Eric 26

Don’t ask why, just be happy you found the deal ?

Sorry added on to my previous content. If it were me and I’m not telling anyone how to spend their money I’d save the $50.00 and learn to speed up my retrieve or buy the 8 speed and do what bulldog suggested, which he will explain why to you if you ask him nicely I’m sure?

Is it 6.3:1 vs 7.3:1 or 8.?:1 ? There is going to be a slightly larger difference between 6 vs 8 speed. You’re talking 26” vs 34”.

This is truly a shame.

Hit the nail on the head ?

Check out the Piscifun Carbon X,I have both a 1000 & 2000 size. A tad heavier than you’re looking for but under $100.00 with braid ready spools and as for line capacity I think the website is a bit on the low end although I don’t exactly measure how much line when I’m spooling mine. Check *** for a review and I think you’ll be surprised if you try one out. PM me if you want the site review.

I’m going to add a BPS Carbonlite 2.0 reel to my suggestions either alone or paired with the matching rod. The reel comes in a good selection of speeds including a 7.5:1 (right hand only) and has a dual braking system. The bonus is the reel is colored white as is the matching rod or the rod you’re interested in. Search magnetic vs centrifugal brakes on here and see why it’s nice to have both. Also their seems to be a Bass Pro Shop within reach of most everyone so you can put the combos in your hands and if not they offer great customer service and warranties. Also they usually have a Fuego and several Tatulas on display to handle in case you need to order and wait. Lastly try checking your local tackle shops although not usually the lowest prices the knowledge is worth it’s weight in gold.

I second the recommendation for the standard SLX, or purchase a Daiwa Fuego or anything in the Tatula lineup. Daiwa has the easiest and imho most versatile braking system around. Plus there is a Tatula to fit quite a few price points and lure applications from light (finesse) to swim bait (ex.heavy).

Nice find. I’d say you’re going to see one happy 10 year old who hopefully gets hooked for life??

Sending wishes for a full and strong recovery??

I will say although I’ve never used/owned that particular reel, handling it in store it is built far better than my two.

As I’ve stated in other posts I own a couple cheap reels, 2 bait casters being a Kast king royal legend 2 and a Piscifun Spark. I only fish retention ponds in and around my neighborhood, hoping to expand now that the kids are older if I could just stop having to go to that pesky thing called work ? The ponds I fish don’t offer 5+ pounders but mere 1/2 to 1 1/2 pounders with the above average throughout the year. In my humble opinion for the $35.00 shipped to the door if they last 2 years I’m a happy man, I certainly enjoy my Shimano SLX & Daiwa Tatulas but I feel there is a time and place for all my equipment. With that said I wouldn’t sell 1 Daiwa for 10 cheap reels.

Thank you for your service to our country.

Although I’m not familiar with Kast king spinning reels, I purchased a royal legend 2 baitcast reel from them and have been using it for 2 years with no issues. I will say I’m using it in ponds that yield mostly dinks with the occasional 2-3 pound bass but as long as your not targeting 5 pound plus bass your gift should provide years of adequate service. I’ll also recommend the ugly stick as well, although never owning one their reputation for being indestructible should again provide years of usage. Also I own 4 Piscifun reels and would recommend them also. They have a reel called viper X in spinning that’s in your price range when you subscribe on their website it gets you 15% off your order. Good luck and happy shopping.

I currently use a 5 speed reel on a 6’-10” rod with smaller square bills and have good luck with this setup.

I also looked at the Pro Qualifier 2 (blue accents)$50.00 on sale but was also told it was not built to the same specs as the sliver with gold accented one by a sales associate. I bought a Tatula CT instead, although I still like my BPS Carbonlite 2.0 combo.

Thank you for the clarification, sounds like you’re enjoying yours as much as I am mine. I have to ask what brand rod is that on the top in the picture?

As I’m sitting here thinking about it I also own and love my Piscifun Saex Elite bait cast reel, which is the exact same reel as the Ardent Elite casting reel with the addition of centrifugal brakes on the Piscifun and being red/black colors vs blue/black on Ardent. I purchased that reel I believe 5 years ago on Piscifun’s website for around $110.00 including a “spare” bfs spool shipped to my door. The reel is still available on Ali Express for $85.00 vs the Ardent for $149.99 at Cabelas. A real bargain in my opinion.

Although I’ve never verified the above comment I have seen others comment reflecting the same sentiment. I read somewhere and I’ll be damned if I can find the comment anywhere that the Piscifun Carbon X of which I own 2, are made in the same facility as the Daiwa Tatula spinning reels. I also bought a BPS carbonlite 2.0 3 years ago and I’m still loving that Doyo produced reel.

I’m sorry for laughing but the picture you painted with your words made me laugh out loud. Hoping you figure out a solution as it is a beautiful looking lure. Good Luck ??

Sorry I have no answers ? but I’m wondering the same thing and if the spool is interchangeable. I’ve had mine for 2 seasons and feel it is better built compared to the new one I felt in store. Not sure how to describe it other than the old one feels tighter.

My preference would be to put it between the split grips. I use rod socks and hate having trebles getting hooked on them. I have two full cork handles and plan on putting them as low on the rod as possible for the same reason as above.

I’m going with Daiwa although I own different brands including the aforementioned Shimano slx i really like my Daiwas from my CA80 to my recently purchased Tatula 100.

If you’re going to have a problem this a good one to have. These are some beautiful setups you have there.

Thanks for the suggestions guys? If memory serves me correctly there was/is a tangerine colored monofilament on the market I’m going to try to chase down. Bulldog I’m still holding off but I’m not sure how much longer on the Tica reel, every time you post a picture of yours the bait monkey whispers in my ear ? I’ll have to find some time to browse that Daiwa site as I have a couple Tatulas I wouldn’t mind customizing.