Big Rick

Always with an FG Knot. I've really dialed in that knot and have never had it fail. I use Loon Knot Sense glue to seal the deal and keep things smooth. Works like a charm. I also use Tatula T-Wing reels. Those reels have a very narrow channel on the line guide and I never have an issue reeling the FG Knot into the reel. I use 30# Power Pro with 25# Shock Leader.

Not to hijack the thread here, but can you give a little insight on what you use to flush the bearings and how you polish the shaft? Also, what oil/lubricant do you go back with on the bearings? Thanks.

Do tell!

You'll get many opinions here. And that's the beauty of it. In my experience it all comes down to hooks. Treble hook baits require a softer tip with a more moderate action to prevent the fish from throwing the bait or bending the hooks out. The power of that rod is determined by the weight baits being thrown. Single hook baits can utilize a faster tip and stouter backbone. Again, weight of the bait determines rod power along with the desired hook set. Buzz baits, spinner baits, vibrating jigs, and paddle tail swim baits can usually all be fished on the same equipment with success.

JSchwartzy hasn't been on the forum since May 11, 2016. So, I doubt he will respond. However, his work lives on!

Very well said, sir. Well said.

Screaming Eagle is an awesome spinner bait. I also like the dual layered skirt that prevents the need for a trailer of any sort. I've caught a ton of fish on it and some really nice ones to boot.

Well, I was....until I wasn't. I've got a bunch of these reels in various models and years. Thanks for all the help!

One more question and I'll leave you all alone. I just received a new Tatula Elite and would like to try it as my BFS rig. Is that spool size the same as the '20-21 Tatula SV 103? Thanks again!

I have some of all of them, ha! But, the one I am wanting to try the spool on is the TWS version or the second link. So, no clue what spool size or year those are... I feel dumb.

thanks for the treasure trove of info, @bulldog1935 I have searched the web far and wide and can't seem to nail down a BFS spool for a Tatula SV103. I'll continue to dig until I do. This last bit of info will help my narrow my search, I hope. I'll look into AMO spools. Thanks again!

Thank you both for taking the time to reply. Lot's of info to digest here. Now, if I can just find the right links to insure I am buying the rights spool. The lightest bait I will throw will be 1/8 oz, if that helps.

As the title states, I am in need of education concerning a BFS spool for my SV103 reel. I've done some research, but I have never swapped out spools on reels to better dial in my desired approach. So, educate me. What is the best option to step into the BFS world without having to spend a ton of money on a backordered reel?

Hey Bird, how many Jackhammers you give away?

Mine is the incorrect use of you're and your. One is a contraction and one shows possession. I don't quite get nauseated, but it does make my eye twitch....

I have a dozen T-wing reels of various models. I use braid to leader on most of them. I use 30# PowerPro to 25# Shock Leader with an FG Knot on 2 different setups and have never had a knot hang in the T-wing. None are experiencing braid groove issues. Very pleased with the performance.

Daiwa Tatula Elite Casting Reel 100HSL 1 191.99 191.99 This is from my receipt. Hope it helps.

If you're on TW's mailing list you should have received an email today with a hyperlink starting the Black Friday discounts immediately. I've already placed my $300 order and the discounts were active. Also, I ordered a Daiwa reel and got the 20% discount. It only showed on the confirmation email. Hope this helps.

My experience with braid is that it's so limp it doesn't negatively affect my presentation, hence negating the need of a loop knot. Palomar all the way for me.

I'll be checking the Flea Market hourly, waiting with "baited" breath....

I can attest to Tackle Trap customer service. Second to none. And they do warranty work, as stated by jimmyjoe.

You misspelled @Glenn so it didn't form the hyperlink.

We've always called it coontail and it is a bass magnet! I've caught a ton of fish out of that stuff! We had an invasion of giant pennywort and the process of killing it back also killed the coontail. That was several years ago and the coontail still hasn't returned.

Those 2 statements will hijack this thread, I'm sure... I've nearly gone to all Jackhammers for my vibrating jig fishing. I'm a stout believer. And I was an even stouter critic before I bit the bullet and bought one.

Have you used the Cross-eye version? I have several and lost a couple on decent fish due to snap failure. And I was using flouro, not braid. All I got back was the straightened out snap. I upgraded the snap and solved the problem. It's kinda odd since all the other versions of Chatterbait have stouter snaps and yet the weedless version, Cross eye, cheaped out on the snap.