Eric 26

I recently (Tuesday) purchased this rod after keeping an eye on my local Wal Mart for several months. I have the first generation Lews carbon fire rod in this exact length (6’-10”) and when I saw this version I knew I had to have it for my Daiwa CA80 as I’m a sucker for the perfect color match.

For around or under $50.00 I purchased a Lews Hank Parker casting rod at my local Wal Mart, the Lews is available in 6’-10” or 7’-0” and is pretty much the same as the Lews carbon fire rod at Dicks sporting goods where they carry a few additional lengths including a 7’-3” heavy power fast action that would fit your needs.

Although they’re 7.8 oz you can try the Piscifun carbon x. I own both the 2000 and 1000 and I feel they’re both a half size larger meaning the 1000 feels like a 1500 and the 2000 feels like a 2500. I’m not claiming this to be true but they are supposed to be built alongside the Daiwa Tatula LT. They’re $75.99 but you can always find a discount code including their website offering 10% off.

I’ve had this exact rod the past 2 seasons and I’ve mentioned on another post I find it perfect for lipless crank baits. With that said I’ve used it for up to 1/2 oz spinner baits without a trailer and really like it for them also. Just make sure to stay in the listed weight range including trailer and you should be good to go for spinner baits or chatterbaits.

Where are you finding the “Kage” frog rod? Even when I search Daiwa’s website I see no mention of the Kage frog rod,I see Tatula’s but no Kage. I’m currently using a Lews 7’-3”” Carbon Fire but it really has no tip action like a frog rod should. I’m going to try to hit my local tackle shop in the next week or two as they carry a wide array of rods.

I’m glad to hear you were able to pick one up. I think it will compliment your collection quite nicely.

I went to BPS this week (last day of spring classic) to take advantage of the rod & reel trade in plus I had a gift card from Christmas. I thought some of the prices and even sale prices seemed a little high but then I checked Dicks sporting goods website and noticed their spring sale prices are also pretty high compared to past 2-3 years. I’ll purchase my lure/ terminal tackle products at one of my local tackle shops instead.

I’m glad it’s not just me, there pb&j colored spinnerbaits for $1.00 were my go to last year.

My favorite panfish lures are 1/16 oz road runner heads with 1”-3” Berkeley gulp alive minnows or any panfish sized jig head same gulp minnow with a bobber, toss it just past any weed line and you’ll get a panfish . Glad to hear Bass Pro is working with you.

Although this doesn’t help the OP I’m glad to read these comments as I purchased a TCS and received an EVX for Christmas purchased on TW’s Black Friday sale and can’t wait to use them this season.

First off don’t get discouraged very few people would say they were naturals and most not all probably had some type of mentor help them in the beginning ( my older brother in my case)which it sounds like you don’t. Try researching videos on this forum as Glenn puts out really helpful videos, also search Debo’s fishing on you tube as they both have beginners tips videos. Lastly if you have a local tackle shop in reasonable proximity visit them and pay them to spool your reel my suggestion would be Trilene xl monofilament, cheap but very effective and being professionally installed will make a difference. If no tackle shop nearby not sure of your age but maybe your high school has a bass club and you can ask for help from the coach or a member. Lastly don’t give up this will be a learning experience if you stick with it on a lifelong adventure called fishing. Good Luck and hoping it works out for you.

First off look up “beginner crank bait questions” asked a couple of hours ago. If none of those options appeal to you I’m using a Revo X in 5.4:1 and a Kast King royal legend 2 in 5.3:1 because they were the only low ratio left handed models I could find. Revo right at $99.00 Kast King under $40.00 shipped to the house. Would not recommend the KK for anything other than small/ medium cranks and bass?

I agree with this, I fish crank baits with a Revo X and a Kast King both have magnetic brakes. But owning a few Tatulas & a SLX I can say I prefer the Magforce Z braking system.

That’s a good looking reel. Also what rod did you put it on?

Welcome, hoping you learn as much as I have in my short time here? You sir are a good man? In the famous words of Da Coach GO BEARS!!!!!!

All rods & reels they carry in store are eligible for trade in. Thing is they may not carry the model you’re looking for.

I believe that series was the extreme. I bought the bionic blades just one level below on the modulus rating, still use the 2 I bought to this day. I purchased a carbonlite 2.0 combo and can honestly say it’s well worth the $120.00 price tag and it’s on sale now during the spring classic. PS the rod alone is $120.00 but I got the combo the first year for that price.

I put Daiwa j-braid 8 in 8 lb test on n a spinning reel last year and feel it performed well. Take it for what it’s worth as my only other braid reel is a bait caster for frogs.

Greetings from New Lenox Illinois. I think you’ll be shocked and pleased at the amount of advice and knowledge found on this site.

I’ve had my Revo X winch for 2 seasons so far using for mid to larger crank baits and haven’t had any issues so far but with that said although I don’t own the pro qualifier I have reels with dual brakes including a carbonlite 2.0 also 2 seasons and I really enjoy the ability to dial it in with the dual braking system.

In that price range you can look at Piscifun Carbon X I’ve responded to another post with this same information but I’ll say it again, I have 2 bought last season so I cannot speak for longevity but I’m pleased so far with mine and when you sign up for their newsletter you get an additional 15% off. Also for what it’s worth their supposedly built on the Daiwa Tatula LT frame. Not sure it’s true but that’s what google search says.

Thanks Bulldog seeing your pics and upgrades they are sharp looking reels. But it’s your opinion and hands on knowledge that’s got me thinking I could use an upgrade.

Question for you, when I search up Tica on Amazon is their a “store/seller” to look for or does Tica sell direct on Amazon.

I ordered a rod at last years spring classic they honored the sale price 2 weeks after the sale due to the fact they didn’t have it in stock.

I don’t have any experience with Dobyns other than handling them in store, but I have been using my Carbonlite 2.0 med-fast for the past two seasons and I’ve thrown spinner bait 3/8-1/2 oz no trailer with no problems on the cast or hook set. But my favorite use for it is lipless cranks, again 3/8 -5/8 the tip is soft enough to really launch em and then keep them hooked up but enough backbone to rip them through the weeds. I also really like the Wynn grips. Hope this helps.