Eric 26

I know these aren’t the best photos but I wanted to upgrade a couple reels this year. I got a couple new rods also but still trying to get pictures together for them. The jackhammer was a gift for buying from Japan Lure Shop, thanks again for the heads up @Bassjam2000

Congratulations guys??

Finally caught the first one this year, I’ve been throwing neds and rat l traps with no luck. Caught this guy on an ozark trail crank.

I’m no expert on this matter but there are several members on here who routinely buy JDM and most times it appears to be a difference in color, handle length and sometimes the gears are aluminum (JDM) vs brass (USDM). I purchased a Tatula 80 and it’s my understanding the only difference is handle length which doesn’t bother me.

I’ll add if you’re not opposed to going a little bit more on your budget $140.00 I was handling a couple different sizes of the new St. Croix eyecon series rods and man do they feel nice.

Although I have zero experience with any of the 3 you’ve mentioned, I have a bps carbonlite 2.0 casting rod I’ve been using for the last several years and I’m very impressed. I also looked at and handled both the dobyns fury and duckett rods. The fury was nice and as pointed out their customer service has been praised multiple times on this site. The duckett as I recall had breakage issues and honestly for the price I feel you can find something better. I received a 13 fishing fate black this Christmas, it’s a 7’-1” light powered rod and although I’ve yet to hook up on it I’ve taken it out 4 times and really enjoy using it. It available in med power for $80.00 pretty much anywhere. I was looking at the 13 fishing defy black originally, $20.00 cheaper but I was turned off by the handle length 13-3/4” vs 16” as I’m looking for length in the blank not the handle. @WRB highly recommends the major craft lineup and with his experience it’s probably not a bad idea to follow his advice. Good luck and looking forward to hearing what you buy.

I never thought of wearing light colored clothes but I will be from now on. Great Tip??

I know we’re referring to Shimano but any idea on contacting Daiwa for the same reason? I’ve tried calling the customer service number and I’ll be damned if I can get ahold of anyone. I know I can purchase Gomexus or other aftermarket but I’d prefer to stay with a Daiwa handle.

My daughter was out on a hiking trail about a week ago and sat on a log. She didn’t realize a tick had attached itself to the back of her knee, when she realized what had happened 2 days later my wife ran her to our local hospitals urgent care to have it removed. Unfortunately the staff was ill equipped in tick removal and my wife feels the head was not removed by the pushy nurse who removed the tick. They gave her 1 dose of antibiotics and thankfully all seems well but she had blood drawn to make sure and will be having blood drawn again in 6 weeks. A guy I work with contracted Lyme disease and it took weeks of treatment to seemingly get it under control and seeing the effects it’s not pleasant. I wish my wife and daughter would have waited for me to get home and remove the d**n thing myself. Long winded point is don’t let anyone remove it that doesn’t know what they’re doing and do your best to avoid them in the first place.

I can’t comment on the other 2 but I bought a tcs-a based on the reviews on this forum. It has a soft tip and a stout backbone 7’-3” hvy. I also bought a evx-b and that one is fast all the way through 7’-2” med hvy.

I’m going to second and third this exact statement without reading any further?? Being patient definitely pays off.

When I was around 10-12 yrs old I broke my brothers brand new ? (I believe fenwick) ultralight rod by bending it in half like they did in the old ugly stik commercials. I didn’t go near him for a full week?

Not trying to start a fight here, but I was just at my local BPS last night picking up my panfish rod appropriately named panfish elite. Saw but did not buy musky rods labeled as such, prodigy walleye rods and a pretty sizable display of catfish specific rods. Only the musky rods were not manufactured specifically for BPS. My favorite local shop carries tons of various rods aimed at all species and the staff has the knowledge to help you pick them out based on your needs and budget. I’m just saying if you can’t find what you’re looking for you might want to try some different shops than where you’re currently shopping. Good luck in your search.

I’ve had my Carbon Lite 2.0 7’-0” med power combo since they were first brought on the market. It was my only combo at the time and I used it for everything under spins, spinnerbaits and my favorite use for it lipless cranks. It has a soft tip but strong backbone. I think for what you’re looking for it will be perfect.

@bulldog1935 buys overseas often and I’m sure he would help you if needed. I ordered a Tatula 80 on the recommendation from @Bassjam2000 on Japan lure and it couldn’t have been any easier. Ordered reel on Thursday evening, it’s set for delivery today, was supposed to be yesterday but delay on fed-ex end. Go to page 3 on notifications and @Bassjam2000 has the link you can click on it it takes you directly to the website.

Congratulations. I just turned 53 Saturday and I’m counting down my years until I can retire. I have lots of plans already and I’m building my arsenal of fishing gear as I type this. You earned this now go enjoy and keep us posted on your activities no matter what they may be.

Tackle Warehouse has the Abu Garcia Revo ALF for $149.97. Left handed only in 6.4:1 gear ratio.

I have no problems with it. In fact I liked it so much on a casting and spinning reel i first tried it on, I bought a bulk spool. I use the 10 lb by the way.

@Bassjam2000 Thank you for your quick response on Monday. Well I hesitated yesterday “researching” the options available and was torn between a 6 speed or 7 speed and when I finally decided today to pull the trigger on the 6 speed I’m glad I didn’t hesitate another day as the only lefties were 6 speeds. Can’t wait to get it in my hands, I stopped at my local shop and they had an 8 speed in right hand and WOW is all I can say. I called the other local shop and was told not sure when or if they will receive any more at all this year and the ones they received earlier were gone in a matter of a few days.

Are you saying you paid $133.00 for the Tatula 80 or a Tatula 100? I’m going to grab an 80 myself and at that price I’m definitely doing it tomorrow.

I’m not a top of the line gear kind of guy and I prefer Daiwa….. but even I got to say d**n that’s beautiful ?

I still have my 6’-0” medium power?

I feel like you read my mind?

Also check out the bps carbonlite 2.0 rods, I have a 7’-0” med fast and it’s as you described softer tip plenty of backbone. I believe they’re $120.00 but you can trade in your cherrywood during the spring classic sale now. But I’ll stick with my original post on the Wright &McGill if you’re really looking for a budget rod.