FishTank

I would say the 7' fast mh or even the med. The one I have is a good rod but not very sensitive for bottom contact baits. It would be great for chatterbaits and top water but jigs, the Avid lineup is where I would start.

Unless you have lot of time and also you might injure the fish with mono, I would pass and just buy a net. It might actually be cheaper.

You are correct but you wouldn't think so when you hold both in hand. It's not until you put a fish on it with a big bait that you notice how much power the Super Destroyer has. The 873 is no slouch though.

I had something like this on old Shimano Sarah (750?) and I hope it's not the same as the Stradic...... I hooked into a 40+lb catfish and it caused the plastic that is inside the bail spring housing to wear out. It made the bail stiff in one spot and loose on another. The only fix was a new rotor. I only paid around $40 new for this reel and it made no sense to buy the part as it was not the only thing that got destroyed when I brought that fish in. I ended up buying a new reel.

I have the now old 873CCR and it is very versatile. I have used it T-rigged soft plastic, swimbaits (keitechs), spinner baits, and dark sleepers. It has become my go to rod of choice this year. Another suggestion, the Megabass Destroyer P5 Super Destroyer. Also a very versatile rod. It can handle anything from chatter baits, swimbaits and soft plastic from 1/4 Oz to 1 1/4 Oz. I have even thrown some crank baits with it and it has done fine.

I picked up a couple of packs and blew through a hole pack in a day. I caught about 15 and it was the only bait I used, except I t-rigged it with a 4/0 EWG. I have tried it a few times since but I have been as successful with it. On topic, both shakey head and neko will work well from the bank. Patience is the key with these techniques.

Lost a Shimano Core 101MG and a G. Loomis 844C about a month ago. The rod was fantastic but the reel was my favorite. We went over a large wake from a wave board boat that was unavoidable and it bounced right out. Just in case, it still hurts.

I would go with the Shimano SLX combo. You can get it at *** for $139. You are going to get a far better reel. I can't speak for the rod but I would guess the same would hold true.

That is a beast in little package.

Back at you.....

Shimano Bantam MGL. It has plenty of line capacity, palms well, and is built like a tank.

I have only held this rod in hand but I would say it's a broom stick. 5/8 Oz lures would be the lowest I would go. I think you could use it for top water, frogs, medium sized swimbaits, jigs and heavy texas rigged soft plastic.

You should be good for a long time with the washers you have. I have upgraded a few over the years but only had to replace a couple in my reels, mainly because I had accidentally over tightened them or they had just started to fall apart. I think the one I replaced this year was about 15 years old in my Shimano Calcutta.

The answer is yes...... 6-8lb Trilene XL 100% FC on spinning gear 12lb Invizx> General Purpose 12lb Tatsu> Main line for T-rig Soft Plastic 15lb Tatsu> Jigs and heavier soft plastic 15lb Abrazx> Anything in heavy structure 20lb Invizx> Flip and Pitch

My fishing buddy has one and has yet to catch anything on it but it looks promising.

MS American Shad and Ghost Minnow.

I have a pair of Smith's that I posted on another thread that have mirror polychromatic amber lenses. They have the highest contrast out of any lens I have used and zero glare.

Smith's Guide's Choice.

I would order it. I played this game before and it was not worth the hassle. The head, length, diameter and thread size have to be exact. Also, they are not common US sizes. When I order from Shimano, I always order extra screws, e clips, bearing retainers, and springs. They are cheap and don't mind spending a couple of bucks to save head ache.

Nice. Why couldn't I find something like this for my wife for mother's day? Saving this for the next go around. Just in case, I have to admit, any big purchase I discuss with my wife, which includes fishing equipment. It's her money as well as it is mine.

Found a Shimano Calcutta 251 for I think $35. It's been awhile. Got it at a junk/antique store but pawn shops are to me just crazy. I avoid them at all costs.

And I wonder why I don't shop at Ali Express.....

Like stated above, you received good customer service. Not all sites can update their inventory in real time and it is highly possible to place an order for something at the same time as someone else. I was surprised you received a call at all. They made a personal choice instead of just sending a bulk email that your items was out of stock. Anytime a business confronts a situation first hand, its the only positive thing they can do if the item is out of stock.

Another vote for St.Croix Legend Glass. By far the best crank bait rod I have used. Also, personal preference, I don't care for moderate rods for top water or chatter baits. For top water I like a fast rod MH or Heavy. For chatter baits I like a moderate fast rod or a jerkbait rod.

I have a couple K's and have no issues casting a 3/8oz lure, especially jerk baits. My preferred line is 10lb FC and a Medium Fast rod with a soft tip.