LAO162

Muddy, which jig heads to you typically use. Thanks

Daiwa Exceller - Casts great and has good line management $60

Revo S-L, Curado 200B to be retired due to RH orientation

Great descriptions. Thanks

PWE, congrats Last year I experimented with a RH baitcaster. I conquered my fear of backlashes pretty quickly, but switching and reeling with my right hand was too much of a distraction. This year I was going to get a new spinning rig. Broke down and got a LH baitcaster. It feels much better. Now, I just have to get more proficient. Cheers

Tennwalkinghorse, welcome. Like you, I'm teaching myself to use a baitcaster. So, I'm looking to see how to get to the next level... So far, I'm not snapping my wrist as much as I do when I want extra distance with my spinning rig. I'm also experimenting with how much thumb to use, and when to use it. Guess I just need to let go & risk that backlash. Cheers

Great Thread, I was about to start a similar one. Besides equipment setup, can you please address how the thumb should be working during a cast and maybe describe the arm motion during the cast, i.e. snapping the wrist vs smooth motion with the arm. Thanks

Amazon has some Fenwick HMG models right around $100 with free shipping. (Sometimes they go one sale for even less). *** will price match. If your Revo S is a new purchase, you might still be eligible for the $50 rebate from Abu Garcia. Cheers

Thanks for the review. Recently the PT rod was recommended to me. I've been curious about it since it has a lot of great features at a value price. I've been waiting for reviews to see if the great features translate into a quality rod. Cheers!

Great explanation, Thanks!

I still find it hard to believe that most bait companies don't include setup recommendations with their products or on their websites. I think the first company to provide clear, comprehensive descriptions would gain a following novices who go to the site repeatedly for advice. While at the site they might then place an order because they would be confident in their bait/hook selection at that moment rather than hesitating due to uncertainty. It would be an inexpensive way to develop loyalty. I do like the techique tips that Yamamoto provides in the product desciptions at their on-line store. However, they didn't go the extra step to list a range of hooks & tackle to match each bait. I'd love to have a spreadsheet of hook, tackle & techinque suggestions for each of the *** (hint )... I probably would have place my order by now if I was more confident in my selection... Leon

Thanks for the ideas

Thanks Ghoti, other than T-Rigged worms I'm new to jigs & other plastics. Sounds like Scrubs should be part of the order for my "starter" kit. As I read your description... do you think the jig heads work better because the weight causes the claws stand up from the bottom? Cheers

Recently Roadwarrior has given some great descriptions on how to fish the Fat Ika. Thanks, I'm looking forward to trying them this season Is the same technique applicable the skirted double tail grubs? If not, how would you fish the skirted grub, and in which situations. Thanks Leon

I didn't have a chance to break mine in last weekend. I'm hoping I get a little time on Saturday. I'm all spooled-up and ready to see what the hype is about

I just saw an underwater video of a drop shot rig. It looks very effective. Most drop shotting setups seem to be spinning reels, ML rods & light line. Should I bother experimenting with my MF Casting Rod (Techna AV) that has 12lb mono on it? I'd like to get more baitcasting experience this year, but I can move down to a Browning Midas (Boron) / Stradic spinning combo that is rated for lures 1/8 to 1/2 oz. Currently, it is spooled with 6lb Flouroclear. Also, I'd be fishing from shore in open, shallow water. Thanks for your insights, Leon

That's a pretty strong endorsement for the Techna AV

Awesome, but I don't know if I'd want to throw it. Looks too good

I wear prescription glasses anyhow, so I wear sunglasses when I'm outside for any length of time. Transitions and non-polarized are not the same as polarized to me. Polarized definately cuts down the glare (and also makes it hard to read the lcd display on my car radio ) I have a brown lense (not polarized) that I wear when it's overcast or close to dark. I sometimes forget they're on. I think the brown lenses help with details in lower light. I've yet to try polarized brown lenses. Cheers

You also might want to consider that the Revo S has a centrifugal brake, the SC has a magnetic brake (externally adjustable) and is only available in RH.

Since my S-L should be arriving later this week ;D, I love comments like these that validate my choice. I was functional with the old green curado last year (only two brakes on), but I still consider myself at baitcasting newbie. For my first few outings should I go with 3 or 4 brakes on until I get used to the Revo? Thanks

The Fat Ika rigged backwards, weightless, and fished slowly seems to be a BR favorite. When is it appropriate to use the other Ika styles and when do (if ever) use other techniques, such as hooked from front or weighted, for the different Ikas. Thanks

They only had a couple model of the Techna AV, so I ended up moving from 6'6" to 7'0". I like Amazon, but I feel better having a rod shipped from a tackle specialist. They also price matched a Revo for me. While Cabelas and BPS usually have prompt and friendly customer service, I felt my rep at TWH had more product knowledge. Cheers

I called it in. Great customer service. They checked the competing websites while I was on the phone.

Robert, thanks for the validation. Having read many of your posts, your comments help me to feel more certain about my choice. Leon