MountainMan83

Thanks! Yeah, I had all the materials and tools at work. Just needed the case.

If I want to take out 1 or 2 extra spools or don't have room, I'll use different size pill bottles with foam on each side/ in between spools. Otherwise, I took a dremel to a plano case, cut out the dividers and then cut a piece of foam to separate the spools and keep them in one place. A bit crude looking but it works well. I just couldn't have my spools moving around banging into each other or the case. Daiwa spools can be expensive, haha.

Welcome! Don't have any advice on smallmouth out that way but if you just like catching fun fighting fish, I'd look into catching some snakehead. Should be plentiful around your way. Good luck!

I'll let you know once I get some time with it. Just re spooled it last night with 50lb PowerPro. The previous owner had 10lb braid on it...not sure what they were using it for exactly.

Yeah it s got a few things going on. It's a SV103 frame I painted and left the side plates stock. All the internals are from a Zillion SHA 7.1 besides the brake set plates and magnets from a TDZ 103. The painted cast control cap is from a TDZ as well. SLP and Hedgehog parts on the outside and the handle is from a Daiwa Ardito, which is just a Tatula CT with a different paint job. Its got carbontex drag and I ported the driveshaft and tapped the handle to except a Steez handle bolt. Currently has a Ray's studio PE Special HLC Spool in it. Fun build.

Haha. I'll get beat up for this, living in md, but I'm actually a Steelers fan.

Just finished up this build from an OG Zillion.

Daiwa T3 MX 8.1 with RCS 1016 spool, 12lb big game mono on top of a Daiwa Cronos 7'3" MH Fast rod.

Daiwa TDZ 103P, 100M, BBS. All great reels for cranking and can be found for a decent price.

Both rod and reel look great!

Glad to hear you guys are doing well. Cancer is a *****.

Fishing planet is free and a lot of fun. It can be a pretty big grind though. They've added a lot of new places to fish/fish types/gear since I put it down.

They look great! And those sugar tails look delicious!

PM the guy in the thread who currently has one and did the little write up. I'm sure he'd answer any questions you have.

There's a thread on tackle tour that has some info: http://www.tackletour.net/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=82747

I've got a 7'3" MH and 7'0" M casting and like them a lot. Good looking, great build quality and perform very well.

Just use it. The reel enthusiasts would never want it and the normal fisherman would never want to pay the price. With all the variants of the tatula and at such low prices, there's better options. Put that bad boy to work!

Very nice! That's a looooong handle

Nice haul! I got into the swimbait game for a little bit and did some research and ended up with 20lb Pline CXX co poly. Some use 17lb. I don't use a leader. Line memory is not too bad but some line conditioner definitely helps. That is some strong line. As for the lower weights on the rod, you'll just have to try it and see if they load the rod enough to be thrown effectively. I have a dobyns fury SB 795 and I cant throw anything under 2oz very well with it.

@Harold Scoggins here is my first try using the iwata. A buddy wanted a Christmas present for his girlfriend. Not bad for the first project, but far from perfect. I've learned so much already, haha.

I don't blame you. I hear we got 2 feet of snow on the 29th!

PM Sent

Tackle Trap has Tatula SVs for $135 shipped right now. They have LH and RH models in 6, 7, and 8 ratios. That 6.3:1 would be great for what your looking to throw. Sweet sweet reel.

Tackle Trap just posted Tatula SV's (all 3 ratios, LH RH) for $135 shipped using discount code. Free hat included as well. Can't beat that price for a great reel.

Just google it. There are several results: japan lure shop, japan tackle, plat, even ebay, etc.. Regardless, that's a lucky dude; very pricey reel.