JustJames

Compare to which line? I have 5.2lb (.0065”) Finesse compare to the closest 6lb (.007) Red label they are about the same diameter, smaller but not much different. I can’t speak of strength or how it fish since I haven’t spool it yet.

Most of the reels these days, shimano and Daiwa, the 2500 and 3000 size are about the same, same body, weight, gear and drag capacity, only different is spool (about 2mm bigger on 3000) and maybe rotor (Daiwa) A lot of shimano reel would have higher gear ratio on 3000 size. Daiwa if you shop around you can find either gear on both 2500 and 3000 size. Yes casting distance would improve with bigger spool along with line management especially if you plan to use mono/FC. These day a lot have converted to light braid, so distance is not so much an issue but gear ratio. For finesse fishing I like faster gear ratio since a lot have to do with reel to set hook. If everything else is the same I would pick 3000 size for even more IPT. Anyway my main setup is ci4 2500 but I like more and more Tatula 1000lt. It balance my finesse rod better.

I want to know too, was shopping for those awhile ago, but all seem to be in heavy side 8-10oz. I want something in 7 oz and compact.

Thanks man, I’m really serious about crappie. For the past two year, I hardly buy anything gears for bass but got like 5 baitcaster for crappie and 2 spinning setup. Even thinking of getting another Shimano Soare 500 or 1000 for xtra spinning rod I have. I might even trade my bantam for Daiwa px68 soon too. That how much I enjoy UL fishing.

I’m trying to figure if Carbonlite based on which model of Daiwa. It might be Regal LT plus Air bail or Exceler LT plus 2 xtra bearing(Exceler doesn’t come with 2000 size here is US). No matter what it a hard plastic not Zion. I wouldn’t use this in 3000 size and up or in saltwater. I have heard a lot about stem flex under load. For bass fishing, you should be fine. If you like high speed 6.2x ~30-35 IPT on 1000 and 1500 go with BPS, otherwise you might be able to find Daiwa cheaper( you can choose high speed or low speed on Daiwa on 2500 size and up from Amazon) Anyway the BPS 1000 ~ 1000LT, 1500 ~ 2000LT, 2000 ~ 2500LT (bass on drag capacity and weight) Anyone that have this reel can confirm if handle screw in (Exceler) or hex. Dont you just like Daiwa, they add only one small item and call it a new model (about 5-7 in LT line up) Regal no airbail more bearing hex handle Regalis add airbail less bearing count hex handle Exceler = Regalis + screw in handle Fuego = Exceler + Magseal + 1 bearing

Im not a BFS guy, just one that fall in love with UL fishing and crappie action. I’m quitting and selling on these locally.

Congrats man nice fish.

I also got the curado 6’10 M/XF version as a crucial replacement. Even though it not as light nor as sensitive but not really bad for type of finesse fishing I want it for (Ned/Neko/wacky and light shakey head). Your 7’4 got same spec as 6’10 3/16-5/8oz. It might work with 1/8oz finesse jig but might be a tad too soft for 1/4oz jig. For topwater I’m not sure if 7’4 suitable for any type but cast and reel like whopper plopper 90 or small buzz bait. For long rod, I think might also work well with light paddle tail swimbait for lift and drop technique, dropshot and light Texas rig. I have mine pair with ci4 2500 and use 10lb braid with it, but you can up the size to 15lb for more versatility. Im not sure why you have problem with hookset on this rod. The tip is not super soft plus xtra fast tip and the length of rod, you should be able to set hook easily.

It is kind of opposite end for me. I got further distance with side arm cast but more accuracy with overhead cast. I think I know why. I always do half whip when overhead cast but I can do complete roll cast when side arm. When I cast side arm, the reel is not under instead I hold it on its side (hold like backhand casting)

d**n that kid slayed them good, he might have to teach me next time around.

First Mohawk crappie, didn’t know we have blacknose crappie in our lake. cool!

How do you know you missed some bite? Yes there are bites that not so obvious like bass inhale and stay put, swim toward you or on the drop but detect those bites are not about line alone, it is you and your experience to detect those bite. You can develop your sensitivity by touching the line at all time. You can also feel more vibration from bite when you hold your rod higher (45 degree).

Don’t open the bail and pull line out on spinning reel if you don’t have no where to walk to keep tension on the line. When this happened I usually just cast it out as far as I could and reel in with firm tension apply. It is a good practice for spinning user to once awhile clear the line to get out of line twisted.

Something like this, it usually happen when reel slack line after jerk/pop/jigging and rod at 1 or 12 o’clock . At first I thought it is a daiwa thing (have seen a few complained the same thing on Daiwa reel) but happen with shimano Sahara as well (4lb nanofil). I don’t sweat it too much, it would clear out the next cast.

Because you reel in while line is slack. It happened to me as well not with all the line mostly stiffer line. I don’t have this problem when using braid or 4lb mono but happen a lot with nanofil.

With this new shimano SVS, Shimano recommend 4 brake on and dial to 1 is about the same as 2 on for old VBS (this is the best spot for distance and control. The external dial is super sensitive, we are talking half a turn not full 1-6. You can go from 3/8oz jig (4 on dial 1) to 1/4oz jerkbait (4 on dial 3-4) very easily. Once you get used to with the reel, you can set brake to 3 on. At 2 on, you are on the limb of distance and disaster. I’d rather be between distance and control.

He is using 12lb tatsu, I don’t think there are any FC better than that lol. The Seaguar FC is really small, I use Abrazx, and 12lb Seaguar is thinner than 12lb Top knot, Vanish and even 10lb Floroclear (They are advertise as the same diameter)

You can’t beat the nature doesn’t matter what line size. @WRBis right once you encounter the wind, cast as low as possible (side arm cast better that over head cast) once the lure hit water I would immediately lower rod tip as low as possible and reel slack line off water surface. If too much wind, go home and enjoy your family lol.

I think it is on the opposite end bigger and stiffer line is tough to manage, there are so much memory that even line conditioner can’t do it in one night. I understand of spongey feeling on FC compare to Braid, but that help to not put too much action onto your lure. @Russ E mentioned, FC for me is only for Finesse bottom contact and jig. You won’t feel bottom structure as crisp as braid but once the line go slack/semi slack you would detect the bite better. A lot of bite are not that tab tab, it more like you got some tension on the line why FC is better than braid. Do I have problem with FC? yes mostly due to the memory of FC. I don’t like to spool FC to full or almost full like other lines. After spooling I would cast and strip most of the line out and reel in with tension to get the line in as tight as possible. This would help prevent line jumping off when cast.

Remembered the first spot I took you, the one I said about big fish. I went this morning and got a revenge. PM you

Nice looking bass sir.

Neko rig, Ned rig and light shakey head spinning hand down, everything else’s baitcaster.

If you don’t have issue then there is no issue. I don’t have issue with K either and figure why his reel drag become looser after fishing awhile. He might set drag when dry, once moisture get in become a little looser. If he set drag when wet then drag should stay the same not loosen more. Just my .02 any reels might do that and we have habit of setting drag while fishing then there is no issue.

My rusty baitcaster still works. Haven’t use them for crappie for awhile, spoiled with 2 new spinning rod I guess. Say what you want but no matter what, nothing beat baitcaster on cast N reel crappie jig. I can cast easier, faster and more accurate. Caught about 10 or so until last light nothing big just a few 12 inchers.

I dead sticking a lot years ago. Nowadays not anymore even since I stop smoking.