Corey T

Consistent with my casting as well.

I would actually say that there is the least amount of tension when the t wing is down on the retrieve regardless of if you feed over or under. All three of my photos are with the line over the stabilizer bar. The bottom picture is a compact Steez so it definitely looks different but it is the same as far as having tension. I’m with you that ideally there would be no contact between the spool and the first guide. With that said, I’ve fed all three different models over AND then under. Either way the line is contacting something on the open and closed positions.

Zillion, Tat and Steez engages...

I agree with this. I have the Steez CT SV, Zillion SV and 2020 Tatula SV all fed over right now and will say that all three do push the line against the top part of the TWS when in casting position. With that said, I wouldn’t say there is much tension or friction at that point of contact.

So I went back and compared to my Steez CT SV and Zillion SV for comparison. The stabilizer bar is MUCH lower in both of those reels. So much so that there is no way that feeding under could be right. I’m 99% sure it is supposed to be fed over at this point. @evo2s197 also added a picture that pretty much confirms it. Crazy!

Shoot you guys are killing me here. Why is this so hard?! Lol so I’ve tried it both ways. I will say that casting is much easier when I feed it over. With that said, I don’t want to be fraying line or damaging components in any way.

Im going with this quality PI work here. Thanks garroyo130.

Haha I put myself out there with an embarrassing question and now I feel like I am getting messed with and don’t know what to think! ??‍♂️?

Thank you!

I’m supposed to feed my line OVER the stabilizer bar on my Tat SV TW... right??

What underspin is that?

That’s encouraging. I’ve been contemplating going to 20lb high viz pp super slick to an 8lb yo zuri leader for 3/16 shakey with a 7” finesse worm. I have a Steez CTSV with a Helium 3 LMH that can absolutely bomb the rig. Just trying to get the confidence to try the light braid now.

15lb is brave. Any digging issues yet? What reel are you using?

I have this year’s model (4 power) and plan on using for 3/8 Texas rigs.

Quick one: When deciding what # to use, how concerned should I be with line diameter for knot strength? Is the goal to keep the diameters relatively close or does it matter? For instance, I have 40# braid that is comparable to 10# mono. Would I want to stick closer to maybe 8-12 or would going down to 6# or up to 17# be okay?

Hi all, I really need to add a bottom contact rig to the mix and the only rod I have open is a casting Helium 4 MH Fast with a 20 Tat SV TW open. The rod is rated 1/4 to 1 ounce. I do a lot of northern Missouri and Iowa lake fishing so I’m pretty limited to largemouth bass. What would you rig up?

I picked up 2 Helium’s and a Feel N Reel this year but do not really care for cork. My plan was to fish them for a while and then switch out for Winn grips. I’ve been good with the cork so far! With that said, I still wish they had Winn grips. I’ll change eventually but don’t feel a rush.

Does anyone have any experience with Power Pro Super Slick? My uncle offered to let me spool 3 reels with 40# for free so the price is right. I'm just trying to decide if that will be in my best interest for throwing texas rigs in typically lower visibility water with sparse cover. I'm also kicking around the idea of a leader. Thanks for any thoughts or suggestions.

Just curious but are you throwing Texas hooked or wacky? In my experiences one or the other can completely change the conversation about what rod and reel you might consider using. I hear people saying they are bomb casting wacky rigs and I just can't wrap my brain around that. I'm probably just doing something wrong. ?

I've been rolling around that idea as well. I think I am going to have to dedicate to one. I'm leaning drop shot. I'm still struggling with the "why" of differences in rods. Wouldn't you want an extra fast taper either way with the hooks that are used?

Alright everyone. I have been pretty adamant that I will avoid spinning at all costs. The more I learn the more that I realize I probably just wasn’t using the right equipment. I’m going to give it one last go. Classic sales are creeping up and I have a few odds and ends to trade. I also have a budget of $300. I need something versatile as I fish out of the back of the boat and only carry 5 rods total. This will be for open water and likely won’t be fishing deeper than 20 feet. I would really like to learn to drop shot and will likely throw a ned. I have no brand loyalties but I do trust Daiwa and Shimano. I’ve had bad experiences with Lews but try not to have bias. I’m speculating that investing in a better reel (Tatula LT or Stradic?) and then getting a discontinued rod on sale might be the way to go. Share some wisdom!

That makes sense. Lower has a Steez CT SV and the upper has a 2020 Tatula SV TW. Definitely a sizable difference there. I just need some open water to get out on.

Left is a 7' MLF Kistler Helium with a Daiwa Steez CTSV (okay, that is pretty fancy by my standards) and the right is a 6'9" MHF Kistler Helium with the new 2020 Daiwa Tatula SV TW.

Okay, so probably not as fancy as the rest of you but I am excited to share and my wife doesn't want to hear it! ?