Nor-Cal Basser

I don't think the price of the current Tatula series will drop. The Tatula SV is simply a slightly higher end addition to the lineup. By the way, the Tatula CT is an awesome reel. Just thought I'd throw that in there.

I use Daiwa oil and Mil-Comm TW25B. TW25B is a light synthetic grease that was designed for use on M134 mini guns, but I found that it works wonderfully on reels. Regreasing every two weeks might be a bit too often, but a couple drops of oil in that time frame is fine.

Thanks for all the responses guys. This place really is an awesome wealth of knowledge. The thing is that I have plenty of casting rods. At least one to cover each technique (and then some). But I would like a spinning rod that is a bit more versatile. Would a M/F spinning rod overpower a drop shot hook beyond effective use? Drop shot is a very versatile technique in itself, so getting a rod that's made specifically for it may be the best option.

So I'm looking at picking up a good quality spinning rod for use with drop shots, but I would like to be able to use it for shaky heads and wacky rigs as well. I'm not big on spinning gear, but I do realize that it is a vital part of any bass angler's aresenal. I've been using an old Spro SP501 for drop shotting, but it's pretty darn moderate for my liking. Budget is around $150. Any suggestions? Thanks all!

Lew's are Korean, not Chinese. I have Lew's reels that are going on 3 years without issue, so I wouldn't call them throw aways. They just aren't my favorite. Daiwa and Shimano just fit what I prefer in a reel better than Lew's.

Another vote for the Cardiff. I have one that I use for throwing 8 inch Hudds and it has held up fine.

Izorline Platinum for baitcasting reels and Izorline XXX for spinning. I've had nothing but great experiences with this stuff.

I would consider bumping the budget up to $150 and getting the I Rod Bub's Punch rod. Best rod I've ever used for punching.

Went into my local tackle shop for some football jigs. Left with a Shimano Expride 7'3" XH/MF. On sale for $189.99, no tax. Pretty stoked to get it setup with a Metanium, but it'll have to wait awhile.

St. Croix Mojo Crankster. They make one in a 6'10" that would fit your needs perfectly. I have the 7'4" version and it handles nicely. Just a tad heavy, but that's the nature of glass rods. Handles big fish extremely well too.

I like the sound of that Aetos/PXL combo! That's the true definition of a finesse baitcasting combo. Bet it fishes like a dream!

Recent favorite of mine. Shimano Crucial 6' 8" M/XF paired with a Curado 71XG. Awesome little setup.

I don't classify any specific reel as a "frogging" reel. As long as it has a high speed gear ratio, it'll be just fine for frogs, among many other things. As far as moving baits, any casting reel in a 6.X:1 ratio will be just fine. It just depends on your budget. I would look towards a Shimano Curado 200i or Lews Tournament Pro. That's just my preference. A Shimano Citica or Lews Tournament MB are good options too, but remember, it's all based on what you prefer and are willing to spend.

I should spend more time fishing the KVD jerkbait. I bought a few of them on sale months ago but I haven't even opened them yet. Might have to leave the Ima Flits at home next time I go out and give the KVD a good run.

I suppose it would work, but I'd stick with braid. Eliminating stretch helps set those finicky frog hooks. Not to mention that I find braid easier to impart action with frogs.

I wouldn't chance it. When I hit the water, I'm there for one purpose: Catching fish. Cheap lures that don't run true, hooks that bend out/break, and flaky paint all keep me from doing that effectively. That's just my $0.02.

The Pflueger President is a solid reel. That would be my pick.

Good stuff. The Fury line up fishes like much more expensive rods than they are. I'm interested in the FR806 HSB.

16 lb Sunline FC Sniper. It has a small diameter for it's lb test and manages well.

Awesome! They're solid reels and I think you'll really like it.

Pretty much all of my reels are that way. My Lews, Daiwas, Shimanos, another company I can't mention, all become a bit harder to turn when I crank down on the cast control. It makes sense when you think about it. The cast control just applies pressure to the axle of the spool, so the more you tighten it the harder it will be to crank depending on how much you tension you have applied.

Sounds like you got a defect. Talk to Daiwa. If you bought it new the warranty should cover it.

It's a Daiwa thing. The retainer is color coded according to the reel's gear ratio, purple being 8.1:1. It's kind of weird, but I don't mind. It's still a phenomenal reel.

I have two 13 Fishing reels and two Curado 70s. I prefer the Curado 70 by far. It has a far more refined braking system, it's smoother, and quieter. The 13 Fishing is a decent reel, but the Curado 70 just feels nicer to me.

On a 5/16 oz Santone finesse jig. Really kicking myself for forgetting my scale on that day but I'd guess she's about a 10. Could be wrong though.