Big-Bass

Well said...

My favorite reels to fish were manufactured between 2000 and 2015. The Daiwa SV103 series (from 2015 to 2017 based on the OG Zillion) are perhaps the best reels made in that time frame.

Thanks everyone. That was an old post. Much appreciated for the info.

Gorgeous! This is going to be great! I can attest to his work as an owner of one of his tuned 2500CIAR reels.

St. Croix Blass Bass Spinning RIS73MXF Review Specs: 7'3" Extra Fast 6-20lb. line 3/16-1/2oz. lure rating Aesthetics: The rod has a very nice black EVA newer style (longer foregrip) handle (which I much prefer), excellent locking nut, clean looking build with gray/silver painted black, clean wraps, guides all straight, etc. Power: This rod was chosen to fish goby style swimbaits/3-4" boot tail baits with 1/4-1/2oz. Ned heads, and heavier drop shot (if needed as a power shot rod) for large Smallmouth in the Great Lakes region and lakes mostly in New York. It fits the bill perfectly. It is more than capable of casting up to 3/4oz. without an issue. Sticking 5+lb. Smallmouth at longer distance casts swimming a bait over flats and rocky points and keeping them on was no hassle with the rod. It is paired with a Daiwa 4000C-XH reel using Daiwa J-Braid Grand 15lb. line with an 8 or 10lb. fluorocarbon leader. Sensitivity: This rod was surprisingly sensitive to me. Essentially, after speaking to someone at St. Croix over the phone, there is a negligible difference in sensitivity from the Victory line but a bit more notice in weight. This is true as my fishing partner has both rods in the same length/rating and I had the opportunity to test both. The SCIII in the Black Bass does a great job. The SCIII+ in the Victory is excellent as well but I actually feel that rod is a bit softer and less powerful for the same applications. There is NOTHING wrong with that rod and it is EXCELLENT, but for the techniques I was using the Black Bass for, the $50 difference in price was why I chose it. I was able to test both the Black Bass and Victory 7'3" MXF in the yard as well. Same reel size, same braid diameter, same length leader, and casting weight. Having my fishing partner hold the line at the same length at the end and lightly striking, you can see the Black Bass is actually a faster, more powerful tip. The Victory is noticeably lighter in weight. It really does come down to weight, cork vs. EVA, and location of manufacturing for some. I got my rod for under $100 from Bass Pro/Cabela's with gift cards I had. Conclusion: This is an excellent rod and very similar in sensitivity to my Megabass Levante rods. It is an excellent more budget friendly rod than the Victory which is also a truly excellent line of rods. Highly recommended and I think they will sell the heck out of this series. Thanks for reading and best wishes on the water!

Does anyone have a comparison between these two rods? Victory is SCIII+ and Black Bass is SCIII. Thoughts for the price compared to others and any reviews? Thanks and best wishes on the water!

My favorite all time Daiwa reel made. I own 11. 6 in 7.9:1 and 5 in 6.3:1. Nice score!

Abu round reels are produced in Sweden not Switzerland (Swiss). There are a few models made in China but production in Sweden stands to cease in 2025. Pure Fishing in just sold to China with distribution heading to Poland. Abu 2500C reels debuted in 1976 in the catalogs but 1975 in the foot numbers. 4500C reels debuted in late 1976 with the majority of reels having foot numbers from 1977 so forth. If you can't see the customizing of these smaller Ambassadeur reels than perhaps you haven't looked into modifications to one of the most popular platforms that exists on earth for BFS and finesse techniques.

These sell for high dollars these days on auction websites. They are really nice rods. I bought one not too long ago for $100 in excellent condition and sold it for about $300.

Thank you. Was looking at an Expride...

Does Shimano work in the TW sale after you check out?

Such a great fish! Congratulations!

Thank you. The 6'10" ML spinning rod with a Zenon X spinning reel is what I am looking at. The rod can be had for $179.99 and the reel for $120. Most of my spinning rods are Megabass Levante or Daiwa Kage rods so I was wondering how this would compare.

Can anyone provide some feedback on the sensitivity of the Abu Garcia Fantasista X rods compared to other brands in a similar price point? Any stand out models in the series? Thank you for your help and best wishes on the water!

Ito Laker is really nice too!

Looks awesome!

I bet this will be nice!

I guess I would consider myself an old-timer on here. I don't post much anymore but I read. I used to sell reels on the flea market but can't access it anymore which is too bad. Still a great site.

Beautiful reels and stunning work!

I have the Randy Howell full grip version of the TE rod and I love it! I bought a second one when TTT was originally shutting down as a backup. Such a versatile rod! Big spinnerbaits, chatters, big cranks, and EXCELLENT with a Whopper Plopper 110. Nice additions you have there. Happy New Year and best wishes on the water!

I use it on a Ned rig as well but I also use a flatworm as a jig trailer and cut the rubber skirt back on the jig. 3/8 - 1/2oz. jig scaled back with a flatworm trailer is dynamite! Tail floats up a little, it's subtle, finessey, and straight up catches fish. It actually looks a lot like a real goby with the big head and tapered body.

I have purchased many handles from that site. Which specific one are you referring to? Most of my CF handles have come from there including knobs that are as nice as many Daiwa upgraded ones. It just takes a while to get to your door but that's okay for me. 44 degrees here this morning!

Stunning reel.

The Pixy is a different reel from the Sol. It is more finesse oriented. Many used to make their Pixy into a "Pixzilla" reel with upgrades even from the TD-Z. Thanks and I hope this helps.

What rods are they going on?