FishTank

I had rod that I broke earlier this year. It was an older CBR series rod. I was able to use the Xpeditor service and I got an IMX. It showed up in less than a week. The NRX though is getting updated. You may get lucky and get the new version.

This maybe a repeat from above but Vanish is just bad stuff. I like XL better and it's mono. For FC though, I like Invizx and Abrazx for jigs. I have used straight braid for jigs and didn't care for it. It's not a sensitivity issue, it's the how the line goes slack when bouncing it off the bottom but with a FC leader it's a nonissue.

I know the $175 is steep for the Conquest but sometimes the Xpeditor service is worth it. They will send you a rod almost immediately and they can tell you what they have on hand.

Needed to restock on some jigs and stuff. But the real reason for the post, I found some original Flappin Hogs. I found them in a clearance bin at a local shop. They had a few more bags but I don't use these very often. Notice there is no tag in lower corner of the bag. I thought it was strange but I think these maybe prototypes or something. The tails are just slightly different from the new version and the original.

The Curado DC would be great for long distance, amongst other things. What rod, line and lure you use will be key. I have not been a fan of braid with this reel but FC has been fantastic. As far as lures go, if you want to cast something a mile, the Megabass Dark Sleeper 1/2oz will cast a long way. And for a rod, I would suggest a 7' M or 7' MH Fast St. Croix Avid.

PM sent.

I have the 783C as well and the 844C. If you can find a good deal on a 784C, I would grab it. I picked up my 783C about 15+ years ago and I loved it so much I wanted the 784C but I picked up the 844C instead. I would use it for jigs, heavier jerkbaits and topwater.

I think you are looking at a swimbait rod for that bait.

I kind of spaced Elite, haven't used it in a long time. It is good line and I agree it is better than XL overall. It tended to last longer and also seemed to stay smoother longer. Stren is ok but to me it is too stretchy. It is all the guy I fish with uses and he swears by it. XL for me though> I always knew what I was getting and I understood its characteristics. I also like it best for crankbaits, which is the only thing I used it for.

XT is decent line but it is pretty stiff for most of the stuff I use. I have used Big Game in the past as well and liked it better but both lines seem to have a short life once used. For mono I have always like XL but my new favorite is Sunline Defier. It's overpriced but it is fantastic line. It holds up well and after a year of use, it has not degraded. Usually with most mono, I am changing it frequently. My main application for it is crankbaits and some topwater. For everything else, I use FC.

Not a huge fan of XT but it should be fine. I say fish it.

What reel is this and rod? Maybe some more pics of the whole set up? Especially zoomed out so we can see the reel and the reel seat, and one of the first guide on the rod.

After owning the Curado DC for over a year, I use to think it would make for a great beginner baitcaster because of how forgiving it is with casting but I have since changed my mind. It is still a great reel but I believe it is best to start with a reel that can be easy to use and easy on the wallet> Also, at the same time, be a good solid reel that allows you to learn the proper way to use a baitcaster. So I would go with the Shimano SLX with some 10lb mono (Trilene XL or Stren Original), then progress to some FC (Invizx). The SLX rods don't appear to be too bad either.

904C Conquest

Going to ask a dumb question I should know the answer to..... Why would I use FC leader material instead of regular FC like Abrazix or Invizx when attaching it to braid? I have used leader material for saltwater but it was probably 100lb and was as think as a guitar string. Also, great purchase and I like the the hat. I have been wanting to swap all my baitcaster line for 12lb Tatsu but I haven't been able get myself to put down $200 for a big spool of line. Having used the 200 yard filler spool in the past and based on how long it lasted, I know over time it will be a good value but that starting price is painful.

I have used both 12lb Sniper and 12lb Invizx. Sniper is good line but last few times I have used it I was getting random break offs. Invizx on the other hand has been fantastic. I haven't bought a spool of Sniper in the past few years. I don't see a need to go away from Invizx.

St. Croix Avid 7' M Fast...

So I have the Daiwa Steez SV TWS, Shimano Bantam, the Antares 70A, and Curado DC.... When you compare these reels for skipping, the 70A with the MGL III spool is the pretty good but the DC sometimes in certain conditions is better, so between those two it's a toss up. The Bantam is not bad either but just isn't as goos as the other two. Now between the Steez and Antares 70A for skipping, you can backlash both of these reels depending on the lure and the rod but in the end I like both. My favorite jigs to use are from V & M and Dirty Jigs (don't care for the Strike King skipping jig) and a beaver type trailer trimmed down a bit.

Out of the ones listed 12lb Hybrid but I would choose 12lb Invizx any day.

I have tried several reels and rod combos but I found the rod is the essential part. My current reel of choice is a 2016 Antares 7.x:1. I have an Antares 70A 6.x:1 that palms better and casts further but I like the spool capacity and the speed of the 16. I have paired it with G. Loomis 783 GLX.

I have tried both the Ardent kit and Simple Green (also Simple Orange). I like the cleaner in the Ardent kit for a quick cleaning but if a reel is completely corroded or extra dirty Simple Green has worked the best. As stated, I too use acetone for the bearings. I would also add that I have used the oil and grease that comes with the Ardent kit and found that I like Bantam oil and Shimano Grease better. I have also tried Cal's and it is great as well. I just ordered my first batch of TSI-321 oil. I will be giving this a try in future. I keep reading and hearing that it is fantastic for spool bearings.

I have been using CXX for a few years on a couple of set ups and once you get past the memory, it's great line. I never have had issue with it.

297 is only numbered senko color I remember. It has caught a lot of fish for me. The popularity of this senko color is why I think Green Pumpkin has become such a popular name for whatever sort of brownish/greenish bait with black flakes that come out. It's seemed it was June Bug that played the popular name game before that. Black with blue flake is still my favorite though. But if it's not working, 297 does. It's just weird like that.

I have the G.Loomis 903C IMX and so far I love the way it feels and handles deep cranks but lighter baits than you mentioned. If the IMX-PRO 968C CBR is anything like it, it would make for a great big bait rod.

I dealt with this all day today, except I was using a Rage Tail Anaconda. I switched to a smaller Berkley Powerworm and found myself catching a few bluegill. The regular bass bite was really slow today though no matter what we used.