FishTank

Every time I fish. Don't know of anyone who doesn't.

Small hair jigs.

The weedless Ike ones are pretty bad. I like the Owner Jungle Weedless Wacky hooks but they are about the same price as the Gamakatsu ones. The Trokar ones are good but they don't stay sharp long.

My buddy uses the 7in Powerworm and pretty much uses it exclusively. I have seen it catch fish when nothing else will but when they don't want to eat it, for whatever reason, they will not bite any of the Power Baits. This is when jigs and moving baits start to hit.

Second that suggestion. Never seen someone hold a reel that way but I am sure that the OP is not the only one. You could also use blue painters tape.

Looks good.

15lb Tatsu or 20lb Invizx. I also like Sunline Defier Armilo.

I have bought 5 spools of Tatsu from Amazon and have yet to have an issue. I have also purchased it at BPS/Cabelas. They will match Amazon's prices. If you order on line, just call the 800 number and give them price and the website. Also, I have used Tatsu, Abrazx, Invizx, Gold Label, and Premier as leader. So far Premier is my favorite but to be honest they all do a good job (Invizx would be my last choice though).

Time for a new handle. And just curious, what reel is this for?

I don't leave gear in the truck at all. It goes from garage to the truck to the boat and back again. As far as line goes, I think heat would effect braid the least but it would depend on how well fused it is and how old. The one thing they tell you to get line to last is to store it in a cool dry place out of the sun.

It seems to be legit. I had ordered a 1000 yard spool and it was not level wound and I was convinced it was not the real thing but after after contacting both Amazon and Seaguar, it is genuine. It just looked like a mess when I got it compared to the 200 yard filler spool. Amazon refunded me anyway and sent me a new spool.

I use both Tatsu and Invizx and both are great lines. 12lb Invizx is, to me, the best balance of price and quality but Tatsu is the best overall line. Invizx usually lasts a season or two but I have had Tatsu last on one my mine reels for about 4 years and the only reason I changed it was because the line was getting low.

What are you looking to upgrade to? What you are throwing maybe better suited for 4 power in Loomis' line up but not off the charts for the 843..... The 844C IMX would be the next step in power and in sensitivity. Great rod.

I use to have this reel (about 5 of them and sold them all). I have tried a couple different bearings in them and the best for the price are the ABEC 7 metal shield from Boca, despite the cost. You can usually find a coupon code for 15% or even 25% off. The ABEC 5's are OK but they are not much of an upgrade from the stock bearings from Shimano. The most noticeable casting improvement is in the 7's. I have swapped several for guys over the years and I put in what they want. Usually the ones from ebay that are cheap are just that cheap and they are hit and miss as to whether they are good from the get go. I would get the cheaper stock bearings from Shimano instead. https://www.bocabearings.com/products/fr-008c-zz-7-ld-19897?make=SHIMANO&model=CURADO CU-200 BSF (SPOOL)&feature=BAITCASTER https://fishshop.shimano.com/collections/cu200k You will need BNT4343 x 2 or you can do BNT3627, one of Shimano's better bearings.

844C GLX or IMX for me. 873 NRX is also in the mix but this is my first year fishing it so we will see.

I use these guys from BPS in 1/8oz or 2 of them together for deep water or when I am around rocks. I loose too many of the tear drop ones.

I have heard this before and thought it was just a joke. Like you can use this product on anything..... It has a 1000 and one uses, etc. Fish and oil don't really mix.

I have always oiled the below parts with a light bit of oil each year and never had an issue with the brakes not working. In fact they can, in some cases, work better over time. I have worked on some older Curados that have never been oiled, have grooved drums and the brakes are black at the tip. This can make the braking system somewhat worthless. I either put a tiny drop or a cotton swab with oil on each pin and then move them back and forth to make sure the brake functions correctly. I then use a cotton swab with a drop of oil on the drum. On Shimano's newer reels with the SVS brake system, they recommend that the drum get oiled lightly after five outings (depending on the reel). This reel is gets used heavily for heavy topwater with braid and after 10 years it still looks and feels new. The brakes and drum are original. This reel was recently done and with two brakes I was casting a 3/8 oz Jackhammer Chatterbait and a Pop-X without issue.

I picked up a pack earlier this year in green pumpkin for drop shot. I had no idea it was a sought after thing. I didn't think it was anything special. I actually like the KVD Dream Shot better (which is a first). Also, saw guy take a GYCB fat neko worm, trim about an inch off and instant drop shot bait with an EWG Spin Shot. Worked great for him but I have not tried it yet. It looks similar to this bait as well.

I have been using a Curado DC for all of my topwater. It has yet to disappoint.

I use mine for wacky rig, tubes, drop shot and weightless soft plastic.

The Daiwa Tatula and the Shimano Curado line ups are both two lines of reels that are dependable and for most part durable. With a yearly cleaning and relube, they should last a long time. If you want to go to another level, take look at the Shimano Calcutta. This reel can take some severe punishment.

12lb Trilene XL or Sufix Elite. Both good lines that won't break the bank.

The first baitcaster I ever tried was an Abu Garcia Ambassadeur from the early 80's. The first one I ever bought was a BPS Rick Clunn. I really disliked it but you have to start somewhere.

Out of the budget listed above..... G. Loomis IMX 903 CBR. It is a moderate fast but strong enough through the middle to pull lipless baits through grass . The long length can toss a 1/2oz lipless a long way and the soft tip can flick a 3/8oz square bill easily. The only down side is that its slightly more sensitive than I like a crankbait rod to be but otherwise a solid rod. Also, it works well for chatterbaits as well.