Joshua van Wyk

That's one of my favorite reels. I put it on a medium rod and it throws a weightless fluke just fine.

Tatula and Slx are both awesome reels.

Agreed. The slx reels are great and I've heard the rods are high quality too.

I never keep freshwater fish. When I go to the beach once a year I keep all the fish I catch.

My favorite jig is the swimjig that @Munkin makes in the sunfish color. Works like a charm!

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You had or have? I was under the impression that Lyme disease was for life once you had it.

Dont let the Europeans hear you say that about their carp! You'll be burned at the stake!

Not a requirement but definetly a recommendation. If you get hung up from the bank you can kiss $50 goodbye unless you're willing to go for a swim. On a boat you have a much better chance of retrieving your lure in case of a hang up.

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Check out the new Megabass Levante Shakyhead rod.

If A-Jay tells you to start knitting you start knitting.

Currently I use the spiderwire sling backpack and it works great. I carry one 3700, one 3600, and one 3500. Works pretty well, weighs around 20 pounds which isnt too bad. Overall pretty happy with it.

I want all my rod and reels to balance the way I like them to. I spend a lot of my money on fishing gear, which I worked my butt off to get. I want my combos to feel perfect in my hands.

Unless you're me, then it lasts 2 weeks top!

I agree with @TBAG, definetly try and step up to the Furies.

I doubt they are lying, everything is based off perspective. From their perspective the Slx casts farther, maybe they are more comfortable with the brake system of the Slx thus able to cast farther? Maybe they aren't setting up the Curado correctly? There are so many variables it is impossible to tell for sure. For every 1 person that says the Slx casts farther I'm sure there are 5 more who will vouch for the K. You cant make an educated decision unless you have and use both.

I prefer cork, I dont mind eva but it gets dirty really fast which drives me crazy as lm obsessed with keeping my gear in perfect condition.

I prefer my slx to my Curado as well, the slx isnt smoother and I'd give the Curado a slight edge in casting distance. But the slx just fits my hand perfectly and it's super easy to dial in. Curados are a pain to dial in.

https://www.americanlegacyfishing.com/shimano-slx-casting-rod-reel-combo.html This is likely the best rod and reel you'll get with your budget, I'd get either a 7'2 heavy or 7'5 heavy.

On a live grasshopper, I think l was 4 or 5?

From what I've felt the Ci4 is considerably smoother than the FK.

If you want to throw light lures without a problem then the Daiwa Tatula sv will be your best bet. The Curado K is a great reel but suffers a bit with anything below 3/8 oz.

A Megabass levante for $150! Man I just bought one for $170 off Ebay during the last 15% off code!

Sorry for the late reply, I didnt get a notification that you responded. Thanks for the advice! I've been Following Jeff Cavailiare for almost a year now and I actually bought his ab program, which has made a big difference. Right now I typically eat 4 meals a day every 3 or 4 hours, along with a protein shake after every workout.