Shimano_1

All these are fine reels. I'd suggest handling them all at least before buying. My fishing buddy uses all tatulas and loves them. I've used them and much prefer my lews tournament pros and mb's. Want to try the curado k seems like a nice reel! Good luck!

I'd maybe check the shaft bearings on the 65lb. My tour 109 was hard to steer til I had those bearings replaced. One was completely seized up. Cost 70 bucks to have a shop do it. May help the steering on it. I would suggest always goin with the most thrust u can afford. Never heard anyone say they wish they had less trolling power. Good luck!

My fishing partner uses all daiwas. While I agree they are sweet reels for the money, I much prefer lews. Tournament pro g's and mb's are both excellent reels that can be had in your budget on fleabay. Lots of good options in that price range

I agree it does what it is supposed to do. It does change the look of the cork and in my experience the feel slightly. Having said that I always use it on new cork!

As said, I wouldn't buy a new reel as the one u have will do just fine. If...like a lot of us...u are looking for a reason to buy another combo then buy a faster reel for that rod and another rod for the slower reel. Good luck

If I don't lose the insert or its not damaged I've epoxies the insert back in a few rods with rod builders epoxy. If it's damaged or lost I replace the whole guide. Shouldn't be much of a job for someone with a lil know how. Good luck

I personally wouldn't throw the Ned rig on a baitcaster. That gets thrown on my spinning gear. Having said that, I have one setup I use for finesse jigs, wacky jig heads etc and I keep 10 to 12 lb seaguar red label on it. Good luck

Every reel I own came from eBay because they're 199 retail and I've bought them for 120 a piece. As stated I only order from sellers that have high volume of said reels sold and with excellent feedback. Any of these sellers accept returns and you're protected by paypal should there be and problem. Knock on wood I've never had a bad experience.

I've used lucas reel oil for a cple years. Got it free at a tournament but will buy more when needed. Used quantum hot sauce for a few years with good results but hated that it made everything red. I'd agree with dvt tho, process is more important than a particular brand.

Cabelas tournament zx rods sell for 99 and are on sale now and often for 79. My rods of choice and prefer them to much higher priced rods. Their 7' cranking rod is my go to for dt6 and square bills. Good luck

Bearing quality and placement is more important to me than amount. I tend to let reviews and reputation help steer me in the right direction. Obviously shimano, daiwa, lews all build quality reels regardless of the naysayers.

I have a young friend that loves to bass fish but doesn't make a lot of money. Basically anything I've came across that I've deemed an impulse buy that hasn't seen much use...now resides in his tackle box. Everyone is entitled to their opinion but it makes way more sense to me to see a guy use and enjoy it than see it sitting in a drawer collecting dust! Seems like something that kinda speaks of one's character. Rather than chalking it up as a waste of money i chalk it up as a contribution to our sport and to someone a little less fortunate than I! Kudos to anyone that gives to any charity simply to help people!

I agree that I'd wait til I actually needed/wanted something specific. Having said that I've become a much bigger cabelas fan and less of a basspro one in the last few years. Basspro prices seem to be so inflated. Kinda hated to see them buy cabelas but it is what it is. Both have some nice gear if you can wait on the sales!

I would say it'd be almost too much to try and prepare yourself based on others advice as we all have our own opinions. I would suggest watching everything you can on tv/Youtube. Learn what the pros do on different bodies of water in different situations. If you have any friends that are into bass fishing try to go with them as much as possible and have them show you what they can. Be open minded and go into it with the attitude that you can learn something from anyone that fishes, but you will also put your own twist on things and learn new things as you go. Good luck and enjoy your endeavors!

RIP to a true legend in our sport! Prayers and condolences to his family and friends!

As already stated, won't affect a thing other than your peace of mind. It would drive me nuts, but my dad could care less as long as it functions. If it'll bother you swap it out

Never had the Trion but the president has its reputation for a reason. Every year I consider spending some coin on a higher end reel, then I grab my presidents and think why? Smooth as silk and the 2 I have have held up beautifully for several years now. Trion may be the same tho I'd keep it and see!

That's probably not a bad idea at all. They're on sale right now for 80 bucks was considering grabbing another mysef. Good Luck

Ive got a buddy that abuses his gear and he fishes several and has had no problems. I'd say for that money fish the heck out of it and don't worry about it!

I prefer a smoking fast reel for jigs, worms etc. Any moving style bait I prefer a 6.3 no faster than a 7.1. Fish traps and square bills on a 7.1, Spinnerbaits and chatterbaits on 6.3

I've fished a lot of rods with Spinnerbaits as I live fishing them. The cabelas tournament zx spinnerbait rod is my favorite to date. Plenty of backbone but some tip in the last foot of the rod. For the money and lifetime warranty I think these rods are the real deal.

I'll back up the lews super duty..regular one or wide spool if you need more line capacity. I can't make myself use a round reel even tho I grew up with round garcia reels. May be a little over budget but if you can afford it I think it'd be worth it!

I've thrown the rig on the 7'9 zx umbrella rig/swimbait rod for a couple years now. It handles it all well. Once the rig bite slows I throw larger swimbaits on the same rod. For the sale price that can be found frequently, in my humble opinion, the zx line of rods simply cant be beat.

Hello, been a lurker for some time. Have learned quite a bit and had some enjoyable reading. I am from and currently live in eastern ky. Grew up bass fishing, got away from it for several years, found my way back a few years ago. Fish a lot of local tournaments. Looking forward to the knowledge I know I'll gain and possibly share some of my own on here!