Jay Dubs

I appreciate the tip and am surprised I haven't come across these before! I've never owned a Fenwick, but from handling them in stores they seem top notch: balanced, light and sensitive.

I've read around a lot in this forum, and another, but haven't found anything comparing the two from people that own and use both. Background is that I am limited in funds and all my gear is dying after 20+ years of service (I have a BB1NG from 1993!). I'm getting 1 spinning combo, 1 casting, and will be using them for bank fishing in Florida and Georgia. I purchased a Dobyn's Fury 703C and am looking for a "do all" reel for it. I use a lot of lighter baits so like the concept of the SV, but all reports say the CT Type R works well for them too. I've trying to figure out the differences between the Tat SV and the CT Type R. With a price difference of less than $20, am I crazy to not get a SV? If this is my ONLY reel, and I want something for maximum longevity and versatility, would a CT Type R be better? I've fished Lew's, Quantum and BPS branded reels, along with really old Daiwa and Pfluegers, but never had a Shimano. I'm open to other brands but am looking to keep the price under $150. I've seen Curados, both Tats and a Lew's Super Duty Speed Spool in that range, on sale. I'm just looking for a great "do all" that will last me a long time, as I won't have the money to replace it.

I also just scored a Fury through Dobyns. They have an upgrade program, so this was a trade in from there. Like new, 703C for $80 shipped. I'm ecstatic and now just need to decide on a baitcaster...

I just bought an Ardito in 7'0" Medium/Fast. I was able to find one for under $75 shipped, which put it $35 less than the Methods. I get the Methods is 2 rods in 1, but it seemed like they don't flex as smoothly as the Ardito, and aren't quite as sensitive. Way I see it, I am $35 closer to buying a travel casting rod!

I'm just worried that the Methods isn't as sensitive. I've heard in a couple reviews that it was disappointing in that regard, but then some others say it is good...for a travel rod.

Sadly, I need a lefty baitcaster. I've been stalking ebay for a good used Chronarch but haven't had the luck yet.

I appreciate all the advice and the President sounds like a steal at DSG! I actually have a couple of my grandfather's old Pfluegers that are probably 80 years old and still crankin' just fine. I'm torn between Daiwa, Shimano or Lews for the baitcaster. I've got a 20+ year old BB1NG that I am replacing but have never owned a Shimano. From what I have seen, I'd love to find a used Chronarch, but man do those hold their value. I guess that says a lot about Shimano. I've seen new Tatula CT Type R's down around $130 and new Tatula SVs about the same. For that price, I am leaning that way.

I have Googled my brain out, and can't find a direct comparison on these two. They both get recommended, but I want to know, which is best? Is the Ardito more sensitive? Does the versatility of the Methods make it the better travel rod? I really want to hear from people that have used both, if possible. Thanks!

I like the Shimano, but saw a Quantum PT Energy in 2500 for sale at Gander for $84, after discount. Since I was looking at $100 reels, a $140 reel at $84 sounds appealing. I'm also looking at the Daiwa BG and Shimano Nasci.

I went to my BPS to look at reels by Daiwa, Lew's and Shimano. They had the Citica and Curado, a slew of Lew's, and the full Abu Revos line. Tons of the house brand, of course. They did have a few Daiwa spinning reels, but considering the following that the Tatula line has, not seeing it at BPS was a shocker. It seems they aren't the company that I remember ordering out of the catalog from, when I was young. Agreed that you can't get any advice or knowledge from the staff. I love the tips and knowledge from staff, and always buy products as a thanks. It just seems the store doesn't hire people that love hunting, camping or fishing, which makes no sense to me. Thank God for the forums where people can get to talk to those in the know.

Hello all! I've been fishing my whole life, but at 41, most of my gear is more than half my age and is ready to be replaced. As money is not only an object, but one I have little of, I want to build the perfect spinning and casting combo to cover as many situations as possible. I live in Florida, and don't own a boat, so shore fish rivers and smaller lakes. I also want the spinning combo to be a travel rod, as I backpack a good bit, and love lakes that have no access and require a good few miles of hiking to get to. I am hoping to keep the grand damage for both combos around $400, and have gear that will last a long while like the gear I am replacing. I was thinking a 2500 size inshore spinning reel, as I do some fishing on the inter-coastal, beaches and piers, paired with a Daiwa Ardito or Fenwich Methods. I like the idea of being able to have multiple setups, but I don't want to sacrifice sensitivity either. Reviews of both rods seem solid. For the casting, I am looking at a Tatula CT Type R or Tatula SV paired with a 7' MH rod. I've heard great things about Dobyn's Fury, Powells and the Aaron's Edge rods, which I can snag for around $100. I do a lot of fishing with bottom contact baits so want something sensitive. While my old reels are dead, I do have a good crankbait rod that I plan on keeping in service. Any thoughts, reviews and tips of where and how to save cash is appreciated. I'm also open to buying used and looking at some Shimano Cumara rods, although it seems like the newer ones have some quality control issues, which makes me nervous on buying them used. Thanks!