Randy Price

I used to love reading Patrick McManus in F&S.

I remember when SC used to sell C-Stock rods occasionally you could find a real nice Legend model with only 1-2" missing from the top. The employees there told me an inch or two doesn't hurt the action too bad but any more than 2" and it's really no good.

No leader. Straight braid or straight mono depending on what I'm fishing for.

Thanks to all that replied. I would up choosing a SC Triumph LF 6' rod. Once I get a chance to test it I'll let you know if I like it. Randy

Yep. Sadly a little too much.

I tend to be brand loyal. I've never had any issues with Shimano and Daiwa Reels and SC rods. My favorite spinning combo is my SC LE rod with a Stradic (Ci4+) and my favorite BC (not musky) combo is my SC Avid with a Metanium attached. For musky a SC LT rod and a Tranx 400.

Great review! I wish more guys took the time to post such helpful information. I bought my first BPS rod earlier this year. I was looking for an inexpensive spinning rod for friends and family to use. I bought the Pro Qualifier 2 68MLF and have been very happy with it. Best Wishes, Randy

Thanks guys for all the replies. Now I just have to see what's available locally. A few shops are really low on rods at the moment.

@Eric 26, which do you prefer the ultralight or light powered?

Like the title says I'm looking for an affordable ultralight spinning rod for bluegill/crappie fishing. TIA. Randy

@J._Brickera SC Avid 66 MHF. Thanks for the information. I feel a little better about my purchase!

Thanks @T2DM for the info. Sounds like I didn't get the killer deal I thought I did. I believe the one I purchased was a JDM.

I have a chance to buy a NIB Shimano 20 Metanium XG for $ 200.00. I tried to do a little research online and if I understood correctly the 20 is the Japanese version of the model. Is that correct? What are the other differences? I would think being made in Japan would be a good thing?

2021 Subaru Forester Sport. I've never owned a Subie before but I needed a new car for work back in September of '21 and couldn't find a new Rav4 like I wanted. Been pleased so far with the Forester. Getting 30 MPG with it.

I primarily use spinning reels and my "favorite" was the Shimano Stradic 2000 with the wooden knob for the reel handle. For a BC probably my Chronarch 200e7.

@N Florida Mike, You took the words right out of my mouth! I do 100% of the initiating and the old "friends" seem glad to hear from me but never reach out to me!!!

Does anyone else have a hard time telling real friends from just work associates? I have worked (in some cases for years) with a number of guys that enjoyed hunting and fishing as much as me. We used to participate in tournaments and even create our own little fishing tournaments and take trips to N. WI. But as time has passed all the guys have left the company and no longer want to do anything as a group any more. I have tried to maintain what I thought were friendships but sadly I'm starting to accept that I thought more of them than they did me. Anyone else have similar experiences?

The "Kermitizer"

I'm afraid of dolls. My younger sister had one when we were both small and I swear that thing was possessed. It was either battery or pull string operated and sometimes in the middle of the night it would just start talking. I'm 58 and still can't stay in a room with dolls. Glad to read I'm not the only one!

Great topic! In the past I had had several work "friends" that enjoyed hunting and fishing like I do. We would get together several times a year for little fishing "tournaments" and have a ball. This went on for 5-7 years. Then people left the company for other jobs and that sadly ended everything. I tried to keep the "friendships" alive but came to realize that I valued the friendships more than they did and finally let the past be the past. Everyone moved on. Why is it when people change jobs it's almost like they died? Kinda blows!

I have been fishing Stradic's since my 2000 Stradic FG and never had any issues.

Funny how up to my early 30's I only had one rod and reel. Now I have 15-20 but really use 2-3 a lot. My three musky rods only get used 3-5 days a year.

Thanks guys for all the replies. I'm going to get the Vanford.

Forgive me if this horse has been beaten to death but I'm in the market for a new "all purpose" spinning reel and want to know what your experiences are between the two?

I love musky and pike fishing. I belong to a fishing club and approx. 60 guys all meet at Lakewood's Resort in Cable, Wis, the 2nd weekend in October for a musky fishing tournament on Lake Namakagon. We all kick money into a kiddie for alternate species fish too (largest walleye, pike and bass). Have a ball fishing and really enjoy the comradery as much as the fishing.