LAO162

A Couple weeks ago I learned and confirmed that Amazon is an authorized Fenwick dealer. They had Techna AVs in the $150 to $160 range. Tonight, I checked on a whim and they were in the $120 to $130 range. Sometimes Amazon has one day sales - wanted to pass along the info. *** was willing to pricematch, but they only a few models. Needless to say, I'm pretty psyched waiting form my 7'0" MF Techna and Revo S-L. Great customer service from TWH. If my order comes without any hitches, they'll have another loyal customer.

Just curious to see if I'm looking in the right places for Simmons. The Simmons Sporting Goods storefront on ebay generally shows products at MSRP. Do you have to call to get the bargains? Thanks

Thanks! In browsing though as many posts as possible, I find the comments about centrifugal brakes (citica, curado, Revo S) are usually very positive. However, the comments about magnetic brakes are less consistent, leading me to believe that the quality of both the reel and the fisherman are greater factors in success with magnetic brakes. Regarding my fishing manhood, I'm not too concerned about other looking to see if I'm using a lot of brake. If they can see my settings, they're way to close to me On the other hand, I might feel like a sissy if I spend 45 minutes of every hour pulling out an overrun ;D Cheers!

For those of us who have not been blessed with the opportunity or time to train our thumbs (yet), does one type of brake, either centrigual or magnetic, act as better "training wheels" until we have mastered the nuances of baitcasting with our thumbs? :) Obviously, baitcasting requires a lot of practice and experience to become proficient. But, if decent brakes help make the casting experience more pleasurable, more of us might graduate from spinning gear (tricycles) to baitcasters (big boy bikes). Hence, those of us with uneducated thumbs are looking for the most enjoyable (and least painful) way to learn. Thanks!

I should be clear, the folks at Cabelas were very polite. It is just their inventory system that frustrated me. I will probably order from them in the future. Cheers!

Mike, hope you enjoy. I ordered a discontinued XML got email confirmations, then later it was cancelled. Complained to Cabelas... Then saw a similar one, ordered again. Even called next day to ensured it was in stock. I was assured that it was. Next day -- cancelled. Two days later, showed in stock again. Still received the reel with no rod to put it on... At least Cabelas is supposed to cover return shipping. To make matters worse, when I asked about alternatives, the product specialist refered me to full price models that would have resulted in a combo with total cost higher than the cost of new year model combos... They also wouldn't match the prices of in the flyers for the retail outlets. Sorry for venting... :'( I sincerely hope that you order comes through. I was pretty excited to be able to try out the Cabelas house brands. After I cool off I might still try one of the combos. Please let us know how you like the Fish Eagles. It seems as though everyone sho ones one loves them Cheers, Leon

Is E-Treme an authorized dealer? He storefront did not mention if the products came with factory warranty. Thanks

Which combo would you advise? I think I've identified two very different routes I could take to complement my primary rod, a Browning Midas 6'6 MF spinning rod. I see it getting use with crankbaits, topwaters, finesse fishing, pan fish, trout, etc For my next rod, I'd like something with more backbone for setting the hooks with T-Rigs and Jigs. This rod would be mainly for plastics & jigs, but might get use for ½ oz spinnerbaits. I don't see myself throwing much over ½ oz. Regarding my budget, my comfort zone is about $200. Much more than that Here are my two options Shimano Cumara CUS68MH with Stradic FH 2500 (I would take this reel from my Midas & replace it with my spare spinning reel - Daiwa Exceler 2500) ~ $200 Fenwick Techna AV 66MHF (or 66MF) with REVO S-L ~ $160 + $91 -$50 rebate If my budget were larger I'd probably go with the Cumara and either a Curado 101D or Stradic FI 3000. My fishing environment From shore in shallow, fairly open water, not a lot of heavy structure. Casting distance helps get to into slightly deeper areas. I am very comfortable with spinning gear and maybe functional with BC gear. Thanks for your help Leon

Assuming I throw hard jerkbaits & cranks from the MF and am not pitching & flipping through heavy cover, would this combo meet most situations. One of my goals this year is to use worms more often, and to learm more about jigging and spinnerbaits. Thanks!

X-Rap, Husky Jerk, might try soft plastics. I'm still learning & experimenting

How would you use the Cumara 68CUSMH, 8-14# 3/16-5/8 oz? I'm considering it as a complement to a Browning Midas MF, 4-12# 1/8-1/2 oz. I'm looking for something that has a bit more backbone for setting the hook on worms & jigs and also for throwing 1/2 oz spinner baits. Might also throw jerk baits on it. I'm not worried about going into the really heavy stuff. Thanks Leon

Thanks for the input! The bait monkey had to go on a crash diet this weekend so I ordered a closeout MHF XML and Prodigy reel. Although not the ideal combo, it seemed like a good compromise for my situation. I think it's a good learning combo for this year to help me determine what I'll want in the future. Long term, it's a good camping rig since it's not so expensive that I'll go into fits if it gets lost or broken. Cheers

More Please

Likewise, my local Walmart sold off most of its fishing stock last year. Went from 3 isles and a case section to about 1 isle. So far they haven't done much in the way of restocking. Only the standby tackle.

LBH, that was awesome If the camera price on-line is too good to be true, then it is. I only buy from two sites (bh & butteryfly). I don't call BH because they can be pushy on the phone, but they are considered very reliable by pro's. I'll buy on-line from butterfly, but try not to speak to them in person since they do try for all the accessories - and their customer service is horrible.

Look for one with optical image stabilization. Unless you are making large blow-up, IS is probably a more important factor than a huge megapixel count. To see what a fair deal is check out bhphotovideo * adorama * Sometimes more hassel (and don't accessories) but sometimes great deals butterflyphoto *. You can feel quite confident with bh & adorama. Will be very clear with USA vs Intl warranty. I've had good luck with Panasonic, but Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax, Olympus etc. are all good. You probably want something that takes SD cards. Cheers

CJ, Great descriptions. Thanks

Thanks for the input

Thanks for Confirming - If I'm not aware of my surroundings, that's my own fault

Muddy, thanks for keeping me (and my wallet) in line I should add that I think my Daiwa Exceler is a fine reel.

I'd never thought about it being a problem until it was pointed out to me

In a conversation yesterday, I was advised not to use a baitcaster from shore due to the chance of "professional overruns" if the bait hits the ground or other object on the back cast. A few times last year I had birds nests when I bumped the slope behind me. Does anyone else avoid baitcasters when fishing from short?

Muddy, how do your AllStars compare you old Techna AV? Please feel free to be long-winded? Also, have you tried the AllStar Platinum compared to the rest of the AllStar line. Growing up Fewick was the"king" of rods for us. However, I've recently realized that my favorite rod was a Shimano Sensilite. Thus, I'm thinking of going the Shimano route. However, an AllStar / Revo combo seems to be a great value... Were there any specific attributes for the AllStars that got you to switch your allegience Thanks, Leon

I started last year with a 66MF BPS Extreme Spinning. I think it is a good, solid rod. Later in the season I upgraded to a Browning Midas 2-piece 66MF when it was <$100 on sale. I think the Midas was a huge upgrade over the Extreme. Much lighter and more sensitive.

Have you tried the H3 Titanium. Saw it in a catalogue. Looks pretty cool.