EllisJuan

I'm a Loomis and Shimano guy...

Congrats! Getting your first "real" bass boat is a total game changer.

I was thinking about picking up a NRX 843C MBR to see how I like it throwing small frogs and Whopper Ploppers. Maybe give lipless cranks a try with it. I have a NRX 803C JWR I have been throwing the topwaters with and thought maybe the slightly slower action of the MBR would be nice.

Loomis E6X 852c

I would have no problem rocking high end rods from back then. The GLX rods with the recoils from back then are some of the best rods ever imho and are better than almost anything currently made.

802s JWR

Have you checked out the new Vanquish Aquaholik? I have been fighting the urge to order one for the last few months.

I have a FK 2500 and a ci4 FB 2500. Both are great reels, but the ci4 FB is clearly better. Just as solid and smooth as the FK, but 20+% lighter. When you have been fishing a DS nice and slow all day, you will appreciate the 1.6oz weight difference.

I think gear quality is an underemphasized factor when talking about reel smoothness. Anyone that has used a Shimano reel with the Micromodule Gears should be able to attest to this. Put the same number and same quality of bearings in a Curado and in a Metanium and the Met will always be markedly smoother.

No comparison IMHO. I can't think of anything the Metanium does not do better than the Chronarch.

Metanium on a NRX 803c is the best all around combo I have ever used. Absolutely perfect in every way...

Family photo...

What manufacturer replaces a flagship rod accidentally damaged by the owner for less? Their willingness to replace a $500+ rod for $100 no questions asked is one of the big reasons I buy Loomis high end rods. Yeah, if the blank was damaged it would be a no brainer. I'll probably just rock my lucky ugly guide until it doesn't feel lucky anymore.

It's crazy. I can't imagine how it would have happened without ripping it off the rod. I thought about it, but $100 is pretty stiff for a new guide if I could get a good job done on the replacement.

A few weeks ago I was fishing a small lake with a buddy in his Jon Boat. I had an unfortunate collision between a crankbait and my NRX 852s. Everything looked intact so I thought I got lucky and kept on fishing. The next day I was heading out with a different buddy, while rigging my rods I noticed the mangled guide. I decided I would just get it fixed later, rigged her up, and headed out. Well, as fate would have it, I caught my new PB best that day with that rod with the mangled guide....11.3lbs So, my question is, would you get the guide replaced or would you worry that would kill the Mojo of this now lucky rod? If I was to get it replaced, would you expect a seamless repair so the rod would both look and function as good as new? Here are some pictures of what I am dealing with...

Congrats. New PBs always feel great.

If you are on Instagram like this pic and help me win @reeltightlines #trophytuesday.https://www.instagram.com/p/BMkEvDGg84P/?taken-by=reeltightlines

I thought it was. I lived on the 17th hole (Congressional Drive) through middle and high school, had a 14' Jon Boat and fished it extensively. My parents still own a lakefront lot on Amanda Mae Ct so I fish it when I am in town. I was actually down there last weekend. It did not look like that much grass behind their lot. What part of the lake is that picture? Do you have a boat or just work the banks?

I am a former Tallahassee pond hopper. Where is that? I may have fished it.

Thanks man. When I pulled it out of the water I was pretty sure it was over 10lbs...I was really excited to see it over 11lbs. Most of my fishing buddies have personal best 10lb fish, but none have 11lbs+. It is fun to have bragging rights for a bit...lol

Haha. Thanks man! I have been getting down to Pickwick more often recently. I am actually heading down there with my Dad who is in from out of town for the afternoon tomorrow. Caught this little (~3lb) chunk a few weeks ago. He crushed a "I Know It" 90 series Whopper Plopper.

Thanks guys! It was payback for the 1000s of hours grinding and not catching. Worth it!

The double digits club! 11.30lbs monster. Caught in Tallahassee, FL on a black trickworm. First big fish on my NRX 852s & '16 Stradic CI4+. The combo handled it like a champ. I'm going to be smiling for days! I always told myself I would never keep a fish under 10lbs. This one is going to the taxidermist in the morning.

No comparison. There is nothing that the FB does not do better imho. Lighter, stiffer, smoother.

I am pretty sure my garage is the same size. My Pro Team 175 fits by inches.