LAO162

Just to make your decision more difficult, Daiwa has a new reel called the Coastal. It looks similar to the Tierra & Advantage, but is better suited for use in saltwater. It is about $5 more than the Tierra. I believe The Natural has commented on the Advantage & Tierra in the past. He uses the Advantage. You might find your answers if you search his posts. With these reels you're in a win-win situation

The Exceler is a Great reel in its price range. I like the 2500 size for bass. If you want an all around rod, something in the 6'6" Medium power, Fast action range would be pretty versatile. However, you probably want to provide more information about your intended uses so suggestions will be more helpful to you. Also, be sure to read the stickies at the top of this forum. They will be very helpful. Cheers

I have a Midas 6'6" MF Spinning rod. I like it . It's sensitive and very light. It will launch a 1/4 oz crank a country mile. I do think it is slower than my other fast action rods. It is ideal for cranks. However, I wouldn't pay full price for it. There are better options at that price range. It used to go on sale for $99, and that was a good value. Based on my limited experience with other rod brands, Fenwick Techna AV rods are superior rods and with some work you may find them for <$150. I like the ergonomics of the Midas better than the Fenwick HMG, but on sale the HMG may be a better value and offers a better warranty.

Currently Fenwick Techna AV's - great value when discounted. However, there are quite a few brands that I would like to try

Last year I started using white for the floating worm technique. Looks like I'll have to pick up some bubblegum as well

The Baitmonkey strikes again Congrats on the new equipment

Thanks, for now (which may last at least a week ) I'll be content using it as a back-up and to practice pitching. I'm getting used to the idea of using it for heavy duty work. I've been using two brakes on, and I'm not confident enough to go down to one. It seems to work fine for pitching. Thanks!

Since I fish from the bank with limited access to the water, I wouldn't have the opportunity to flip much. However, I've begun practicing my pitching technique. If I can get consistent at 20+ feet, I can probably use pitching to reach some attractive structure. Due to the strong drag on the Revo S, I figure it might be a good reel for braid & pitching reel. If I go that route then I might just tune it up & have fun.

Thanks, I agree that it is a suitable back-up. However, at this point I find my other reels more fun. I'm assuming that I would get better performance out of the Revo if I upgraded some bearings etc. I guessing that would cost $50-$60. But, to actually move to a "better" reel such as a Curado E7 would net out to be at least and additional $100. Of course, the Baitmonkey advises me to just keep the Revo and just by a new Curado or Chronarch ;D Leon

My Revo S-L has just acquired 3rd String status. This year I'm casting far better with my new Chronarch MG and Quantum Tour Edition (2008). It may be a confidence thing, but the Revo S just doesn't seem to be in the same league. Would I be better off Trading Up to a different reel, or having it serviced, including polishing of friction points and replacement of stock bearings? The Revo has seen little use and is still very clean, so I hate to see it sit and gather dust The two areas I'm contemplating are 1) the actual & perceived enhancements from a tune-up, and 2) which option would be the best use of my fishing budget Thanks, Leon

X2 Daiwa's Exceler is also a great performer at <$70.

X2

Great discussion - valuable insights from different perspectives

BUY IN BULK ;D I can certainly relate. Fishing from the bank in shallow water, I plan on losing at least 1 to 2 lures per hour. From shore, we don't have the advantage of repositioning to pull at a snag from a different angle. One of the other problems I have is that my crank will collect weeds after about 15 feet and the weeds kill the action. My 2009 plan of action: - keep throwing into cover - buy in bulk - stick with floating baits that will rise on a pause (after contacting structure) - pay attention to the feel of cover (as stated below) - practice the bow & arrow technique on snags - go back to super shallow cranks when my tackle box is empty - keep reading BassResource to learn more techniques

I just used Gamma High Performance for the first time. I liked it I'm using Moss Green. How are the other colors? Is the "Ultra" Clear (and clear blue) really clear, or is it milky white or even gray like other copoly's? Thanks

Give Powell customer service a call. I've gotten in-depth answers from them.

Thanks for the insights. Sounds like a great rod. I'll have to weigh the warranty into the equation.

JM Signature rods appear to have great components and generally have very good reviews. With a coupon I can currently get the 6ft MF casting rod for $99. Does it compare favorable to Powell, AllStar Platinum, Shimano Crucial, Falcon Lowrider, G Blanks... which are generally in the <$130 range? I'm looking to match it with a Chronarch MG 50 for lures in the 1/4 to 5/8 oz range. I'm looking for short, light & sensitive. I've already done some searchs, but I ask questions for a living Thanks!

I fish from shore. It wasn't until the end of my first season that I could get the same distance with the baitcaster that I could with my spinning outfits. I still have one spinning rod/reel combo that gives me the most distance. You're better off using a 1/2 oz weight for practice, but cranks are more fun Buy a bulk spool of mono for practice (& cranking). I think I spent <$7 for 1000 yards of BPS #12. Cheers!

Chronarch MG 50 if you can find a deal. I just used mine for the first time. About the same size as a Revo S, but I couldn't backlash until I tried... Then, I got a little too cocky If you a good deal, it is very light & comfortable to use. No problems with 1/4 oz cranks.

Start conservatively. At least half of brakes on (or 1/2) setting. Use a weight/lure approaching 1/2 oz. Use very limp line. Set the spool so that when you lightly shake the rod it only drops a couple inches - definitely not more than a foot! Swing lightly and be pleased with a 15 ft cast. Let your thumb lightly touch the spool during the cast. KEY - As the bait hits the water, immediately stop the spool with your thumb. If you are trying to catch a fish in your first hour with a baitcasting, you're not practicing your casts. After you're getting more consistent, loosen up the spool so the weight drops a foot. After practicing a bit more, start looking for spots on the water and try to hit them. Don't concentrate on distance for your first few outings! As you get more consistent, you can then work on distance. Apply even less pressure on the spool during the cast, but still stop the spool when the bait hist the water. Once you've maxing out, then lighten up on the brakes - not on the first few outings. I'm still not very good, but I'm improving. Hint - do not overspool your reel. Have Fun!

I'm looking forward to hearing a review of it in action I just took my Tierra 2500 out yesterday for the first time. Sweet... And I was using 10lb Gamma in 29 degree weather. It would be great if you can share the details of how you spec'ed the rod. Also, an indication of the cost of the options over the standard G Blanks pricing would be helpful. I don't mean to be to nosey, but the standard price is about the top of my current budget. Thanks for sharing! I love the all business appearance. Leon

in #6, I thought the AN40 was really skinny and limp. On the other hand, #6 YZ-US was thicker, stiffer & stronger. For a bit more strength than #6 AN40, I prefer #6 P-Line Floroclear or 8# CX Premium. I think these two are very manageable and still stealthy. I'm probably going to stick with the #8 CX. Disclosure, my experience with them is limited to just a couple spools.

Clear or neon colors... Might call for some experimentation

I use an old benchmark - the side of a barn ;D It's funny, I don't spend much time thinking about pitching or flipping (I grew up on spinning gear). I fish from the bank and due to limited access to the water, I usually cannot stand close enough to my targets for those techniques. I'm usually more concerned about casting distance so more structure is available to me. However, even when casting for distance, I still try to visualize the place where my lure will drop. Once in a while, it actually lands close to the spot (if you measure close in yards)