billjaco

One belief was light line meant more bites, but also more break-offs. Back reeling put less strain on the line. You owe it to yourself to try back reeling when a big fish decides to make a strong run when nearly landed. It's a blast! I won't use a spinning reel you can't back reel.

Mann's 10+ Firetiger

Saving the proceeds from selling scrap metal.

When I get a new reel, after adding a drop of oil to the bearings, I tie a 3/4 Rattle Trap on a long rod and head for a pond down the road. After making the correct reel adjustments for the lure, about an hour of continuous casting and rapid retrieves will result in increased reel smoothness and lure distance. This break-in period seems to loosen up any excess grease while getting you familiar with how the reel performs.

Can I have the St Croix you seem determined to orphan? I'll give it a good home so you won't have to feel guilty about kicking it to the curb. Is it a 2018 model with the updated handle? What are the negative aspects of that rod that have you looking for a replacement?

Tie a 3/4 oz. Rattle Trap on the Calcutta and cast the crap out of it for a couple of hours. Once you loosen up all the factory grease, that reel will perform in a totally different manner. It doesn't hurt to put a drop of oil in the bearings before you begin this procedure. I did this with a new Calcutta 400B and it made a world of difference.

Thanks. I didn't scroll down far enough in the link to see the full description.

Be interesting to hear the full story. What did he choose as a replacement?

Wonder if the "cg" could be something like composite graphite? Maybe a competitor for the Shimano Casitas.

Thanks for the information. The review of the Legend Extreme was very helpful, plus they also had one about the Avid MHXF.

The new rod has the Fuji CC (carbon control) guide platform which appear to be micro guides. I like new the cork composite butt cap, as the finish on the butt caps of the two previous models did not slide freely over a shirt or jacket, acting somewhat like a brake. Butt caps on Avids use the composite material and tend to flow more freely over clothing.

TBC71MHXF/Swim Jig Finesse Excels with swim jigs and smaller jigs worked in heavy cover. Its unique design combines a very powerful butt section with a light and sensitive tip. Are there any other uses for this rod besides those described on the St Croix web site? Would the Avid MHXF have the same action and similar uses, if anyone has used that rod?

$269.99

This makes sense and helps me to understand that even though I like trying different brands of rods, my tendency is to choose actions that relate to my preferred methods of fishing. I believe that I have more than enough rods to cover most types of lure fishing, I just need to break from my established habits and experiment with different patterns. Thanks for the input Tom.

That clears up some confusion in things I have read regarding Savvy vs. Sierra. Read that Sierra had upgraded guides, cork, and slight bump in blank material with actions 99% the same as Savvy. Your explanation helps to clarify the pecking order of the Dobyns lineup and points out that while the Sierra is no Champion, it is still a pretty darn good rod. Thanks, BassThumb!