mrpao

I use sniper #18 on my FMJ. I have a curado 50e paired up with my FMJ. I use mine to fish moderate cover with 3/8 to 1/2 oz jigs. Works well but I do use line conditioner to soften it up a little. Also just watch your line for any abrasion and retie if needed. Another suggestion would be braid.

Basically it's just a lighter spool. Designed to require less force to cast the same weight as a non mgl spool. Honestly, I really dont notice much difference if any. More of a sales gimmick to me.

Me too^^^

I prefer a slower gear for spinnerbaits. More torque and less retrieving resistance. Personally choice but all my spinnerbait reels are 5:1 gears.

Looks better on the fenwick. But probably fish better on the st. Croix

I have a slx mgl in the hg version. Have used it a few times. Seems to be a decent reel.

Why not glue it together?

Shimano still offers the fighting drag on some of their rear drag reels. The Sahara FI rear drag still has the lever. To me it was nothing more than a gimmick to sell more reels. After a while most of the levers lost their drag pressure. Plus front drag reels had a more consistent drag.

I use up to 20lbs on my 1000 size shimano with no issue. Just don't lock the drag down. You shouldn't have any problems with 10 lbs braid though.

This^^^^^

Pretty much what is stated above. If you can afford it go with the exprides. They are lighter, more sensitive and personally I think better looking.

I don't think a sealed reel is must. I've got some old shimano spinning reels that usually end up getting dunked in the river while wading and they have never had an issue. Bottom line is just take care of your stuff and it will serve you for a long time.

Get the 7'2" med hvy. It's a very versatile rod. You will like it. It does good with bottom contact baits. The 6'10" med is not a good t-rig/ jig rod. It's too soft. It's better for jerkbaits or topwaters

Looks like a male texas chiclid to me.

When I use to fish pay ponds for trout, sometimes I would do pretty good with small crankbaits and jerkbaits. I would just cast out and reel back really slow. Small rattling baits and jigs worked well too on certain days. Just trial and error until you find something they wanted.

I agree the handles felt like cheap plastic

Sweet conquest family

It would be no different than fishing a spinnerbait or chatterbait on a fast action rod. I do it all the time. Helps to pull fish away from cover.

The two shimano bantams are not worth much. The Lews may be worth a little more depending on condition and if you have the box and papers. You can do a quick search on Ebay to see what others in like condition have sold for. The normal going price is usually $20 to $50 depending on condition. I would just keep them as memorabilia.

I've also thought that too Height shouldn't have anything to do with rod length. Like mentioned above usually shorter lengths are more sensitive as long as is the same series of rods. And they will balance better too. Which will add to the sensitivity.

Shouldn't matter at all. Its probably just something they did to be different from the rest of the crowd. Personally I wouldn't like it because I dont like the feel of EVA but everyone is different. Some rods have cork or wood under the reel seat. Just a design difference to add appeal.

Sweet. Old reels are just cool. Took my old shimano bantams on the boat the other day. Brings back memories.

If I stopped buying tackle today, I would still have enough stuff to probably last me two lifetimes. For some reason, I don't feel like I'm alone in this.

Sweet combo. Next, you'll be wanting another one. Then another. Then another.?

Pretty much what you said- newer. The tournament mg was based off the original tournament pro frame. It was smooth and cast great but a little heavy. Great reel for heavier applications. The tournament mb is off the LFS frame. Smaller and lighter. I wouldn't call it a finese reel but rather a all purpose reel. Both are great reels and priced almost the same around $140 for the mb and $150 for the older mg.