matbellon3

I would use it as a 3/8-1/2 oz jig rod.

Been using it for year and a half and have had no issues with it on the reels. (I just wipe what did get on the reel around the rest of the reel) I apply when spooling and then the night before a trip. I've had it help with the memory issues on all mono and the cheaper fluorocarbons. Also like to clean rod guides with it.

As for the rod I can only speak for the Exage(7'2" MH), it is sensitive enough for bottom contact if you know what you should feel but it is not the most sensitive in the price range also does not balance well IMO. Another rod to look into is the Dobyns Fury I wouldn't say it is more sensitive but IMO it balances out better. I would suggest going to a retailer and get the rods in your hands and get what feels good to you.

According to shimano japans site the Scorpion is set to release in April and the SLX in may.

I like to tear down and service my reels at the end of every fishing season(clean everything, lube the gears, flush and relube bearings). I usually lube the level wind every 5-6 uses.

Look into to Finatic braided line. Have not tried it but it claims not to fade at all.

Left handed models will be available later in the year according to some of the Japanese tackle blogers. Shimano Japans site has the msrp as 21,000 yen (~$195) which is the same msrp as the Casitas MGL but street price on ebay and digitaka are $165 for the SLX mgl witch is $15 dollars more than the street price of the Casitas MGL

I have tried them both. The berkely is a lot more supple in the 6-15lb range. Also knot strength is musch better with the Berkeley when compared to the spiderwire (in my experience). At the price it is it wouldn't hurt to try.

They might, I got two Veritas 2.0 rods for $50 after negotiation at a local retailer a few months ago. It depends on if you can prove it was there for that long.

The Curado DC is awesome for bombing baits but it does kind of suck for skipping and short cast presentations because it takes time for the DC system to work its magic on an overrun. It does work if you have an educated thumb or the spool tension tight. In my opinion the Tatula sv is one of the best skipping reels on the market (next to the Steez) it just works so well once it is dialed in. With enough practice you could theoretically skip with any reel. So if you are looking for a dedicated skipping reel then i would suggest the Tatula sv. If you want to bomb baits more often than skip then get the Curado DC

30lb Daiwa jbraid x8 to a 15lb fluorocarbon leader if using a casting reel and 8-10lb strait fluorocarbon on spinning

I keep and eat bass sometimes on the private retention ponds I fish because the bass are on the top of the food chain(until I show up), If I and the others that fish the ponds don't keep a limited number and size of them (usually 2-4 that are under 16 inches) the bass growth gets stunted at around 14-16 inches. So at the ponds I fish keeping and eating bass is for the conservation of the ponds. On public access waters I don't keep any because there is enough people keeping their limits. I don't mind the flavor of the bass, it is mild, but i do prefer the taste of cutthroat trout from the high Unita lakes and streams.

If you can't find anywhere local to handle the reels you might want to try tackle warehouse's demo program.(https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/demoprogram.html). There is a new Antares in the JDM that will be released for sale in in April. It may be some thing to look into through shimano japan, or digitaka. Out of the options you have here in the US I would have to suggest the Steez. It is light weight, smoother than anything else I've fished, and has a broad casting weight range. (regret selling the thing)

Probably won't be till next years Japanese fishing shows though.

30 lb braid to a 12-16 lb fluorocarbon leader dependent upon the type of cover.

The Scorpion dc uses the old Curado 200i platform, while the Curado dc uses the newer Curado k platform. If you are planing to use it for bigger baits then i would get the curado dc do to it having a larger spool (so you can use larger diameter line).Also the handle on the Scorpion dc is only 84mm long while on the Curado dc it is 90mm. The braking system does have less adjustment on the Curado Dc than on the Scorpion dc (4 adjustments on the Curado vs. 3x5 on the Scorpion).

I would get Ballistic lt 2500 or go with a Tatula lt 2500 . I only own the Ballistic paired on Loomis gl3 ml. I love the reel (when compered to the older stradic Ci4) it is light weight, has a excellent drag, and so far has been quite durable and reliable.

I own the Scorpion DC7 but wish i had gotten the Metanium. If you don't wont the whine of DC then get the Scorpion (still an awesome reel.) If you want the whine then get the Metanium.

I fish from the bank and in a kayak so I don't carry much. 1. Rapala pliers 2. Kershaw Pico(decent knife, also cheap if I lose it) 3. Boomerang line snips

KVD Magic and Green Pumpkin

Just bought 2 of them a few days ago and I really like how they feel and balance also.

When using flukes I use my Dobyns Fury 733c with 12lb fluorocarbon.

Just got the Loomis E6X 854 JWR and the 812 SBR both for $140 at a local retailer. Thank you everybody for your input and advice.

I have read both good and bad reviews on the E6X I was considering only because it felt good in the hand. I will have to look at the ALX rods. Thanks for the advice.

Looking to upgrade some of my lower end rods for the upcoming season. Will be buying two rods within this price range. I'd like to get one for 3/8 oz-1/2 oz jigs. and the other for spinner baits. Have been looking at the G. Loomis E6X and the Ritual Angling rods. Just wondering what else is there. The jig rod will be paired with a Shimano Curado I and a Scorpion DC for the spinnerbaits.