LAO162

You're eventually going to be buying more gear anyhow, so go with the quality rod now. It just means you'll have to spend more on the next one. ;D The BaitMonkey

Is this common? I've been thinking about this quite a bit as I think towards getting my first baitcaster. It's totally what I'm planning on doing. I'm right handed, but somewhat ambidextrous and prefer to do some things with my left hand - reeling is one of them. While there are exceptions like Kelly J, I will wager a floating Rapala minnow that you will prefer a casting reel with a left hand retrieve, especially if you're already accustomed to having your spinning reels configured this way. Definitely try both, but like a am wagering, you will strongly prefer left hand retrieve. My psychic told me. ;D If you're unsure about RH vs LH Retrieve, do a search of the forum. About every 2 weeks there's a discussion, so there are too many links to post . Originally, baitcasting anglers wanted control and strength from their retrieve hand. That's odd to us spinning folk who control with the rod & reel in the slack with the reel. Leon

Not to be too nosey, but is there a big price difference between the RX8+ and the RX8 rods that Larry currently has listed? Thanks

http://www.***/education/baitcaster-setup-101.html Before you purchase, think about which hand you prefer to use for holding the rod. If you are right handed and used to spinning gear, you may want a Left Hand Retrieve baitcasting reel so that you will be cranking with your left hand and holding the rod with your right hand. Starting with a quality reel, i.e. may lead to less frustration and the more rapid development of your technique. Leon

Well, I didn't see your previous answer, but yes, it was a rhetorical question. I guess what he meant to say was "All I ever wanted to do was build the best available rods for everyone... as long as I'm FILTHY RICH first." Kind of turns me off about his "new" rods. From one perspective GL may seem hypocritical, but on the other hand, he's at an age where he should be firming up his financials for retirement and perhaps taking care of his family Sorry, too close to the retirement business... Perhaps because he is now financially set, he can [hopefully] focus on delivering value to the customer, rather than maximizing profit.

if they're still available for $50, go for it

There are a few Cabela XMLTi's left at $110. They are a great value at that price. There are also a some XML's at $50. Generally, model #'s ending in 2 are ML, 3 are M and 4 are MH. The labels on the site are not that accurate.

http://www.yo-zuri.com/Products/ProdLine/HybridLineChart.htm I don't remember my source... But I believe that Hybrid is about 10% stronger than UltraSoft

The Cabela's XML Pack Rods are currently on sale. They may be an option.

I fish them the same way I fish a Senko. Tex-posed hook...

OMHO So far, I haven't been won over by YZ-US on BC gear, so I wouldn't even consider it on my Daiwa 2500's. On the other hand, Gamma Copoly in #10 is fantastic on spinning reels (and also BC reels). The only downside is the cost of Gamma. Considering the number of lures I lose each outing, the higher price for Gamma is negligible.

The XMLTi is a fine rod. Don't have any regrets.

I don't have a lot of experience with BC reels, but my Shimano Chronarch 51MG is by far the easiest to use. You can probably find closeouts for under $200. Set 3 brakes on and just tweak the spool tension. It will be especially helpful when you are using lighter baits. Leon

You're entering the price range of diminishing returns with those two reels. They are very nice, but many of us cannot justify the extra $75 or so over a Stradic or Tierra. But, I'm very envious if you end up with either one I believe the Fuego is magnesium and therefore is quite light. Although Daiwa may claim it is coated for use in salt water, magnesium and salt water are not a good combination. I personally like the wider spool design of the Daiwa spinning reels, but that's just me. Have Fun Leon

I didn't get a tube or nylon sleeve with my XMLTi, but I still think it is a great rod. Unfortunately, a lot of the models are back up to full price or sold out.

Where's the Sheemano Posse ;D Buy a Shimano, set 2 or 3 brakes and forget them. Sorry, but I couldn't believe it hadn't been said yet ;D ;D Although I understand the logic, it always seems counter-intuitive to increase the braking when using lighter baits. When I'm using a light bait, I always want to decrease the brakes to help get more distance. However, it always results in a mess when I give into temptation...

It's hard to beat the performance of the Daiwa Exceler as a spinning reel. It's fairly smooth, but more importantly it has great casting & line management. Well worth considering for only $70. The Tierra is sweet, but doesn't add much in terms of function.

I used to doe a lot of pausing & twitching. This year I started using a faster rhythmic return. Both approaches work (or don't). If one method isn't working, switch to the other. One advantage of a rhythmic return is that the fish can identify it from a distance and zero in on it. Also, if the water is still and the sky is clear, a faster retrieve helps to prevent the fish from getting a very clear look at the popper. Leon

I can't get too excited until they make a LH retrieve model.

Agreed!! I've been obsessed with gradually upgrading my rods to gain sensitivity - just ask my wife . However, this year I've made a concentrated effort to watch my line rather than relying upon feel. Sometimes I see the line move before I feel it, and sometimes I feel it first. I have improved my success. But, it didn't cost me anything to make a concerted effort to watch my line. I should have made it part of my fundamental skills before spending money on new rods. As a diabetic, I am constantly worried that I will begin to lose sensation in my hands, so I want to work on all aspects of my game so I am prepared when/if it happens. Perhaps that gives me a different perspective. It also helps me to justify the new, sensitive rods so that I can appreciate them while I can still feel them (thanks baitmonkey) ;D ;D

With the current specials on the Cabela's XML rods you could try the technique specific or a general purpose 6'6" or 7'0" MH rod and put more $$ into the reel selection. Once you know what you like, or don't like, in the XML configuration, maybe next year you can upgrade to something that is closer to meeting your specific needs.

How do you like it? I have been assuming that it is for Texas Rigs and Bottom Jigs. Based upon the power and lure ratings, it would probably be lighter jigs. I don't need another 2-piece, but with the current Cabela's specials the rods have been tempting. Cheers

To get the most sensitivity out of a rod, you need to wrap a series of Andrew Jacksons around the blank. As you tape the bills to the blank, try not to leave any spaces where the sensitivity may leak out. While you will experience improvements if you tape them parallel to the blank, you will get the most sensitivity by taping the bills perpendicular to the blank. If your budget allows, you can double up on the bills to get an "enthusiast" feeling blank. Use Duct tape to attach Gold Eagle coins to the butt for the optimal balance. ;D ;D ;D Be careful, I think a saw the baitmonkey in this thread On a more serious note, you should get into the practice of watching your line when using bottom techniques. The experts on BR may say differently, but you will probably see more immediate results by improving your ability to watch the line rather than learning to fish only by feel. Have Fun!

I think this is a horrible situation... No one should buy them so that they are still on discount into August. August is when my promise not to buy more fishing gear expires ;D ;D ;D I've only had my XMLTi a few weeks, but I'm very pleased with it.

So far I'm very impressed with my XMLTi 5'6" MF casting rod. Some of the rods are a bit heavy, but for this price, WOW!