Scrapiron

That sure is a beaut of a personal order! Here’s an Ito out for some bank fishing.

Hmm.. tell us more- what model# and pics. That is a testament to a good design as well as material durability and craftsmanship. Perhaps similar to a Calcutta/conquest.. or a TDZ or ‘Greenie’ at least what I’ve read.

I went and pulled the trigger on my bucket list reel- Daiwa TD Ito 103M. Actually two! One to fish with and one stock to...oh heck, probably use. For whatever reason I’ve always wanted a TD Ito. Though my Steez A TW palms better, is smoother, and is probably overall a better reel... I bet I’ll catch more fish with the Ito. ?

I've gone down to three spinning and two baitcasters to go with 5 BC* rods and three spinning rods. I typically take 1 -3 rods out on the boat or kayak, so it's been good to step up the quality of the gear. I do have 8 BC spools that have different line on them, so that helps. *a couple of baitcasters have sentimental value

Some good reviews out there on other forums of the YGK line (braid/FC). I’d like to get some to try out- interesting concept. I used Sunline Castaway (braid/mono line) for inshore fishing on spinning setups and it did wonderfully this past fall.

Nice! My Walmart’s fishing section just plain sucks. All of the ones around me- and it’s getting worse. More and more junk. Used to have a few Falcon rods- now just cheap stuff.

Q&S and I have disagreed in the past on Kistler, but we’re on the same page on this. For $350 the blank improvements may be justified, but the rod components and finishing need to be upped to remain competitive in the market.

Well, I've got a few NFC Kistlers across his rod families and enjoy them all. My father-in-law has a few pre-NFC Kistlers and they're fine as well. Okay, maybe the Magnesium is a little tip heavy but the LTA is still outstanding. Interested to see what Trey has up his proverbial sleeve. I sure do enjoy those X-ray blanks though.

I use 12# Tatsu with my M rod and lures and 15# Tatsu with my MH. Started using FC late this year after many years of broad to FC. Jury’s still out for me on a decision. I do like Tatsu better than Sniper or Invisx.

I got the aluminum Kast King free standing one and it’s about as perfect as can be- without spending a ton of $.

Getting ready for a fishing trip. Newly spooled Sunline SaltiMate Castaway PE in 25#. About the same diameter of Sufix 832 10#.

I’ve gone through I don’t know how many M and ML spinning rods to figure out what works best for me. Right now I’ve cheated and use a Steez AGS 76MML. ? But I’m in the ML camp- just find that action suits the presentations I fish in the waters I visit. and this is so true from Fishes in Trees: ”You can buy fishing gear. You can't buy fishing time.”

I did the same recently- try Fluro after being a braid to leader guy. So far I’m enjoying the switch. Bit the bullet and went with Tatsu- 15# on on rod and 8# on another (both baitcasters). Use spray/lube before each trip and have only had one over-run which was my fault (not paying attention). I’ve got some 16# Sniper but find the Tatsu more manageable.

From Saltstrong on how to reduce wind knots- https://www.saltstrong.com/articles/how-to-prevent-wind-knots-on-spinning-reels/

I’m talking about (And have) the 2019 Zbones with the NFC X-ray blank.

I've fished NRX and GLX (but no Conquests) as well as Zbones. Sold all my Loomis rods and have about 5 Zbones (and HE3 and Mag2 rods). Super sensitive and fit my style of fishing. IMHO, the Med/Mod Fast casting rod is fantastic. But I'm sure piqued by the Conquests. Would love to try an 842s or 843c. OR maybe I shouldn't. Gotta get off the merry-go-round. There is a thread over on TT where someone took a Conquest, made it a split grip and replaced the guides with smaller ones. His opinion was that it took it to another level. Brave man indeed. I kinda thought, hmmm, sounds like a Zbone now.?

I’ve used Kistler H3 & Zbones; MB Orochi and Destroyer lines. Build quality and style points to MB for sure. Overall “fish-ability” goes to Kistler. Those rods flat out fish better IMHO. I’ve kept my Kistlers. And yeah the Zbones are more $ than a US Destroyer, but I’d rate them higher than the MB X7 Destroyer line (at least the ones I’ve fished). All rods mentioned are solid- you’ll catch fish on all of them and enjoy the rod if you do your part. We’re probably getting down to personal preferences...

That would be a great rod to get- and versatile enough to do other presentations as well. Important in a kayak sine space is limited. Well unless you’re the type to bring 8-12 rods.? I think there’s a 25% sale right now.

The Kistler H3 LMH/Fast rod is one of the most versatile ones I've used. Hope y'all enjoy it as much as I have. The Mag2 LMH/Mod Fast is also darn good- the 6'8" is my topwater rod.

I've been using braid with with either a mono or FC leader for the last few years. Spooled up some Tatsu this past weekend on a baitcaster and wow- long smooth casts; quiet. I think I'm going to try FC for my baitcasters. May get some Gamma or Shooter 12# for larger bottom contact and use the Tatsu 8# for small cranks, chatterbaits, jigs, etc. I'll probably stick with braid/leader on my spinning setups- tried FC and bleh. Of course I may try again- maybe use a swivel.

Talk to me about salt water use and backing. I’ve always wondered what the ‘best’ backing would be. Right now I either spool it up with all braid or use 16# Ande mono as a backing. This is either 10# or 20# Sufix 832. All spinning gear.

Another vote for the Steez A- rock solid platform.

Our Bass Pro in NC carries a food selection of their rods- maybe check the BPS site.

I had an Avid X Medium Light/XFast, then a NRX 852s, then an Addermine. Currently using a 2019 Zbone ML/ModFast for drop shot and it's great. The HE3 in the right action/taper would be a good candidate as well, but the NRX would be my second choice. To be fair, the 852s wasn't the 'right' rod for this technique and the 822 would have certainly been better.

The St.Croix Legend Tournament (current and last version)- I just could not get used the the handles with spinning reels- whether a Shimano or Daiwa reel. I felt the similar way on the Avid X- wasn't as bad, but just couldn't get comfortable. For being long in the tooth, that Fuji DPS handle just works and disappears in my hand.