CaptPete

Thanks! I have absolutely zero experience with Shimano other than holding a few in store, the Compre seems to be pretty high on the list right now.

Hey Guys, I'm not much of a spinning guy, and most of my knowledge/experience is in the $200-300 range rods. My girlfriend broke her Medium spinning rod this weekend, and has some rather odd requests in the "new" one. I'm hoping to stay under $150, preferably around $100. Heres what she wants: 1)Full Cork handle 2) Medium power, fast action (senko's, grubs, small keitechs, etc, most small jig heads and weightless senkos) (she's likely to throw some jerk baits on it too) 3) 6'10" -7' ideally 4) She wants the hook keeper on top of the rod (like my Helium 3's, Not like a fenwick where the keeper is right at the real seat) the hook keeper isn't a complete show stopper... but thats what she wants... She is not brand loyal AT ALL!! and I'm all for trying a new brand. it will have a 2500 sized reel (Diawa Exceller), and 10-15 lb braid to leader on it. Options I've found: Shimano Compre Shimano Convergence St Croix Premier Fenwick HMG (she has one in Heavy/Fast and hated the hook keeper, which has since been removed and replaced by an aftermarket option, loves the rod otherwise) Any others I'm missing? Full handles seem fairly hard to come by in the more budget rods... she doesn't need or want a Dobyns Extreme..

Perch: cool! I went out the past two nights, headed out again tonight. Water temps around here seem to be ranging from mid 40's to some of the smaller waters/shallow coves having 51-52* water. Past few days have been warm, so I expect 55+ very soon. caught quite a few males right next to bedding areas last night, big girls still lingering a bit deeper

totally forgot to update this. Ice is gone been busy between boat prep and fishing. Went out today water temps are coming up rapidly, it's that time

To a degree I think he's correct, specially with casting reels. I know I instantly became way more adept at light lures and longer casts moving from a BPS pro qualifier to a Daiwa Tatula CT. That move made major improvements in casting performance/consistency for me. I've since purchased higher end reels... and there are diminishing returns there imo...

I'll do a drive by tomorrow and give an update, but I suspect most are accessible now. Or atleast theres enough options open :wink:

I've found the rear treble hook on whopper ploppers to be more trouble than it's worth. The way fish "hit" them, they almost always get the belly hook... the rear hook usually catches them in the eye or gills... specially on the 90 size. I remove the rear treble on mine, and have not noticed any different action or a loss in hookups...

Update as of 1pm EST 3/27/18: Swinging Bridge: Water level is low, good 2" of ice at the ramp, obviously some thin ice in places, but no open water readily seen Superior: Thin ice, 1" or so at the ramp, no open water Toronto: Some open water, presumably due to releasing water (I didn't get a chance to check the ramp, ran out of time, but it looked to be iced over from my long distance view) White: Some open water, but not near the ramp, still some 1.5"+ ice Highland lake: Open water! (This lake is private but you can pay to launch at Sand Beach, not sure if they are technically open yet though...) several other small private waters are open as well...

Shore access: oof... I'm the wrong guy to ask about shore access. You're right about only small public access areas around here, limits shore access for sure. Have you tried Bashakill Marsh? it was fishable a few weeks ago, I bet it still is too, due to current. The northwest side is the place to be. Theres trails along the water there. few holes you can get to easily. All public access. Or the Delaware river is accessible now too, on the NY side atleast, still lots of ice in areas on the PA side. As for as Superior and swinging bridge, no problems, I keep an eye on those two normally. I'll PM

I can't give you exact dates... But I live in sullivan county, and can gladly give water/ice reports. Just let me know what bodies of water you're most interested in. I try to keep an eye on several many have ice right now, some do not(or its quite thin). Also bear in mind some of the lakes are closed to fishing at the moment. (Eagle habitat) still in winter mode for the most part

I was in the same boat, I just received my ML Helium 3 today, balances and feels great. Kistler even called to confirm my order. I can't comment on how it fishes, but I'm excited to try it out. First impressions are very good.

price: I guess thats the question: how much do I need to spend to get a reel as "nice" as a SV103, but lighter weight and smaller. The Zillion SV TW is my big question. Does it fit the bill? Or is the made in Japan SV103 superior to the Zillion? If so, I think I'd like to try a steez.... but if I can save money, quite a bit here... the zillion has my eye. even at $350 for the Steez SV, the Zillion SV TW's can be found around $230 or less. Thats a big price jump. I'm not sure how much the t-wing is worth to me, but it seems like that costs $150 more in the steez line(while the SV only options last) right now. I can't seem to find any real differences between the steez SV and SV TW, other than the t-wing, anyone know if there are are further differences?

Hey Guys, New here, but have been lurking for a while. I'm in the market for another casting reel. It will go on a Dobyns extreme HP 744. I use it to throw 3/8-1/2oz jigs. I currently have Tatula CT's and a couple SV103's. With the lack of SV103's now, I'd like to step up a bit. I'm considering a Zillion SV TW, Steez SV, Steez SV TW. Goals: I'd like a reel thats as solid/smooth as my SV103's, but smaller and lighter. (I like how my tatulas palm better than how the sv103's do). Do I need to forget the Zillion SV TW? and move up to the Steez offerings? Any other reels I maybe forgetting(I'm not married to Daiwa, but I love the SV reels)? I'm "ok" spending the money on a new steez, but I'd rather spend less if I can achieve my goals. Will the Zillion SV TW feel lacking compared to my SV103's ? I can't seem to find any major changes between the steez sv and steez sv tw, other than the t wing, anything I'm missing there? No local (or even remotely local) stores carry zillion or higher-end reels near me.... Thanks for the input!