Columbia Craw

For me, this selection of models covers it all. Top to bottom, left to right Excaliber 200,300 Yozuri 3DB Xcite 200 6th Sense Movement L7 KVD 2.5 Normans Fat Bot KVD 1.5 Luhr Jensen Speed Trap 6th Sense Crush 50 ( and Cloud 9 Mini Mag) Normans Speed N

I have the Ballistic LT 3000 and love it. The spool support bushing is the same on both models and that is probably the what makes them feel so comparable. To be fair, I paid far less than MSRP. The Tatula is rock solid. If you don't need mag seal. the Tatula is the better value.

I think I saw this in an episode of Seinfeld.

Isn't Solene a Dolly Parton song? It's not a TD Fuego. I have one.

Dobyns Champion 705CB will handle all thee baits listed and them some.

Yes. It is my go to when wacky rigging with an O-ring. They sink at a very moderate rate and have a shimmy. I can catch multiple fish on one bait and the CPB is okay. If i'm pitching texas rigged, the Senko is heavier and out performs the Ocho. That's my experience.

I anticipate color #330 will have a sales increase among MLF followers.

P-Line TCB in #12, yellow/green. It's very affordable and i've been using it for three years now without any problems. It casts well, holds knots well and isn't noisy through the guides. I'm not a P-LIne fan except this product. Good luck!

Focus on the conditions and scenarios when anglers drop shot. Focus on the depth, water clarity, bottom composition, cover type. Drop shot fishing is situational. It can be versatile but under conditions and in certain situations it is absolutely deadly.

Texas rig in cover and shaky head in more open water scenarios.

Get the setup for the most used/applied contact technique you use. My two highest end set ups are a jig/t-rig and drop shot outfits.

My first three LEWS BB1's had an anti-reverse switch to back reel. Withe advent of longer rods, good drag systems and the ability to give and take line by "reactive reaching" thumb barring has not been necessary for me.

Normans DD22 6th Sense Cloud 9 Series 15 and Series 20 SK 6XD, I tried the R2S Tactical Bassin model. But it didn't run close to the maximum depth range listed and I never got bit on it.

Dobyns Sierra 735C. However, if you are in no hurry, wait until the Kaden series becomes available. They will have full cork rear handles. I have the 744C and it's a wonderful rod. The 745C should be spot on for your needs and budget.

I'll always invest more in a rod than the reel.

PBJ is just brown purple. It's a muted black/blue with a similar contrast. I really like this color pattern in a football jig and it is effective. Throw those suckers.

I do not. If you ever run out and can't find it, let me know. I might have an extra or twelve.

I meant for me.☺️

Same here.

To buff or not to buff.? That is the question.

I truly believe anyone new to baitcasters will benefit greatly from the cast control system in a Daiwa reel. I taught my 7 and 11 year old grand children to cast with a Daiwa CT fitted with #12 Mono. They were casting machines in less than an hours. With that, the Tatula CT or the Fuego would be a quality reel that is easy to adjust and set up. I personally would not shy away from well cared for pre owned reels.

Siebert Outdoors.com is a site sponsor and Mike's are TOP TIER and reasonably priced ! Just clip the screw lock off. Some one send this member a link please.

I know one thing.......I need significantly more data to come to a factual conclusion.

I'm stretching your budget but I would take a look at the Dobyns Champion 805 CB and or the 805 CB Glass. I have the glass version which is a composite, Paul Mueller model. At least research these models.

Fenwick Lunker Stick 555. If it was good enough for Roland it was good enough for me.