roadwarrior

Never "fishing", but accidents happen. :

Well, I received a STX as a gift in March 2008. I have it matched to a G. Loomis GLX MBR844C. This was my dedicated jig rig for the past sixteen months. With a little patience and practice, the STX performs on a level with high-end Shimano reels. It is strong, smooth, silent and reliant. The ergonomics are exceptional and the reel is a very beautiful piece of equipment. So, after 16 months, the brakes still suck. Although I throw a 1/2 oz jig plus trailer almost exclusively on this set-up, adjustments are required every time out, and occasionally during an outing. On the other extreme, my Shimanos are set once and always good-to-go. 8-)

Lucky Craft Flat CB D-20, 286 "Mad Craw" http://www.luckycraft.com/luckycrafthome/Products/crankbait/flatcbd20.htm I think you should try "White & Gray" too. p.s. There is ABSOLUTELY NO REASON to change out the VMC Hooks on Lucky Craft lures. 8-)

WOW!

Your bones are "Picture Perfect". Great job, fantastic pic! 8-)

Double cheeseburger, onion rings and a chocolate malt. 8-)

Check with fivebasslimit...Stradic MG on sale for $100 off MSRP! 8-)

Well...I don't know, but I own several St. Croix Avid rods, plus two Legend Elite. I HIGHLY recommend the AVC66MF for jerkbaits and topwater. 8-)

Wrong. Start with a Shimano Stradic 2500 FI and any 6 1/2' - 7' Medium Power/ Fast Action rod. Reels are what makes fishing fun. On average, the cost of my rigs are 67- 75% reel/ 1/4 to 1/3 rod. 8-)

I agree with your first statement and partially disagree with the rest. I've owned over a 1/2 doz. Abu/Garcia Ambassadeurs, in over 40 years of fishing. If they aren't a quality product, I'll eat my shirt! I've still got my first one and it still works just fine. And these reels are a far cry (cost wise) to what is purported - by popular opinion - to be the best of the baitcasting reels. I do agree that when you spend more money, you may think you are getting a better product. But when all is said & done, the Abu's will still be around a lot longer and they will cost a heck of a lot less to maintain - both in parts and labor. Best value for the buck on the market - hands down. Geez... For years the Abbadabbadoos were a standard, but for the last fifteen or twenty years, dog pooh-pooh. The Revo line is the first introduction in decades for any thing resembling a "quality" reel. Stick with Shimano: Strong, smooth, silent and reliant. 8-)

Hmm... This comes up twice a week. Here's the answer according to one of the top guides in the country: George Welcome Sebastian, Florida Why is the reel handle on the right hand side. Aug 22nd 2007 Let's get technical, as there are in fact reasons, not just some lame holdover from days past that put the handles where they are. What will move the fish during retrieval is placed to the strong hand! A baitcast is designed to be used as a winch, so it is the reel that retrieves the fish. Hence if you are right handed the handle is in your right hand. A spinning reel is designed to pick up unloaded or loose line, not retrieve the fish. Hence it is the rod that does the retrieval, so it is the rod that is in your strong hand. If you are right handed then the pole goes to the right hand. George Welcome Sebastian Florifda

Hmm..,. Might be the best smallmouth lure ever invented, but in still water, I prefer the Fat Ika. 8-)

Welcome aboard! 8-)

Welcome aboard! 8-)

Welcome aboard! 8-)

I don't know about "catching more fish", but you will have a lot more fun fishing with a better reel. 8-)

There is a thread currently running regarding "knots for braid". The Palomar Knot is a favorite. 8-)

With proper maintenance, your new reel might last a lifetime. Although I have given my reels away to friends over the years, a Stradic 2000 that I bought in 1997 is still in use and performs as well or better today than the first day out of the box. You will not be disappointed. 8-)

DG Rod Works: http://www.rod-crafting.com/index.html (David Green, The Reel Mechanic) 8-)

Welcome aboard! 8-)

Welcome aboard! 8-)

Congratulations!

Function, comfort and style go hand-in-hand, there is no need for compromise. http://thevirtualdimemuseum.blogspot.com/2009/03/urban-fisherman.html 8-)

Well, I just posted a WTB in the Flea Market. A friend that I was trout fishing with last weekend is spending a week in Canada and wanted to try out the Stella, but didn't want to pay the price ($650 MSRP). I decided to sell him one of my FBs for $300 and try to find a 2500FD for around $500. Using "Fishing Logic", that allows me to buy the brand new reel for just $200! Woo-hoo! If anyone has the Stella for sale, send me a PM. -Kent

I recently purchase a new Curado for $150. I have a few used reels that were around this price, but as far as MSRP goes, this is my least expensive reel. We'll have to see how it works out over time, but my initial impression is that it compares favorably to all my other Shimanos. My collection includes the CH50MG, Calais, Core, Metanium, CT200GT and several others. I guess I don't know exactly what I was looking for, but the Curado exceeds all of my expectations! BTW, The "Curado Green" matches up very well with the BCR854. 8-)