LCG

Glad you are safe. Was debating about an inflatable PFD, decided against it for this exact reason.

I have owned the SLX and Curado MGL 70's, nothing bad to say about them. The newer Tatula 100 can certainly hang with them, time will tell of its superior, but I am impressed so far. I would say casting distance on par, but easier to dial in and much less brake adusting when changing lures. Comfort is equal despite slightly larger size. Very user friendly. I had an old Tatula, I want to say 2012 ish, and is was big and wide. They have certainly made improvements.

Private message sent as not sure if it would break any forum rules. Thanks.

I recently purchased a Daiwa Tatula 100 HL from AE and I thought I would share my experience if anyone is debating getting this reel. In a word, Wow. I am impressed with not only the appearance of the reel, but the smoothness is incredible. I looked at one at a retail shop last year and it didn't feel like this, I assume the retail one was dry. The feeling of the gears is absent, literally like butter. The casting distance and ease of casting (most important to me) is outstanding. I was out with it today for five hours. Wind was head on around 30km/hr (20 mph), started with breaks at 10, working down to 6, with a smidge of thumb towards the end of the cast. Wind died down, and got the breaks down to 4, with fluff mid cast but working itself out at the end of the cast. No Wind, 5 is the sweet spot, with wind 6 and a tad of thumb at the end. The ease of casting was very impressive, 60% effort resulted in the best and most accurate casts, letting the rod load and casting smoothly. Insanely comfortable reel in any position I tried. Break dial never once got moved accidentally regardless of how I palmed the reel. As for AE, obviously check the seller rating and use common sense, but no issues at all. Very well packaged. I wanted a zillion, but the the Tatula 100 was half the price of the zillion at $160 Canadian ($115 USD). No duty or tax. For reference, same reel retails for $260 plus 13% tax locally. Great deal. Only thing I knew I wouldn't love was the knobs, so I splurged $16 and got a carbon fiber handle with rubber paddle knobs that are much more to my liking. A bit more surface area. Easy install. Paired with a Daiwa Tatula XT and spooled with 30lb braid. Was casting a 3\8 oz bladed jig with paddle tail, 1/2 oz spinnerbait, and 1/2 oz Johnson silver minnow. Really like this combo.

I am waiting on delivery of a new Daiwa Tatula 100 form AE as we speak. I have and continue to order stuff from them that's either not available here or cost way less over there. Never had a bad experience.

I'm waiting on delivery of the Tatula 100. Pairing with a medium heavy rated 1/4-1oz. I like the looks of all black and smaller frame. I went with a 7 speed as an all rounder.

This year I am straight braid for everything. However yo zuri hybrid in 10lb never let me down, it will do what your looking for.

Yes, I have a 7' M-F spinning rod rated for 1/8-3/4, two piece models. Very versatile. I have a daiwa exceler 3000 on it and it balances very nicely. I also have a JDM Tatula XT in casting 6'10" MH-R, the regular action being mod fast. Rated 1/4-1pz. Love this rod for chatterbaits and spinnerbaits. The arid x is another value rod that hits way above the price tag. I have two of the 7' casting MH-F. All home runs in my opinion.

Daiwa Tatula XT

Can't compare the two but I do have the tatula xt 7' medium spinning and it's very nice, plenty sensitive, comfortable to fish with, and very versatile.

I have owned the shimano curado 200, curado 70 mgl, slx 70 mgl, and Daiwa fuego, alphas, and now have two Lews lfs speed spools gen 2, and a BPS JM Carbonlite 2.0 (black). I also really liked the lfs gen 2 reels. Something simple, consistent, and overall feel. I no longer have any Shimano reels, not because they are bad. I actually have nothing bad at all to say about Shimano. Just kind of liked the lfs that much. Amazing value for the money. I do find that the lfs is best 3/8oz and up. Shimano and Daiwa do better on the lower end, at a cost. That being said, I really want to pick up a jdm zillion. Just waiting to see if they update it this year.

I looked at the Regal LT pretty hard last year, but landed on the Exceler LT 3000. There were a few upgrades that made it worth it to me, but still what I would consider a quality budget value reel. I have been very impressed with Daiwa spinning reels. I am sure the Regal is also a quality reel.

I used to use a variety of home made solutions, and it worked. However, I wanted something a little better. I found a line spooling tool made of metal on Amazon that uses springs and little bullet shaped pieces to keep the line on the tight and clamps to the edge of a table. Works fantastic and allows me to spool solo and tightly. Also came with a tool you stick into an electric drill to despool old line.

Last year I went to BPS to buy a Tatula 100, ended up leaving with a JM carbonlite 2.0 baitcasting reels, the black ones. Very good casting reel, smooth, good distance and control. Solid reel and they go on sale frequently.

I've been there. I have ruined two reels by taking them apart, both Daiwas. Worked on a few Shimano and lews reels, with no issues. It was probably my fault as they worked well before I took them apart to clean. Not blaming Daiwa in any way. Could just be coincidence or something in their engineering that my brain just can't get. Now I don't take them apart.