MountainMan83

Looks good to me. I'd like to see it underwater.

It seems to be a combination of the trailer size/shape and the way its hooked, as well as speed of retrieve. It happens to me all the time. As far as I'm concerned it has never made a difference.

No, that's John Bobbitt you're thinking of.

I call this one, "Pure Sex". Most notables include ZPI spool and polished (and ported) main gear and pinion.

Well said.

Ahh, that's what they call the "death screw". Its not reverse threaded, they just used loctite and it can be a pain. They should never use a Phillip's head in these reels to begin with. I had a stripped one in a Sol I picked up recently. I ended up having to drill it out. Came out clean with no damage to the frame threads. The Tackle Trap used to carry replacement screws but I don't see them on their site. Contact them or Daiwa USA.

This is a good site to take a look at. http://jdmfishing.com/

That's the second to newest version of the alphas. It has a smaller 30mm spool. The newest version is the alphas air TW with a 28mm spool and is the first time the t wing has been used in the platform.

Zoom Z-Hogs have always been durable. I also fish with the Netbait craws and haven't really noticed a durability issue. Maybe you're just catching too many fish ?

Ahh, glad to hear the dam renovations are finished. Thanks for the info!

I rode mi bicicleta into Laurel yesterday to pick up a held package at UPS and stopped by the little patuxent river behind the community pool and wow... there's barely any water in there. Hadn't fished there in a couple years but it used to be a prime spot for catching some good sized snakehead. I guess they haven't been letting any water out of Rocky Gorge. Seems like we've gotten a decent amount of rain this spring though. Going to fish Rocky out of Supplee Lane this weekend, weather permitting, and see how the water levels are. If they're down, it'll at least be easier to walk the bank. Anyone been to Rocky Gorge recently?

The new Tat SV spool is 32mm. The original Tat SV spool is 33mm. The Coastal SV/Elite/100 spools are all 34mm and can also swap with the CT series reels.

Cant say enough about this reel. https://www.sportsmansoutfitters.com/products/daiwa-coastal-sv-tw. Add code "ABANDONED" for another $5 off. I've got spacers in mine and running a Zpi Tat SV spool and it's amazing. Stock spool is great as well.

I've only broke one rod, an Abu Veracity on the back swing against a too close propped up Buccoo trap caster. That trap caster is now at the bottom of the lake. Curse removed... Edit: I didnt throw it there. It fell in at a later date

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Just build one using a Zillion and a TDZ magnet set plate. I did for under $200 (well, before the upgrades) back when you could buy the frame and side pieces separately for $80 before tackle trap made you buy the kit for $110.

That sure is purdy!

Yo Zuri Hybrid is great. If you told me I could only fish that, Big Game and Power Pro the rest of my life, I wouldn't complain once.

Very cool! Looks like a beautiful day and a great memory!

That's a sexy combo right there!

If you're looking for a baitcasting rod, I cant recommend a Daiwa Ardito enough. I've got a 7' M and 7' MH (they both fit in the same tube!) And they are great 3 pc rods. Build quality is good, they look great and when you put them together, you'll forget your fishing with a multi piece. Great for a bunch of different techniques and can be found for well under their $129 MSRP.

He's talking about the reel based off the OG Zillion that uses 34mm spools. I know, Daiwas naming system can be very confusing.

Z-Hogs are great! I haven't thrown one in a couple years though. I don't throw many creature baits these days but when I used to, I'd always throw a Z-hog first. Watermelon, June Bug, Black Sapphire... so many great colors. I would usually pick a thinner diameter offset hook to use.

I'm a huge fan of IPA's. Currently sipping on a Flying Dog "The Truth"

Check out the lunkerhunt pocket frog as well. It's another great small option.