Eric 26

Although this is not meant as argumentative I don’t agree with this statement at all. I have a Abu Garcia Revo Al-F that I bought when Tackle Warehouse was clearing them out, it might not have the latest digital cut gears or the dual supported shaft or anything else that is the latest and greatest but for what I paid I’ll definitely say it’s as nice as any of my Daiwa’s which aren’t the Zillion or Steez versions but also didn’t cost me nearly as much. I also purchased a Dream Tackle reel which is a version of the Okuma Hakai reel for around $150.00 on Amazon that I enjoyed so much that I sought out and purchased a second one for a tick over $100.00 that definitely holds its own against my Curado MGL or any of my Daiwa’s in throwing light weight lures. My point is I like trying different things and to make a blanket statement such as above is close minded in my personal experience and opinion.

I’m totally on board with your line of thinking and I currently have 10 different brands of reels in both spinning and casting. I also like yourself try to buy my gear when it’s on sale or discounted as I really don’t “need” anything else currently but that doesn’t stop me from “wanting” another reel. I’ve said it before on here but one of my favorite reels is a Favorite Soleus I picked up for $50.00 on a Black Friday sale a couple years back, it’s not just the price that makes me enjoy it either. Looking forward to hearing what you think about the Kastking reels @MN Fisher.

@FryDog62 Rooting for both of you to kick some 🫏

@Koz I know it doesn’t mean much but I’m rooting for you 👍🏻

Although I have yet to check them out the St Croix black bass has a ton of options.

My favorite rods currently are med/fast 7’-0” casting rods that I use at my local retention ponds and my 2 favorite lures are a bladed jig mini max in 1/4 ounce and a 1/4 ounce Strike King bitsy bug. Those 2 lures are always my go to starter lures.

@Blue Raider Bob Sadly I remember you posting about that earlier in this thread ☹️ It’s unfortunate that animals can be so fascinating to watch and enjoy but so destructive to your efforts at the same time.

Im in total agreement with @AlabamaSpothunter on this thread in not only are the photos and videos my absolute dream but the comments such as the one I quoted above will help me get through my work day tomorrow 😃 Please let’s keep this thread going as I need to know what happens 😬

It was driving me nuts as I remembered them also😬

@Swamp Girl Oh I’m well aware that Bob is a master carpenter and all around craftsman. Now he just needs to work on his marksmanship or humane trapping skills😉

Regardless of how it got posted thank you both for sharing your slice of what I would call paradise.

@AlabamaSpothunter I just got done watching your video and I started shaking when you held her up. Congratulations for sure my friend.

@AlabamaSpothunterAlthough I can’t watch it right now I’m really looking forward to seeing the video later and congratulations on being able to recover the most important part of the video. By the way she is beautiful 👍🏻

@FishTank Although nowhere near as bad as your Daiwa/Shimano combo would have been I have a 2 Daiwa/Lews combos and an Abu Garcia/Lews combo. How’s that for mind blowing 🤣😆😂🤯 And yes I’m a rebel 😉

Although I’m not going to recommend a specific reel as there are a ton of great ones already mentioned. I am going to offer up since you said you’re going to purchase at BPS wait until they have their annual spring classic sale which usually includes a trade in program and trade in either one of your lower end reels or your ugly stick. I will add BPS usually puts their house brands on sale with a slightly better deal and if I’m not mistaken their bait casters are made by Doyo with the same frame as the Lews LFS. I had a Carbonlite 2.0 combo that I ultimately sold off not due to the performance of either the rod or reel but rather the reel just doesn’t fit my hand the way I like. Although it might be a bit more than your looking to spend if you do take advantage of the trade in the new Daiwa Tatula 100 in a 6 speed would be my recommendation but I will admit I’m a bit of a Daiwa fanboy. Oh and also I know I lied when I said I wouldn’t give a recommendation.

I just called to request a copy and was told they don’t have an option for that yet and only certain people received the 2025 copies.

This right here along with the knowledge I’ve gained on this subject from everyone on here using “imported” braids about the listed diameters and breaking strengths is why I’m excited to try this line as it’s supposedly switched to a true “Japanese” braid that has much stricter standards as has been pointed out. Also although I can purchase Japanese braids from Tackle Warehouse or even ask my local tackle shop if they can get it the Suffix will be readily available and at least around here I can’t find braid lower than 8lb. Also I’m interested in spooling my shallow spooled Miravel with 4lb braid as it’s paired with an ultralight rod.

Not necessarily true as far as I know. This braid as @bulldog1935 pointed out is made from Japanese materials (Izanas) which if you may have noticed a lot of guys on here especially the bfs crowd are using braids imported from Japan for a reason.

I don’t want to put words in his mouth but I believe he meant as far as purchasing them from Japan.

I knew you would catch that 😉

So Suffix is releasing a new finesse braid and I’m personally excited to try it out on both a bfs spool and a shallow spool Shimano Miravel. Anybody else interested?

I’m not trying to sound like a jerk but your link shows a casting rod and your post title says spinning rod. Considering you’re pairing it with a Stradic I’m assuming spinning. Also how old is the rod? The reason I ask is St Croix has great customer service and may surprise you with a few options you didn’t know about. The premiere has a 5 year warranty but I believe the older models the warranty was quite a bit longer than that.

Praying it goes well A-Jay.