Smelter96

All brass gears in all tatula models. I use OG zillions and one bb1 pro that's held up admirably.

+1 for a 1000 size Shimano

I just bought the 1000 size of that exact reel and stuck it in a Zodias 7ft medium light. Only been out a couple times, but so far it's been a SPECTACULAR rod. Since it's my only spinner, it's all the advice I got. But as said above, you cant ever go wrong with a St.Croix

They're kinda tricky to locate in Wisconsin, too. Just keep ya eyes peeled and I bet one or two will pop up!?

My favorite older boat, is my current boat! '93 Champion. I couldnt imagine a better ride than a Champ...because there ain't one!

To my knowledge, Shimano uses very good bearings. Especially in upper echelon reels like a Metanium. A good flush in acetone (perhaps even aided by an ultrasonic cleaner if you have one) and a single drop of oil is all you need. Unless of course the actual bearing is trashed. I'd see no point in swapping your bearings.

Got a NIB Antares HG for a steal, just gotta figure out what to use it for.

Havent fished finesse (or a spinner, really) for a long time so today, went and remedied that! Stradic 1000HG with a Shimano Zodias 7' med-light. Got some 10lb braid and 6lb fluoro, wish me luck.

Not old but does the Daiwa SV103 zillion clone count? Missed the train on that one! Otherwise, probably a Core 50 or 100mgfv, as well.

I agree with the bit of stiffness at first, but it really does repel water quite well. I have 50lb on a heavy flip stick and would recommend it to anyone. I've also found the color fastness to be above average. Havent sharpied it yet.

I have 17lb on a spinnerbait rod and it's working like a charm so far. I've caught a couple bonus muskies and pike on it so it's pretty tough

I'll be putting it through its paces this year. Got 10lb, 14lb, and 17lb spooled up ready to go.

One of my first and favorite rods, a Cabelas Prodigy rod, cost me something like $60 when I bought it. In my rod box, I have combos that cost north of $1000, but that old cabelas rod with a second gen Abu Promax ALWAYS gets in the boat. It's so dang smooth and the action is perfect for so many things. There is ZERO sense in bashing people for what they use. An older gent who fishes off a bucket on shore never ceases to amaze me at the amount of bluegills and BASS he catches with a 12ft cane pole he made when he was a kid idk how many years ago. It's the FISHERMAN, not the tackle he uses. And that's how it always will be.

Another for Yozuri hybrid

It would say either my OG zillions or Steez exs. However, I just got my Calais DC cleaned and tuned and man...the reel might over take the Daiwas! "Might", we shall see come opener.

Small lake near my house is open! Northwest Wisconsin. Everything else still has ice, albeit thinning quickly. But man, seeing this sure made me smile!

I set all my reels to JUST barely remove the play. So it's still very fast and free. This year will be my first trying an SV spool, so I'll be experimenting.

Anyone ever use this? How does it compare to the KVD l&l? It's completely clear, whereas I thought the line and lure was more opaque.

Cabelas near me had this in the bargain cave for $99! No idea why the tag says used, its brand new. Figured my old man could use a new reel, so fathers day is coming early for him this year.

I for one appreciate a nicely balanced rod. One of the deciding factors on buying a new one. Comfort, durability, balance. Dont care who makes it, if it's good on those 3, I'm interested. Sensitivity is nice, too!

After much contemplation, I decided to take this beauty home. Fitzgerald Titan HD, 7'6" heavy. Wanted to try one for awhile, finally bit the bullet. Thinking of putting an OG zillion or Steez ex on it. Gotta few months to decide still lol.

7ft Mh/f Avid X, OG zillion in the 6 ratio, and straight 40lb braid. Almost always have a swim jig on this. I throw spinnerbaits on a similar setup, too. But I use a copoly/fluoro leader with them. Helps prevent the line from fouling in the blades, etc on the cast.

Look up bass pro pro qualifier carbontex drag on Google. Tackletrap sells an upgrade kit aswell. Lots on ebay, too.

Couple new tools for the upcoming season. Calais dc & Steez ex100xs

I could use St.Croix rods and TD Zillions for everything and be more than happy with that decision.