LAO162

I'm considering the Tierra 2500/3000 to match a Fenwick HMG 6'0" MHF rod. I will probably be using at least #10 line. My budget is approx. $125 of Cabela's gift certificates. Priorities are: - casting distance - line management - reliability I'm very pleased with my Exceler because it consistently outcasts my Stradic FH. However, the bail occassionally trips on the cast (so does the Stradic). I'm considering the Tierra with the expectation that it is slightly smoother. I'm also weighing the Cabela's Tournament ZX and Prodigy as less expensive compromises. I'd like to try the Stradic FI, but it is out of my price range and does not seem as "bulletproof" as the FH (based upon many reviews/posts). I'm willing to consider the Pflueger Supreme or Abu Garcia Soron, but I'm not confident that their line management/casting is as good as on the Daiwa line. Suggestions, especially with personal comparisons, would be appreciated. Thanks Leon

IMO means: in my opinion IMHO: in my humble opinion

OK, I'll through in the Daiwa Exceler... Admittedly the bail occassionally trips prematurely on the cast and it is sometimes difficult to trip the bail by cranking. My Stradic 2500FH trips on the cast about half as often and is slightly smoother. I trip the bail by hand so it doesn't matter to me (opnly to my Dad who fishes for pumpkin seeds). The difference to me is that the Exceler's line management is as good or Better than my Stradic FH. More importantly, though, the Exceler provides better casting distance with all other factors being the same. Since I fish from the bank an extra 10 to 20 feet is the difference from falling short of the structure and getting past it. I usually choose the Exceler over the Stradic for this reason. I could buy 2 Excelers for the price of 1 Stradic FH and almost 3 for the price of 1 Stradic FI. However, I'd still love to try the new FI ;D Cheers!

There's no doubt that Yo-Zuri Ultra Soft is stronger per its stated # test than Floroclear or CX. However, at both #6 and #12, so far the YZ-US has not provided enough additional strength to prevent me from losing baits due to snags in heavy cover (similar situations). In terms of line memory, to me the unbiased test is my father who uses my crankbait rod for pumpkin seeds ("Kibbies" as he calls them). He doesn't care about the equipment used, and just fishes for fun. He was impressed by the smoothness of the Stradic 2500FH with #6 floroclear and #8 CX. He paid no attention to the line. However, I did not tell him when I switched to #6 YZ-US; he quickly complained about line-twist and tangles and switched to my other rod... It also may not be appropriate to compare #6 CX to #6 YZ-US, since the YZ-US is thicker and stiffer. # 6 YZ-US is .010 inches thick # 8 CX is only 0.0092 inches thick #10 Floroclear is 0.10 inches thick While I intend to continue experimenting with YZ line, I will be comparing it to lines with similar diameters and line handling characteristics. Cheers Leon

Growing up I was also a fan of Easton bats. I used them to play both Saltball & Bassball ;D

Both Santa and the Baitmonkey think you are being very logical I found bottom fishing to be a lot more fun with a very sensitive rod (in my case Techna AV). However, I didn't appreciate the difference with moving baits. If you are trying rods at the shop and using the "tap test", tap on soft surfaces as well as hard surfaces. For instance, my Crucial transmits more vibrations than my Techna AV when tapping it on a hard surface. However, tapping on a carpeted floor the Techna transmits more sensations. I (IMHO) believe there is a difference between transmitting vibration and sensations... When bottom bouncing fishing, I find my Technas provide far more information about the bottom than the Crucial. Of course, these are only my opinions and I am not highly experienced. Cheers! Leon

I've used spinning gear on & off for nearly 40 years. I just started using baitcasting equipment last year. With more practice, I think I might become more accurate with my baitcasting setups. However, I will probably use spinning gear for the majority of the time, since I fish from shore (in brushy areas). As I become more experienced with BC, I will probably lean that way... I think the biggest advantage of BC reels is when you use heavier line, i.e. 12lb mono & higher. Unless you are using less managable line, IMHO you will not be limited by the use of spinning gear. When I first used a BC reel I had a RH version. It was too distracting to crank with the WRONG hand . I almost gave up on BC. However, it became more fun with a LH version. Cheers!

PM Sent...

I fish from shore and find 7' to be too long when fishing in brushy areas.

Shhh, This morning the Fenwick HMG 7'0" ML spinning rod was $63.32 at Amazon. Most likely it will drop in price one or two more times. It's a gamble as to how far down it will go and how long the offer will last. Even at $63 with accelerated shipping costs its a great deal. Leon

My only experience is with 2 Techna AV casting rods. When I finally tied a jig to the 1st, I was so excited by its sensitivity that I went out and purchased another. I cannot compare it to high end rods, but I do find the Techna AVs noticably more sensitive than my Crucial spinning rod. My 1st HMG should be arriving tomorrow. It was on of those super, unadvertised Amazon deals (<$29 including the free shipping) ;D

Since its a Medium power, it probably has a bit a flex in it (compared to a MHF). I actually prefer faster action rods in most situations since I need general purpose rods. I don't have enough time to specialize in various techniques... IMHO - It's easier to lighten up your hookset with a fast action rod, than to speed up your hookset with a slower action rod. Have fun!

Great Catch!! It even allows for retrieving on the correct side

DuoLocks on Crankbaits & sometimes Topwaters

I also thought I have to show these pictures to my wife. Until, I realized she set up an intervention before I got to that state ;D

Rapala Skitter Walk - Easy to learn with, relatively inexpensive and easy to find...

A call to the manufacturer might provide some insights. For instance, Shimano CS provides a lot of insight about the uses for their rods. I've never been disappointed with the quality of their answers. However, others are not so good. Often, it depends on the rep who answers.

Santa should be bringing me a Quantum Tour Edition (1171) and misc. baits & accessories. I'm not sure I've been good enough to also get a Powell or Techna AV to go with it . I've also heard that Christmas shopping is taking a toll on Santa's PayPal account

And Cabelas just sold out of the LH models...

Great information. Thanks! If I recall correctly, when I called Fenwick earlier this year about their replacement policy for accidential breakage, they will replace it for 55% of MSRP. The average price for my two Technas (including rebate) is about $100. Occassionally Amazon has great sales on individual models. The everyday price of the Techna at Amazon is about $50 less than MSRP and includes shipping. Thus, the Amazon price may be less than an Avid. Not considering MSRP & Warranty, it is a good endorsement for RW consider the Techna to be comparable to the Avid. Unfortunately, that means an upgrade from the Techna will require an even bigger budget

Not to hijack the thread, but Fishcat, can you give a quick description of the differences between the HMG, World Class & Technas? Thanks Regarding multipurpose rods, I have never experienced any significant advantage of slower action rods for cranks. Then again, my Dad always uses my moderate action I don't have enough experience yet to understand the nuances of setting the hook with different rods.. Cheers

I am very pleased with my Techna AV's. Recently, Cabelas had an "exclusive" Fenwick Rod, the World Class on sale in the bargin cave. The description makes it sound similar to the Techna AV, but was only $99 when added to the cart. Wish I could justify another Fenwick... Leon

Thanks for the suggestions

My father-in law has been enjoying retirement by getting "handy." Lately he has been building wood pens on his lathe. Are any of the Rod Kits (i.e. Cabela's) suitable as a gift. Or, should a Rod Building Kit be given only if I am sure he will do extra research about the craft? Thanks! Leon

Sometimes it's about presentation. Try and get a 10yo to move from a Wii to a 5 gallon bucket and tin cans... However, throw in a couple of flashing lights and you might have a chance. For me, a fair price is $39.99