed with it.

Biggest Smallmouth hit a 4 inch Yamamoto green pumpkin grub.

I think you will be very happy with that combo.

Do you have better luck with the 2.75 or 3.5?

I think ill pick up some of these for the up coming season. What colors do you guys recommend? I fish for mainly smallmouth in a river.

I have noticed the binding issues as well on the lower to mid priced reels. I have said this before I do think Shimano makes the best spinning reels on the market once you get up to the Stradic and above.

I use braid with a leader for just about all the fishing I do and this includes moving baits.

That is the one I am looking at sir in a 7 foot length.

I have considered a 703 SF. I am going to a fairly large fishing show in February and hoping to find a good deal on a new rod. Honestly the 703 and the 7 foot medium Avid (I really like the classic look of the Avid over the X) are at the top of my list followed by the 7 foot medium Zodias and Levante shakeyhead rod. Down side is if I am unable to find these are the show the only rod I wont have to buy site unseen is the Avid. Also I am trying to go at least 7 foot due to being a shore bound angler I am hoping to get a bit more distance on my casts.

I would bet that it will get a direct drive handle and some line management upgrades over the Nasci.

I have fished the Carbonlite, Veritas, and Bucoo and all felt in my hands similar to my HMG. I am hoping to gain some sensitivity by going up to the $200 range.

I had not planned on getting a new spinner but I may just have to give this sucker a go.

Such as?