Reel

Always

No problems like that with my Shimanos

I have never seen 2 piece Exprides in the US market. Some in Europe and elsewhere. Makes it more complicated.

In the Shimano family of spinning reels, there are two different families: the power reels and the finesse reel. These last ones have a free floating feeling, and not a lot of inertia. The Vanford is in that family. The Stradic is in the power family: more inertia when starting to turn the handle and a more connected feeling.

A few years back, a really good reel technician told me that most gear roughness comes from the fact that a lot of fishermen engage their reels ( baitcaster or spinning reel) to stop a lure before it touches water at the end of the cast. I use my thumb and fingers to do that. Maybe that's why my reels stay smooth a long time.

Oups !!! Yes, FL. Just took a look at it.

I've had one for 2 1/2 years. It's the same now as when I took it out of the box.

Never

I would go for the Zodias but would choose the 7'2', heavy, my favorite rod.

Advantages: I have time ( retired from work) I have a boat I have experience Disadvantages: I don't have enough time. I live north and rivers and lakes are frozen 5 months of the year ( December to April). Also, there are closed seasons. Bass fishing starts in the middle of June so no prespawn or spawn time where the BIG fish are more accessable. I'm not young anymore I like to fish for other species

I don't think Homer was right. I fished almost 15 years with the same tournament partner and sometimes I would catch almost all the fish in one spot, and sometimes it was the other way around, even if we were using the same equipment and the same lure and color. There is always one little difference that makes a lot of difference.

Have fun .... catch fish

For me, a bit of tip action is a prerequisite for pinpoint casting. And where I fish, exact lure presentation is important.. And no not only for topwater.

You can find suitable rods and reels from different companies so I won't make suggestions. I use 50/65 pound braid for frogging and that is what I build on. I want a reel with enough capacity for that type of line with a large handle and a fast ratio. Some people like very heavy rods but I prefer a rod that is MH with some give in the tip. I know that I'm giving away some power for precision.. I like a rod between 7' 2'' and 7' 6''. I know I said MH but right now I'm using a Zodias 7' 2'' H fast. that has some tip action and that I like a lot.

I agree. I'm using an old Compre rod that was hidden away in my rod locker. It' 6 foot 8 and light action with a moderate curve. It works well with the Curado BFS. BFS is a complete system; not just a spool, line, rod or reel.

I'm no expert at BFS , but like you I had some interest. I got a Curado BFS reel because I wanted something simple and I like it. I can throw down to about 1/10 of an once fairly easily and at a good distance. But I found out that BFS is more that throwing light lures. It's also about light line and light drags. When you have on a lure with # 6 and # 8 trebles, and 8 pound test line, you need a drag system that is meant for those. From my experience, the drag system is different on my BFS reel.

no, never.

Don't have one, but it fits my definition as the perfect drop shot rod

Warranty is one year, the rest is insurance and like some said I think you pay for that.

I fish them right near the bank, sometimes in less than a foot of water for largemouth. I use Rhythm Waves or Keitech in always the same size, the 4.8 and I mount them on a twist lock weighed hook 5/0 (Mustad) 1/8 oz. The small (movable) weight helps with the action. I want the bait horizontal. I use a Conquest reel (slow retrieve) on a 7 foot 4 Moderate Fast rod made for swimbaits.

At this time of year, I wade because the boat has been put away. And like the previous poster said, the shallows are full of gobies and minnows. You see them scooting away in a couple of inches of water.

Went fishing today. Was 32 degree this morning and warmed up to 45. Caught a nice 5 pound smallmouth on a hard swimbait in 4 feet of water ( Shimano BT). Caught some smaller ones to. No cold is OK.

The curly tail grub is not a magic bait, but, even if it's old, it's pretty good. It's a good bait in rivers with current. You can leave it stationary on the bottom and the current will give that slight movement of the tail that makes it difficult to resist. Movement without movement

One lure that is ''very old school '' that I would use in such a situation is the Flapping Shad in white with a bit of red. Use a nail weight if the grass is very thick. Let fall into holes when there are some.

Both. Baitcasting in Spring and Fall when I want a slower presentation and spinning in Summer for a faster presentation. For me, it's easier to work a spinning rod down faster.