AmSO4

Nice deal on the '19. Based on your comments I will go for the '12. I have never tried the Steez SV. I have a few to the Tat TW SV and I use them for skipping, pitching and roll casting jigs mostly. I find the Shimanos cast longer and feel nicer for other things, but I am comparing higher end Shimano to lower end Daiwa. The Daiwa brakes definitely are more forgiving, doing short range jig work.

Funny you mention that. A reel (Aldebaren) I bought used from Japan had some line on it and I fished with it. I thought, wow this reel is so smooth. I took the line off since I did not know for sure what I had, and I spooled up with Sniper and it lost some of the smoothness it had. I should get some of the Defier and see if it gets super smooth again. I did not know line could make such a difference. Also, what is the reel second from the left?

Thanks for the information. I was thinking about getting one off Ebay. There are some brand new 5.6:1 leftys going for auction that look interesting. I already have SLX MGL, Chronarch MGL, Bantam MGL, SLX DC, Curado DC, Scorpion DC, Engetsu, Aldebaren 51 and Aldebaren BFS, and a new Metanium on order. But no Antares. So far my favorite reels are the Bantam and the Aldebaren 51. Not sure why I would want a 7.8oz 5.6:1 reel other than its an Antares and want to see what its like. Maybe for 10XDs or something. If I can get a new on for under $300 it may be worth it to give it a whirl.

So how do you like the 2012 Antares? Have you had a chance to fish it?

My attitude has changed. I get an idea for a way I want to fish for the day. I pick out 5 or 10 rods from my collection and tie on some rigs and go out. I fish the techniques as I had planned. If I don't catch any fish, so be it. All I can do is control myself and what I do. I have no control over whether the fish bite my offering. If I come home safely with my rods and boat intact, I am happy. I have good rods and reels, I have 3 15" Solix and a 360, a nice boat and usually pack a snack. All the things that I have control over are good. I am happy and satisfied to be lucky enough to go fishing 3-4 times per week. If I worried about something I cannot control, I would not be happy.

I had a 24V Torqeedo Cruise 2.0 and it runs a 16' boat about 6mph. If you use 2 100Ah lithiums you have a range of 20 miles depending on max speed. A Torqueedo 10.0 will go about 13 mph. A Torqeedo 4.0 about 7-8. 10.0 and 4.0 are 48V. Other options are Ray Electrics and Elco. Also, once you get a boat up over 6-7 mph, hull shape begins to make a big impact A square flat bow is better than a V hull. Less bow wave. Once you get over 9 mph, move weight back in boat. Below 8 you want the bow lower than back. It all has to do with the bow wave, Seems unintuitive, but it just works that way.

I got this from ebay seller Asian Portal. Nice reel, I had to put a little grease to quiet the brakes, but not a bad cheap alternative to Aldebaren when you don't need to be super lightweight. I am using it on a new Dobyns Xtasy 754 for finesse jigs. Shimano 19 SLX MGL 71XG (left handle) From Japan ( 133193903806 ) Delivered on Mar 26, 2020 Tracking number: ITEM PRICE: US $129.42

I have been on the lookout for some used JDM Shimano reels on Ebay. I have noticed some reels selling used have been modified and am curious. I have seen an Aldebaren 51 with 3 white brakes and one red. What is the difference between red and white shoes other than color. Why would someone do this other than they lost one and had a different color one handy? I have seen a Scorpion 71 with only 2 shoes present and 2 shoes missing. Is there a reason to do this for performance or weight?

Digitaka having a sale. Picked up a MajorCraft Days 69MH casting rod during the last sale. Amazingly light blank and sensitive for $120. Perfect for skipping worms and finesse jigs.

Not exactly what I was trying to say. I use the torch to remove lead if there is too much weight. I use lead wire to add weight. I use thin wire and wrap tightly and normally I don't need superglue. Heating lead wire on hook will not work. It will just drop off.

They have the new Legend Xtreme Casting Rod 7' - Medium/Fast for $504. Tempting.

I have never used Platt and their shipping options unfamiliar to me. Which option is best? Cost and Speed? Any Ideas. I normally buy from Digitaka and it takes only a few days and its included. Need to learn more about Platt shipping.

I have a cheap mini torch I use to melt of a little lead to get the weight I want. I use lead wire to add weight.

I just looked at getting the Metanium handle at Tackle Trap, but it was Sold Out. I found it for cheaper at Shimano Parts https://fishshop.shimano.com/products/bnt4828 and they gave free shipping so it was only about $33. I find the Aldebaren handle too small also.

I have had some good luck with these. https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Decoy_Cover_Finesse_HD_Worm_220/descpage-DW220.html Decoy Cover Finesse HD Worm 220 I also tie my own with mono looped from the eye to the hoop point. This way I can use any kind of hook and make it weedless.

Are there any shallow spool or other lightweight spool options for the K? I checked ebay and did not find anything.

I just got a new '20 2500S Luvius and I cannot imagine needing anything smoother. Daiwa is putting more of the good stuff in their lower priced reels.

Just picked up Tat Elite AGS MH casting for $237. Always wanted to try the AGS guides. Thanks for the heads up.

That is a great idea. I will remember to write the length on the tube. I will also consider paying for insurance if I am sending an expensive rod. Also, my experience is that all 3 of the broken rods I received were all USPS. One had been insured and I had to hold the broken rod and tube and after 2 weeks take it to the PO for inspection and they kept it. I wonder if the seller ever got reimbursed for destroying the rod.

I just received my DRX-754C order the first day of the sale directly from Dobyns. The packaging in the shipping tube was the absolute best I have ever seen. Better than direct from Loomis/Shimano, or TW. Over the last year I have had 3 rods broken during shipping. No chance with this one.

Anybody have an Edge rod that they care to comment. I am between an Edge, Expride or something else. I want something very sensitive. I have an expride and really like it. I just don't know how it compares to the Edge. Is it one the most sensitive rods available? If not what is?

I decided to go the Okeechobee. This is my first real guided fishing trip and this option was very easy to set up. I am going to the Roland Martin marina and going out with a guide for 2 days right after Christmas. I guess most out of towners fishing Okeechobee are pushed toward live shiner fishing. I have heard that shiners are $20/doz and expect to use 6+ doz on an 8 hr trip. That seems ridiculous to me, but I don't really know. The guide that I selected does mostly artificial, but will offer shiner fishing if we want to do it. He said we will fish grassy area in shallow water. I think the next trip in a couple of months will be Toledo bend or Sam Rayburn.

I am looking for some ideas for a good lake/location to go bass fishing over the Christmas Holiday this year. I live in Maryland and am looking to fish someplace else that has some really nice bass and will provide me some new experiences with bass fishing techniques. I looked at the top fishing Lakes in the US and see lots of lakes, but I am not sure where to go in late December. I was thinking that Florida or Texas might be best. At this point I am looking for some help and ideas from folks that live near or have done similar trips this time of year. I would be hiring a guide service, so having that is important also. Any Thoughts?