FishTank

Not 100% sure but I don't think they make it anymore. It was good tough line but it had a huge diameter compared to others. The 12lb had a diameter of .016 which equivalent to 20lb Trilene XL or 17lb CXX. If memory serves me right, this line was tough but became softer and stretchier with use. The more deformed it got, the more it was prone to brake offs. This probably can be said about a lot of lines though.

Without seeing it....Casting distance> could be a lot of things. Brakes need to be changed, the brake racing needs a drop of oil, spool bearings, the spool itself needs a small drop on it and probably a few things I can't remember.... Noise >Is it a loud, high pitch noise during casting? If so, I have seen these reels, over time when left on a boat, dry out (no oil) and moisture seeps in. As the day goes on and the sun heats up, somehow this magically gets better but is not fixed. All it really needs (maybe) is a good cleaning and re-lube.

This guy is the one I am referring to. The guy I fish with every week has 5 and I know about a dozen guys that still use at least one or two of them each week in the tournaments we fish. I usually service about 20+ reels for these guys each year. I charge them about $15 to $20 at the most for a clean and lube plus parts and some maybe $10 if I owe them a favor or something. I also have about 15 different reels of my own that I take apart and clean each year. As far as parts go, it depends on what it needs. It can be hard some times to find specific things but I usually have good luck on ebay or E-replacement Parts. Bearings, though, are not an issue. Most just need a good clean, soak, and re-lube but some guys do some heavy fishing and it kills them. I have not branched out from the local guys as I know what to expect and sometimes my repair knowledge is a work in progress. I have been doing this for about 10 years and I am always surprised at what I find sometimes. The best and also a good resource for me has been DVT. His prices are fair and his knowledge is quite extensive, plus he probably has a better track on parts than I do.

The closest Shadrap type bait from LC might be the Bevy Shad or the Staysee. As far as a floating jerkbait, maybe the Wood Pointer but good luck finding one. If memory serves me right, this one did not go over so well and was short lived. The best I have seen in a floating jerk bait is the the Megabass Vision 110 High Float. I got one by accident in an order I placed from Japan. It was too much of a hassle to return it so I fished it. It does well in cold spring time water and it only goes down a few feet (2-4). The few fish I have caught on it, tend to hit on the way up so it's kind of a weird bait in that respect.

I picked up at least 12 bags of the Green Flash color at DSG maybe two years ago when they went on clearance. I believe they were buy 5 get 5 free. With a coupon they come up to about $2.00 a bag. I still have several bags. Great color though. I think I also picked up Bama Bug, Plum with blue flake, and Gooseberry Laminate. For the price, I thought, I wouldn't have to buy them for a long time. The Bait Monkey had other ideas.

I have two set ups I will through buzz baits on depending on the weight. I use a G. Loomis 844C 7' H Fast with a Shimano Chronarch 51E (this my everything topwater setup) and a 7' M Fast Abu Garcia Fantasista Regista with a Abu Garcia ALX. I have tried longer rods and shorter but these two seem be just right for the task.

My personal favorite is the Curado B series. I have repaired several over the years and they are the easiest to work on out any reel I have touched. I could take one apart in my sleep. After a clean and lube, with new high quality spool bearings (if needed), carbontex washers, and maybe a super tune, this reel can go toe to toe with its newer version any day. I has that iconic status amongst the guys I fish with. It's always fun to see that look of amazement when a guy uses this reel after new parts are put in. I think out of the reels I have worked on, it tends to benefit the most when it comes new bearings and a super tune. Another reel is the Shimano Core. Great in the same way.

I have used it off and on for years and never noticed it altering line visibility. I would suggest starting with a good quality line, like Seaguar Invizx or Tatsu, Trilene 100% FC, or Sunline Sniper or Assassin , and decide if you really need it.

I have tried Sniper on a few occasions. I liked it but I found it to be inconsistent and it didn't tend to last as long I would like. I also tried Assassin. I did like it better but overall I have had a better experience with Seaguar Invizx and Tatsu respectively.

I use a G. Loomis 844C IMX for most of my top water. It has a soft enough tip and has good hook setting power. I have had this rod for almost 15 years. I have tried others for topwater/frogs and this rod has always been the best of them.

So I don't have the NRX 894C yet but it's on my list. I do have the 853C with the 70A and they balance perfectly together. I think the complaint from people on 894 stems from the reel seat being about 2+ inches up from where the 853 and 854 sit. Plus they may be using a reel that is extremely light weight. It seems people want to pair the best/most expensive reel out there with this rod, which usually translates into a light reel that doesn't balance well with the rod > for example, the Daiwa Steez SV TWS, the Steez CT SV or the Shimano Aldebaran. Great reels but I wouldn't put one on a heavy stout rod. The 70A is a dream to fish though. I have yet to find a flaw other than the spool capacity. With 12lb Seaguar Invizx, I can almost empty the reel on a long cast. It palms well, it casts well, it's not too heavy, it has a lot of power for a small reel, it's hard to backlash, and it's smooth like no other.

I have used it over the years and never really had a bad batch but I have had issues with it getting twisted, an occasional break off, and the line digging in. I only tend to use it for topwater now.

Mepps #4 and #5 black furry. I have caught just about everything with them. Still a great bait.

Fat Ika's would be awesome. And maybe some chunk like jig trailers.

Wow.... Only 3 left.

Lucky Craft Pointer 110 sp in American Shad.

I have not fished it but holding the Fury in hand, it reminds of the St. Croix BassX. The blanks seem similar.

Guilty of doing the same thing. I fished it for a few minutes before I figured it out. That's what getting up at 3am will do to you.

G. Loomis 803C GLX. I have 853C NRX and its fantastic but I like the 803c for skipping.

I have seen the old vintage glass rods go for about $75 to $125 depending on the condition. The guides in good shape and a clean logo with the model/serial number legible are a must.

I use a St. Croix 844C IMX with a Shimano Chronarch and 50lb braid. I never tighten the drag all the way down. I want the fish to take a little line.

Great reel. It's solid like a round reel but small like a finesse reel. Casting is really good but not the best. It's buttery smooth and has plenty of power. The only downside to me, and it's a small one, is the side plate can be a pain to take off and on. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one. With that said, I would take a hard look at the Antares 70A, the JDM version. It can be had for about $400.

Tatsu is the best but I am happy with Invizx. I use 12lb for most of my baitcasters. I also use 6lb FC but I like Trilene XL 100% FC for this application.

That is a good deal for the NRX. I wouldn't hesitate. Great rod.