Eric 26

⬆️THIS nails it⬆️

I’m taking my Okuma TCS A 7’-0” medium plus paired with my Tatula 100 7 speed spooled with 10 pound suffix advance monofilament. On the cheap end my favorite rod so far a Wright & McGill 7’-0” med with 7 speed Favorite Soleus reel spooled with 10 pound big game monofilament.

@Koz I know this isn’t the vehicle you want but my coworker bought a “Smart” car and put a factory accessory hitch bar on the dang thing. He uses it not only for work but hauls a pop up camper with it. I’m not sure how much they cost used but I do know it’s cheaper than a “utility vehicle” as my neighbor told me what he paid for his and heck it’s actually around the same size and can accommodate hauling your kayak. Just food for thought ?

⬆️ Totally agree ⬆️

Although all of the reels being mentioned are great options I’m going to suggest if you have a local tackle shop with a good reputation stop in and work with them. They can guide you on the various reels and various speeds for what you’re looking to use the combo for and an appropriate rod to match. It will allow you to handle multiple brands as they all feel slightly different in hand and what I may find comfortable in hand you may hate. Lastly I couldn’t agree more with @BrianMDTX good luck stopping at one?

@RobA I didn’t realize Daisy Cutter was available in your area?? My son turned me on to this beer a few years ago ?

Yowza ?

Well at least you did it right ? Stopped off for some Friday after long work week beers ?but couldn’t resist when I got home tonight as this is my favorite IPA ?

Dude I LOVE your fish and especially your gear pics ?

I can’t tell you if it is or isn’t but it would be for me.

Glad it wasn’t just me?

@ol'crickety Katie you set yourself up with this one?. You should have mentioned big bellied bass?

@Ohioguy25 I cannot tell you for certain about the seals but I can say that it’s my understanding (JP fishing tackle news) that the Miravel is basically a Nasci made out of CI4 material, therefore it will be lighter in weight and you said you are replacing a Sahara 1000 on a 5’ish rod. Therefore I feel it will balance better for you on a lighter rod. I purchased a Stradic 1000 but I’m planning on mounting it on a 7’-0” or a 7’-1” rod myself. I do see myself getting a Miravel at some point down the road and I’m looking forward to hearing from the members on here about their experiences with the Miravel.

One of my favorite combos was/is a 7’ Wright & McGill rod $50.00 paired to a SLX to be replaced with a Favorite Soleus I bought during the 2021 Black Friday sale for $50.00.

I’m not sure what your budget is but I’ll suggest taking a look at the Okuma TCS-A in 7’-0” medium plus or 7’-0” medium heavy or 6’-9” medium heavy. The 7’ medium plus is rated moderate/moderate fast and the other 2 are moderate fast.

You’ll never know until you try? and no shame in getting skunked in my opinion.

I looked at those exact plastics and didn’t pull the trigger. Now I’m kind of kicking myself in the rear for not pulling the trigger. It’s been many years since I was in the Gurnee location also. I think I’ve mentioned I had the pleasure of being a part of the construction at the Gurnee location with my biggest contribution being the guy to give the column wraps “character” by beating the boards with chains and various other objects to make them more rustic in appearance. Also when they brought the fish to stock the aquarium I didn’t realize they sedate them and when they put them in much like you would in a aquarium they’re in bag’s until they acclimate to the temperature and when released they were floating like they were dead for a few hours. I had to ask the gentleman who was stocking the tank and he laughed and told me what was going on.

I truly enjoy seeing in your pictures and reading you talking about the variety of baits you throw. I feel like I’ve really stepped up my game in terms of what techniques I’m using and tuning my gear for said techniques in the last few years. A lot of that comes from mimicking quite a few members including yourself and fine tuning the gear to meet my budget. ?

I handled a Curado MGL recently and realized I have got to get one soon.

I envy all of you who answer this ? At the same time just thinking about owning that many makes me shudder as I realize I can’t even find the time to enjoy what I currently own which is nowhere near that amount.

I took advantage of the bps trade in to upgrade some spinning reels this year. Starting out with this one with and hoping for 2 more this year. I was really torn between this and the Miravel. My decision was clinched with trading in a low end albeit literally like new casting reel and receiving what I paid for it in trade in value and having a $10.00 off $50.00 dollar purchase coupon.

Not that anyone here is calling me a liar but I’m offering proof it was 2021 when I sent in for the promotion ? Yet another reason for me to be a Daiwa fanboy ?

I went the last day of the sale this week. I will say the staff in the fishing department were friendly and helpful for what I was inquiring about. As far as stock they were well stocked in pretty much every aisle which I’m not sure if it’s due to the fact not as many products were on sale in my opinion as others have said or if it’s due to the strange way of stocking the shelves as pointed out. The thing that didn’t shock me was seeing the house branded rod racks empty specifically the Carbonlite 2.0’s the Crankin Sticks and the Panfish Elites. I have all 3 and find them more than worth the prices I’ve paid for them. One area of disappointment for me is the footwear department Cabelas always had the best selection and their house brands were top quality for the price.

I’m going to suggest you split the lineup and grab a 1000 size Miravel. I looked long and hard at it and it’s a lot of reel for the money. @MN Fisher grabbed one so he can comment more than me. As far as rods St. Croix premier should be more than you need but for half the price you can get a 6’-0” bps panfish elite rod. I have 2 and they are extremely nice for the price you pay and with the money you’re saving you can buy a nicer reel.

The air temps were good but dang the water is cold? Not seeing you post up those beautiful Maine bass is making me sad. Hang in there Katie your time is coming ?