Lard_Bass

Try this website: http://www.kayakfishingstuff.com/ri_articles.asp I found a lot of great stuff here to use on my canoe. If you can't find you answer on the articles section, use the forums. The mods there are very helpful.

Here's a thread I started talking about the MF and MXF. This was right before the Reeds sale. http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1194961598

I haven't seen a Saros yet. The only thing I read over on Tackletour is that the Saros and Symetre share frames (this is according to a Shimano product manager). The Saros does NOT have the Aero Wrap 2 oscillation system. The Saros uses a gear and the Stradic uses a worm gear/pawl design. Also the drag is not waterproof. The product manager also said the they added the Paladin spool and line management system to the Saros, Stradic, Sustain, and Stella to decrease line twist and to improve performance over the Symetre. Looks like Shimano realized that they created reels closer to performance to the mid-range Symetre and now trying to make reels closer to the higher end Stella. From a business perspective, it makes sense because it allows them to raise their price points. Another product manager said the big difference is the Paladin system which should outperform the Symetre in terms of performance and durability. Also, Amen to the Yo-Zuri Ultrasoft line. I started using it this year and have been quite happy. I use the 4# (for trout) and 6# (for everything else). I recently caught a 4lb snook on the 4# and the line didn't even give signs of snapping. I had a hard time pulling the snook up over a small wall from where I was shore fishing and the line never hinted at snapping. I went on catching several more LM bass on the same lure and line.

The same guy at BPS said that the most of the Shimanos were fine for saltwater but noted that the waterproof drag was a nice enhancement. He noted that other manufacturers have a saltwater reel version but Shimano, most of the time, can cross over easily. I am not hear to defend the new Stradic but to see if the new enhancements are noticeable. Stradics and Symetres have been recommended on these forums for a long time. I just wondered if the New Stradic was even better than the last one and worth the price.

Bassn, The one advantage of a canoe is that you can load/unload it yourself most of the time. I debated a lot of times what to get (jon boat, canoe, kayak, port-a-bote, etc.). I ended up getting a canoe. Here are the mods that I made (Avid is very knowledgeable in this area and I got ideas from www.kayakfishingstuff.com). 1. Can rod storage or decks be mounted? - l -Lockers no. But I have several rod holders along with a fish finder mounted to the bar that holds my stabilizers. 2. Can seats be added? Back rest types.. -Yes. I use seats that could be strapped to bleachers. They are about $20 each. 3. Can lights be added? -Yes. I bought a light that attaches with a C-clamp (Do a search on Cabelas for Portable LED Bow and Stern Navigation Lights) The most important thing about canoes is stability. You can purchase some outriggers from Spring Creek(http://www.canoegear.com/catalog/home.php?cat=53) or Cabelas. I stand up in my canoe a lot now. I have dealt with some decent size wakes and never felt like I was going to tip. The stabilizers have really made the canoe stable. If you get a canoe, add the stabilizers and put the trolling motor battery closer to the front of the canoe (if you are alone to even out the trim/balance). However, if you are looking to have 6 people on, don't get a canoe. A canoe is best with 2 people (3 at most).

Thanks for all the insight Rolo. One point to clarify though, the New Stradic has 5 BB not 4. According the guy I talked to at BPS, there were some major improvements in this new stradic which caught my eye. I compared the product descriptions because the guy I talked to at BPS said the new Stradics are closer to the Stellas than the Symetres. The older Stradics (FH and lower were much closer to the Symetres) according to him. From looking at the product description, this sales rep seemed to be right (refreshing to talk to someone who is actually knowledgeable). 1. Paladin Gear Durability Enhancement. It uses a cold-forged aluminum drive gear and special hardened brass pinion gear that's more durable than all-stainless-steel drivetrains with a smoothness that will last longer. (per product descriptions, found in Stella as well NOT Symetre, Symetre uses Fluid Drive II) 2. The all-new Propulsion Line Management System uses a propulsion spool, SR one-piece bail wire, Power Roller III, redesigned bail trip mechanism and S-arm cam. Those five components work together to provide longer, more accurate casts with less effort while drastically reducing the chance of backlash, wind knots or tangles. (per product descriptions, found in Stella as well NOT Symetre, Symetre usess Dyna-Balance & Power Roller II) 3. The Aerowrap II Oscillation worm gear system plays into that by reducing friction and increasing efficiency for longer, more accurate casts. (per product description, found in Stella as well not Symetre) 4. Shielded Anti-Rust Bearings (S A-RB®) use either rubber or stainless steel shields to keep water and dirt from building up. (per product descriptions, found in BOTH Stella and Symetre as well) 5. The machined-aluminum handle with Septon handle grips has a direct-drive mechanism (threaded directly into the drive gear) to eliminate play and increase transmission of power. (The BPS guy made a big deal about this new enhancement. The Symetre does not have this but I believe the Stella does). 4. A waterproof drag prevents dirt and water intrusion (per product description, Stella has this. I could not find if Symetre has this. According to the guy at BPS, the new Stradic can definitely be used on saltwater now). As you stated, Shimano had no choice but to upgrade the Stradic. I think the above comparison shows that. They put in some components that were used in their Stella line). I think the question now is does it perform as an upgraded reel or not.

Anyone have any field tests on this new reel. I was at BPS and boy were they sweet looking and smooth. The salesperson was pretty well versed on the reel. Several big improvements he said were 1. waterproof drag 2. new bevel lip on spool will help casting and line lay 3. and new propulsion system (bearings are hidden now, you don't see them when you pull the handle out) makes it smoother and durable. Specs on 2500 FI Line Capacity: 140/8 Gear ratio: 6.0:1 Bearings: 5+1 Max Drag: 15 lb Weight: 9.5 oz (the MG FB weighs 9.0 oz, I was shocked how light this was). Any reviews would be appreciated.

For what it's worth Grug, the guy I usually talk to about gear at Gander Mt was telling me he sold about 75 Symetres in the past year and not one of them has come back with either service issues or dissatisfaction. He said that everyone really likes them. But for $20 more, he thought the Stradic was way worth it.

Great point. I didn't even think that if you had a butt heavy combo, there's really no way to balance it besides lightening up on the reel.

Interesting. When I looked at the Symetre, I could feel the gears. Not as silky as the stradic. It could've been just the one I was looking at. I will look at another one. Thanks.

DavidG, I was simply asking a question. My apologies for the confusion. I am just trying to understand the benefits of a light reel given that it negatively affects rod balance.

DavidG, is getting a light weight reel pretty much pointless?

To the Pflueger loyalists, why get a Supreme (or any Magnesium reel for that matter) if doesn't help balance your rod (see this thread: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1196007965)? Where have you seen it for $80? That's a deal. I have seen it on clearance at Dick's, Gander, BPS, and Cabelas for $99. This may be a question for another thread but how is it that Shimano typically has less ball bearings than other manufacturers?

I read DavidG's articles which were very informative. According to the articles, balancing a rod for jump lures (jigs, worms, spoons, etc.) helps sensitivity. However, there is little advantage for adding weight to a lightweight high-performance rod. I will probably try to balance my rod that I will be using for jigs and plastics but not for cranks / tight line moving lures. DavidG, do you want a balanced rod for techinques such as walk the dog or topwaters where you have more of a slack line? I assume it doesn't matter since you really don't rely on sensitivity for those techniques. I guess this is why people go for lightweight reels to enhance comfort then.

dsaavedra, glad to see I am not the only one confused. I am trying to reconcile if balancing a rod basically negates the purpose of having light weight gear.

Thanks for all the tips. I am confused about one thing though. I have read in several places about people recommending a magnesium reel to balance the St. Croix Avids. I just tried my Daiwa Laguna which is about 9 oz on my new St. Croix Avids (AS66MF and AS68MXF) and the tip falls toward the ground. If I added a lighter reel, wouldn't the balance problem get worse? Shouldn't you add a heavier reel?

On Tackle Tour, I read that 20 lb braid was being used and the drag topped out at around 4-5 lbs. Not an issue for me since I usually use #6 Yozuri Hybrid Ultrasoft.

I have been reading about how you guys make sure the rod and reel are balance. How do you guys determine this?

Are the 8035's comparable to a 2500 size for bass fishing?

Dodgeguy & FBL, thanks for the heads up on the Supreme. I have been reading on Tackletour that some posters have complained about a slight stiff retrieve and max drag is inferior. Have you guys noticed any of those issues?

This is following up on the BC thread. I have been looking for a spinning reel to go with my new St. Croix Avids (AS66MF and AS68MXF). I have a Daiwa Laguna 2500 that I enjoy and plan on pairing up with one of the rods. I have been looking at a Shimano Stradic/Symetre/Sahara/Sedona, Pfleuger President/Supreme, and Daiwa Tierra/Exceler/Capricorn/Theory. I am looking for good value and would spend slightly over $100 for the right reel. I am partial to either Shimano or Daiwa. I was at Gander Mt. yesterday and thought the Stradic was very "silky" smooth. However, I thought the Daiwa Theory was smoother than the Shimano Symetre. What is everyone's views and recommedations?

Anyone know good locations to fish off Immokalee Road or off I-75? Also where is the area called Big T?

Just an FYI. I don't know much about either reel but they are marked down from $84.99 to $49.95 at Gander Mountain. Description: Daiwa Theory spinning reel with new Hard Body Z aluminum alloy body, Infinite Anti-reverse & 4 bearings plus roller bearing. Or pick a Pinnacle Inertia baitcast reel with 9 stainless steel ball bearings, magnetic cast control and high speed 6.2:1 gear ratio.

How much was Dick's listing the new Stradic's for?

I like throwing chug bugs and Pop-Rs, they are my confidence baits. I recently purchased 2 St. Croix Avids (go Reeds!). I saw in a St. Croix catalog that they recommend topwaters for their LTBC68MXF rod. I purchased both an AS66MF and AS68MXF. Which of these rods would you recommend to use topwater lures? Thanks.