Jaybert

I kind of enjoy collecting JDM baits that work and have a lifespan like vision 110 or bladed jig etc. I buy less but nicer and effective baits, a less is more kinda thing. Do they catch more ? Can’t say for sure but they do work well. Plastics I’m undecided because they are consumed so rapidly vs the cost. Tried the Dolive beaver this year. Great bait and the bass ate them like potato chips. But they are the softest plastic I have ever used, like one dink bass destroyed them sometimes. At over $15 for 5 of them here in Canada it would be cheaper to take up smoking. I’ll pay to play a bit but that might be the tipping point for me to steer back to my Xzones etc for plastic. it’s a slippery slope with JDM though

Looking to buy a rod to handle bladed jigs. Mostly 3/8 plus trailer sometimes 1/2. Have been running them on my IMX MBR783 but that rod I use with braid for plastic and jigs etc. As I gain more confidence in bladed jigs they could use their own set up. braid on my 783 has worked to get me into chatters but I do feel it doesn’t have a lot of give and I do loose more fish than I’d like close to the boat. Versatility is a big thing for me since i can’t carry a lot of setups in my kayak & small boat. So I’d like this rod to be able to handle a swim jig, spinner bait, plopper etc in a pinch. I have all Loomis rods, I know there are lots of good options out there, Loomis is where I start looking and am familiar. So I’ve looked at 2 choices, im a less is more guy generally but less gear but buy pretty nice stuff when I do. -another MBR likely an 843C this time. I have MBR rods so I know they are versatile. Would look to run mono or fluoro to get that bit of give hopefully to cut back on lost fish is my thinking. A very familiar choice for me and I have used MBR semi-successfully for bladed jigs but wonder if better options exist. -883C BJR they call it a bladed jig rod so thinking it has to be the right tool for the job. if it has that more moderate action to it I could maybe run braid which I generally prefer. I have avoided till now technique specific rods so I worry this is investing a lot into a combo that can only do one thing. Bit of a risk for me buying this one. It does look sweet not that it really matters. Anyone with experience with either which would you choose ? I have to order in from my local shop so it’s not like I can handle them first really. So much info on rods for this purpose, glass, composite, evergreen, st croix, Expride, Intenza, curious to try another brand maybe but zeroing in on Loomis for now anyway

Yep, I am in Ontario as well. Couple hours north of Toronto. Local shop cuts me a bit of a deal but still $500 range for IMX pros. Slippery slope once you have one IMX it’s hard to go back down. I have fished GLX of friends but don’t own one. On a spinning rod in particular they are unreal. But I haven’t been able to get my mind around $800 either. I’m happy with my IMX pros and a pecker Yep, I am in Ontario as well. Couple hours north of Toronto. Local shop cuts me a bit of a deal but still $500 range for IMX pros. Slippery slope once you have one IMX it’s hard to go back down. I have fished GLX of friends but don’t own one. On a spinning rod in particular they are unreal. But I haven’t been able to get my mind around $800 either. I’m happy with my IMX pros and a pecker Yep, I am in Ontario as well. Couple hours north of Toronto. Local shop cuts me a bit of a deal but still $500 range for IMX pros. Slippery slope once you have one IMX it’s hard to go back down. I have fished GLX of friends but don’t own one. On a spinning rod in particular they are unreal. But I haven’t been able to get my mind around $800 either. I’m happy with my IMX pros and a pecker Yep, I am in Ontario as well. Couple hours north of Toronto. Local shop cuts me a bit of a deal but still $500 range for IMX pros. Slippery slope once you have one IMX it’s hard to go back down. I have fished GLX of friends but don’t own one. On a spinning rod in particular they are unreal. But I haven’t been able to get my mind around $800 either. I’m happy with my IMX pros and a pecker Yep, I am in Ontario as well. Couple hours north of Toronto. Local shop cuts me a bit of a deal but still $500 range for IMX pros. Slippery slope once you have one IMX it’s hard to go back down. I have fished GLX of friends but don’t own one. On a spinning rod in particular they are unreal. But I haven’t been able to get my mind around $800 either. I’m happy with my IMX pros and a pecker. Yep, I am in Ontario as well. Couple hours north of Toronto. Local shop cuts me a bit of a deal but still $500 range for IMX pros. Slippery slope once you have one IMX it’s hard to go back down. I have fished GLX of friends but don’t own one. On a spinning rod in particular they are unreal. But I haven’t been able to get my mind around $800 either. I’m happy for now having both my IMX pros and a pecker. Yep, I am in Ontario as well. Couple hours north of Toronto. Local shop cuts me a bit of a deal but still $500 range for IMX pros. Slippery slope once you have one IMX it’s hard to go back down. I have fished GLX of friends but don’t own one. On a spinning rod in particular they are unreal. But I haven’t been able to get my mind around $800 either. I’m happy for now having both my IMX pros and a pecker. Yep, I am in Ontario as well. Couple hours north of Toronto. Local shop cuts me a bit of a deal but still $500 range for IMX pros. Slippery slope once you have one IMX it’s hard to go back down. I have fished GLX of friends but don’t own one. On a spinning rod in particular they are unreal. But I haven’t been able to get my mind around $800 either. I’m happy for now having both my IMX pros and a pecker.

Nice ! IMX pro are fantastic rods, expensive here in Canada but good value overall and worth it in my experience!

Picked up my GLoomis SJR721 IMX pro today that I had ordered from my local shop. Not sure I really needed it but my IMX pro SJR 782 is a gem of a rod that I really love for a variety of techniques. The 721 version was one I always wanted as its twin for lighter baits. I feel like this is a rod that may eventually get phased out and if I wait too long I’ll miss out. So placed the order. It’s a sweet little rod that is for sure. Still need to fish it but in my hands it is all I’ve come to expect in Loomis rods and appears it will become a favourite too. Funny my 782 although rated medium, to me always has fished as a ML. This 721 rated light feels more like a medium at first look. A soft tip then just a wicked back bone for a little rod. Feels like a special taper. Can’t wait to load it up on a bass!

Such great info! I think I’ll play with those washers behind the star and flip the friction washer as a stray. See if I can get the clearance with the stock star. Like I say it’s not really touching now but a little more clears me would be ideal. Enjoying learning and tinkering here for sure. Thanks again That star looks sharp, I’ll have to do some searching for my model. Thanks again

Thank you much appreciated. I will have to do some experimenting and research on drag star options for Calcutta B. Seems to be more custom parts like swept stars for conquest reels on first look. I had thought a lot of shimano stuff was somewhat interchangeable. But will need to check it out. I think I’m on the right track here with this handle though

Not as unique as much of what is posted here but this is my Calcutta 200gtb. It’s a sentimental reel I received as a gift a number of years ago. I have newer, lighter, typical reels but this one is still tough to beat and I love fishing it. Such a solid and versatile reels, they are amazing. It’s mounted on a GLoomis MBR784C as a versatile set up for heavy bass and pike. recently it was due for a refresh so I completely disassembled, deep cleaned, lubricated added a new pawl, new carbon drag washers, boca bearings. Works as good as ever. I’d would like to update the handle to a longer one with larger knobs and overall just freshen up the look of the reel a bit. In the pic I tested the handle from my Curado 150 MGL HG on it thinking I’ll order a complete OEM handle if it works. I think I like the look of it mounted on there. The Curado handle is more of a gunmetal and I’d like one more of a chrome to match the Calcutta accents better, so I’ll have to do some more looking on that. because the new handle is swept and the drag start of the Calcutta is not, the handle just and I mean just clears the drag star. I don’t think it contacts but it isn’t by much. I think it should work ok. I think some of the XG modern reels have a longer handle, a bit more length might help it clear the drag star better. This reel could for sure use an even longer handle. couple questions for you reel experts here. First, yes or no on the handle does it look ok ? I’m thinking it makes it a bit more modern and functional than the old short straight brass handle while not totally ruining the classic look. Also matches my modern reels which is nice. But Id welcome suggestions if it looks silly or wrong on there. second, in one pic I have put a plastic washer under the handle to act as a shim and give a bit more clearance from the drag start just to be sure it doesn't contact. Does that seem logical or could that cause problems? any suggestions welcomed. On my low profile standard reels I don’t worry so much about looks etc. But this one I am enjoying tinkering with as a reel that means something a little extra to me.

Thanks ! That was what I was seeing too and the fact that 2000 held less than 1000 is where I was getting hung up. I figured a 1000 frame with 2000 spool would hold more line… but in fact it must be shallower on the 2000. So either 1000 or 2000 sounds like it would work either way then!

School me on Vanford sizing. I have a 1000 size Stradic so I’m familiar with its size. I’d like to maybe pick up a 1000 size Vanford. Both JDM and domestic only list a 2000 Vanford, no 1000. What does a 2000 Vanford compare to ? Going on a Gloomis light power sjr721. Vanford 2000 is it a small frame like a 1000?

I’ve tried to keep it to 3 rods in the yak. I have a smaller power boat as well so I’m used to keeping a smaller arsenal overall. MBR783C Loomis MH MBR782C Loomis M or my CR722 of same power SJR782 Loomis M spinning can cover most things with these combos. Heavier cover green bass or pike trips I can substitute the 2 power casting for my MBR 784C heavy. More finesse or brown bass focused trips I’ll sometimes bring a second lighter spinning combo and leave a casting out. 3 combos keeps clutter and complexity down in my Native Ultimate. Great yak but more like a canoe and not as spacious for storing like a big sit on top style. Some of these newer serious fishing kayaks have more room for more combos I know. I can certainly see the appeal of bringing more setups but for me the 3 combos works and I’m effective with them.

I have had both, sold the DC, still have & love the MGL 150 . Can’t really go wrong either way but the DC just never clicked for me personally as a good fit and I didn’t ever really find the benefit of the DC for my use. I’d buy another MGL 150 in a second, it’s just feels right and is an all around performer for me. I doubt you’d be disappointed in it

Compared to an IMX and up they are not a fair comparison, and when benchmarked against those models no doubt GCX gets a bad name. Are there similar or better rods for less money? Probably. But I am familiar with Loomis Rods of all levels and I can say I do like my GCX is all. Don’t rule them out they are often sold out and relatively popular in my area of Ontario anyway.

I have a few Loomis MBR rods including the 783 in IMX pro, and a 782 in GCX. It’s a whole separate topic that has been discussed before here, but don’t downplay the GCX too much. It gets some hate but I don’t mind the GCX at all. Buddies have them too and like them. Just have to have your expectations set that you are not getting higher end Loomis rod performance at that price point. But still a very nice rod that gets the job done. The MBR is so versatile and nice that to me If it came down to having an MBR taper or not personally I would absolutely get the GCX. other option is used. I have found an MBR 784C and some others over the years. keep an eye out they do come up at decent prices for the higher end stuff on the hand, if your buddy is like me and knows what he wants now, better to save up and just get it at the start. Expensive road to trade up in the end !

I think you are on the right track with Curado BFS. I have one and I think it’s great. Drag clicker is super cool in a casting reel. I use 20lb PP to a leader on mine. Hard to see you being disappointed with it. rods I don’t use a traditional bfs rod with mine, I use a gloomis CR722 IMX so can’t really say on the rod choice. Megabass Levante BFS is one I’d check out if I was shopping though.

My Calcutta 200GTB. Hands down. I have reels newer, lighter etc. that may be better value, tech or whatever. But if the question is favourite one it’s the trusty Calcutta, they are perfection in a reel. Still going strong over 10 years later and can tackle almost any species or technique

Stumbled on this used locally at a low price. Didn’t really need it, but couldn’t resist it. I have a soft spot for Loomis rods especially the older ones. This one is a SR782-2 light action, GL2 made in Canada, so it has some age for sure. It needs a good cleanup but in very good shape otherwise. Does anyone have this rod and what do you use it for ? Despite similar model number, holding it in hand it is clearly a way different rod than my SJR 782 I have already. Very soft and bends almost to the handle. Curious if anyone had or had had this model and experiences with it

Hey thanks that is a good read in that thread and I’m hopeful the Gomexus version of this dual bearing roller concept will work well. The bushing supported roller was my only reservation about the Nasci when I bought it, so this kit seemed worth a try. The dual bearing concept makes sense to me when I look at it. If the Gomexus bearings turn out to be junk or something I’m sure I could measure and replace them with another brand bearing. Did you grease or oil anything when you installed these roller kits ? But back to the thread I was impressed Gomexus had a solution for me here at a reasonable cost and so far seems a decent brand. Eying up their cork handle knobs next and if the roller kit works well I may be ordering a couple more of them for my Stradics.

Ordered the double bearing line roller kit to upgrade the bushing in my Nasci. Ordering was easy and price is fair. First impression it looks professional and reasonable quality. Will report back once I have a chance to put it to work. But so far has been a good experience buying from them

Sorry if this has been covered but I’m about to order some AFW and wondering what lb test do you prefer ? Is it the 20lb generally ?

I watched i_fish’s video on this, good info he is certainly passionate about the subject lol

Interesting stuff, I’ll have to check out the videos thanks! Generally speaking there must be some logic behind shimano putting felt in these small reels. Maybe that is it !

Ended up with a new Nasci 1000 to match up with my compre ultralight. Local small tackle shop had it in stock so I was able to take my rod in and try it on. Being an older rod the slighter heavier Nasci balanced out nicely on it to me vs the super light reel options of today (7.2oz Nasci is still quite light compared to the 500 or 1000 reels from this rods vintage) So for the price I figured it was worth a try. I know it won’t fully measure up to my Stradics. But I feel like I should try a modern mid-priced reel and this light use combo is a great place to try it ! My old FX 500 shimano didn’t cast well, tangled easy and didn’t have a great drag, but it got the ultralight job done for near 30 years. The Nasci is night and day improvement from it, so I think it’s a good fit here. seriously impressed with the feel for the price point. I did order a smooth drag carbon drag washer and a Gomexus line roller bearing kit to smooth things out a bit. Should be a sweet little setup when done. With the couple little upgrades it’s still about 50% price of another Stradic or Vanford here in CDN dollars. Appreciate all the opinions and info here.

Thank you all for the great information here. I think I’m going to shop Miravel & Ultegra 1000. Local shop has Nasci 500 in stock that I could get a visual on too. But for the very minimal weight difference I’m thinking 1000 size may be the route for all the advantages mentioned.

Hey thank you for all the detailed info much appreciated. I’ll have a closer look at Vanford and Soare for sure. Also looking at Nasci & Sahara too. These are less than I’d buy for my frequent use reels but for this lighter use combo those may be an option. that Tica is beautiful, I had never heard of them before. Very interesting