JustJames

That is a tough answer. First of all the DC is not really a major step up just different brake system, the internal part is still in the class of SLX. It might be good for some but not all. SLX XT worth it, again is for some but not for me for sure. I only use SLX for heavier lure like 3/8 jig or fat Ika which I don’t see the need of fine tune adjustment. The SLX by itself is excellent casting already. But don’t believe me much, I advocated myself not to buy SLX MGL but I have one coming this Thursday lol. On the other hand if you spend a few more bucks and get the K, you should see some upgrade.

If you care about weight and size of reel get SLX, if you gonna buy citica I’d rather spend a little more and get the K. K got micro module gear. K got bearing support main shaft K got newest SVS brake (white), a lot better and quieter than the one come with i (red, this is a known problem with the I series, after a while you would hear whirling sound when cast, easy fix with a little oil around brake drum but annoying) Note: one thing though my Curado i is super smooth and no grinding issue like this new Curado even from a heavy use. I use my 200ipg for medium size 2oz swimbait lure and heavy spinner bait. Add my first search on eBay come up with K for 140.

nuff said...

SLX is plain Jane 150 size reel with no add on just like old VBS system, 6 centrifugal brake system. SLX XT is SLX with add on fine tune adjustment. You set 4 centrifugal brakes inside then adjust external dial depend on lure weight/shape and wind condition. This feature most benefit for light weight lure on in windy condition. SLX DC, I would say totally different from both. Shimano just borrowed the SLX name as to be fit in the lower end class than Curado. This reel uses different frame than those SLX (just a tad wider) and also different brake system. The DC stand for Digital Control braking system. The dial you see is setting according to how much you want digital to come in help. DC 4 have 4 setting, 1 free control (the least control and need a lot more thumb), 2 PE (braid) less control and still need thumb before lure slowing down, 3 FC (fluorocarbon) good in windy condition don’t need much thumb only stop spool when lure hit water and last super control for when you skipping or cast with no thumb need (supposedly). To confuse you even more, and you will hear more about it is SLX MGL JDM (Japan version). This is the same as SLX XT (same frame) but got treatment with special MGL spool with line capacity 70 (hold a little bit less line than 150). This reel supposes to be good for light weight lure (1/4oz and lower).

Each reel would have some specific specification that fit each situation. Most that important to me when considered buying new reel is line capacity and size of reel. If you like the size of SLX then next best thing would be either bantam MGL 150 and 2019 anteres 70. The line capacity, if you happy with 150 size then there is plenty option in that size. If you plan to use lighter line then you’ll have 70 (Curado 70, Aldebaran 50, Slx MGL 70, Anteres 70 and JDM metaniam 70), the one that hold more line now would be 200K or scorpion 200 (old I series body) If I were you and if gonna buy new reel, that would be Chornarch MGL 150. The size is a bit bigger than SLX, line capacity the same but lighter weight. Unfortunately I have SLX MGL coming, I just want to really see if this can compare to my favorite Curado 70.

I subscribed quite a few of channels mentioned in this thread so I’m not gonna go into detail one thing though, who is bassresource channel? Lol i wanna add 618 fishing, this channel, I have followed for a long time. He is not gonna teach you anything much but he will definitely make you have more fun catching any size and species of fish. Ooh donkey. Fish code studios, this is plain educational channel to show different lures, action under water and reaction of bass (kind of). And don’t forget our own discovery channel from @Paul Roberts “The Nature of Fishing”

That is why I don’t catch anything lately, man time to find new thing again, what is the hype recently?

Do you want reel cover with line pass through? I’m not sure if shimano reel cover have that option. Do you care to show your brand of reel? I use cheap, similar to rod glove reel cover sold on TW. https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/The_Rod_Glove_Casting_Reel_Glove/descpage-TRGRG.html?from=Google&gclid=CjwKCAiAh5_uBRA5EiwASW3IanX0nyZyGNMUwG-V3aFIZXqelYuZPr2SkJMMt8HLNssjliyIlbiNBhoCpQcQAvD_BwE If you want shimano brand, I found that the reel cover that come with my aldebaran mg7 is perfect for cover reel when mounting on rod with lure tie, ready to be fish. It might be hard to fine.

The 4” version of original Zoom Fluke and Zoom Super Fluke Jr. is shape. They both can dart left and right but one is easier to thread the hook with cut belly and dart better (Super Fluke). The original is very good for slow falling down and good for drop shot. I would start with Zoom Super Fluke 5.25” version with EWG 4/0 hook, it is easier to cast on both spinning and casting. I use Super Fluke Jr. with EWG 2/0 hook, when the bite get tougher and fish in shallower water. Zoom (original) Fluke Zoom Super Fluke

Shimano Sensilite 7’ L and daiwa Legalis LT 1000. Should be good for finesse bass lures and panfish as well.

I have use 10lb white braid for awhile and not really a fan of it. I do catch some fish on it (straight braid) but still prefer using with leader especially with finesse lure. I think I’m more confident with chartreuse than white. The color that I’m using, 30lb dark green and chartreuse for bass, 8-10lb yellow, red and blue (crappie). And yes I found I like Sufix 832 the best, brad I used, PP original, PP super slick, daiwa j-braid Sufix 832, Pline Spectrex and a few cheap brands.

You asked this kind of question from interweb you’d better prepare for 1000 of combos. If you serious about buying only one setup, I would just hit local mom&pop store and see what available for you to at least touch and feel. Talk to them ask them for some recommendations. You might pay a little bit higher price compare to online or Mega Store but at least you would gain some knowledges and support local.

Beautiful rod, how heavy is that rod? Is the handle feel slippery when wet? Should be good for moving bait.

I just tried out new Ned hook from eagle craw. It can be weedless or regular exposed hook. Just like Morel jig head, the hook start to come loose from lead after awhile. It is no big deal, if you don’t use super glue. Also the hook is not as brittle as Zman, pretty soft and bend easily.

@skekoam Fish at this ramp evening to sunset.

Great choice, I’m tearing my hair right now if I should get one or not. I have my bantam 4 on and dial to whatever lure shape/weight. Just the other day I went out with LC LV500 with dial all the way down to 1 (4 brake all) and I think I can spool the reel (15” Abrazx) If I use my 7’2 rod. In the mean time I can just change dial to 4 and fish with 5/32oz Texas rig missile bait D Stroyer.

I was given up big swimbait last year ever since I found my new passion of Ultralight fishing for crappie, until I found these. I might give it another shot. BTW for 8’ of water I’d prefer 68 weedless in ROF 5 where I can work it super slow like jig. I will paint one of these like crappie pattern and give it a try (thank Tom aka @WRB) I also like Keitech Swim impact 7” with 12/0 owner beast hook.

I think at one point Huddleston make 4” crappie swimbait, I almost buy one, but from my understanding bluegill pattern work better. I almost have one of my Gantarel JR. repainted as crappie pattern. Here is why. I have caught a few on LC jerkbait with crappie pattern but caught a lot more on bluegill pattern.

Yes, with DC you only have to worry 4 adjustment 1 free spool (a lot of thumb require) 2 braid long casting with thumb need when lure hit water 3 FC more resistant good in windy situation and 4 skipping super control with no thumb need but super short distance. The DC reel to me only benefit when using in super windy condition or when using lure shape that is not so aerodynamic. With K you have 4 pin centrifugal brake plus 1-6 fine tune adjustment. This can work with any situation DC reel can do or even better if you have a good train thumb and know how to adjust the reel and spool tension. A lot ppl will tell you to set 2 brake on and go from there, this is so in the past with old VBS system( linear centrifugal). The new system,I prefer all 4 brakes on and adjust dial according to lure weight/shape and situation. Believe me a little bit change on external dial will increase/decrease control tremendously (. For example 4 brake on and dial at 1, you would get as good distance as 2 brakes in old VBS system, but after you adjust dial to 4 you can cast into wind without a problems or 6 with a little bit more of cast control you can skip even better than DC reel.

I still have almost full pack of 4” senko and KVD trick worm in Pink. I only manage one bass so far, but to be fair I only use those a few times when nobody around me lol.

This should help you. BTw, the SLX and Curado are different class reel. Curado considered higher class, most sold and workhorse of shimano with better components like micro module gear (smaller teeth on main/pinion gear to make it feel smoother while reeling) and x-ship (two bearing support pinion gear that help stabilize spool when loaded) both come with DC brake system, SLX 150 DC and Curado 150 DC. The line up like now is Curado - Curado K series and 150 DC SLX - SLX 150, SLX 150XT(external fine tune adjustment), SLX 150 DC.

It is not that bad, it is actually same as K with fancy spool, better paint job, better bearing and of course imported price lol.

Again if you have the buck for expensive FC line, kudos to you but don’t knock out cheap line. Remember fishing is just for fun, and loosing fish is part of the game. There are many cheap line that can work pretty good as long as you know what you are doing. Now the real question is, if the OP really need FC, the price for cheap FC can get him a good copolymer or mono that could work as good if not better.

Yeah it sucks to have a season for bass. On the other hand I hope to get my hand on some trout this year.

Shimano Crucial gen2 6’11 casting M/F drop shot specific. Lost it last year and never been able to replace it. I use it for everything from weightless worm, dropshot to super Fluke. I’ve never been the same since ????q