Reel

A ''progressive'' rod would be one that you would use for crankbaits or even spinnerbaits. And like Tywithay, I don't use DC reels for pitching.

The people on You Tube that are doing that probably use a more progressive rod than yours and also have practiced their extra long cast using the proper casting technique. It's the same thing with a fly rod. If you use the right smooth mouvements you get longer casts. Method 1 and 2 are OK if you are using a standard weight compact lure: a 3/8 once jig. #3 is better if that is not the case. The cast control knob is there to be used. Use it according to the conditions. Nothing is set for a whole day. I've been using DC reels for 20 years and it get even better with time especially in though conditions.

Flukes are a very good bait for smallmouth in my area. I use the regular size in white or Tennessee Shad. I retrieve them like a jerkbait: underwater, a little slower early and late in the season but fast during the summer. If they come to the top I ad weight in the form of a piece or two of nailweight side to side. I use a regular offset shank hook 5/0. I use them in shallow water 3 to 6 feet.

The new Ci4, the Vanford, will be available in 2000 size: basically it's a 1000 central body with a bigger diameter spool.

Spinnerbaits, jerkbaits

Be careful for the first cast of the day. The reel is not powered and it's easy to get a backlash.

I use a Zodias 7' 2'' MH casting rod with a Curado with 30 pound test braided line and a 10 pound fluoro leader.. I use a snap with the 3/4 oz Deracoup.

I've got a Shimano Calcutta Conquest that has a low ratio like that and sometimes use it for chatterbaits, especially those that have a tendency to turn ( 3/8 oz) when retrieved too fast. I regularly use it to retrieve soft swimbaits like Rhythm Waves because I just catch more fish. I have tried to use a faster reel for that technique but end up reeling too fast.

Fat Ika.

Yes. You have to choose different frequencies.

Get a small 12 volt battery, the type used for ice fishing, and power the unit with that. That way you will not have interference and enough power for 2 or 3 days before you have to recharge the battery. This type of battery weighs less than 5 pound and doesn't cost that much.

Shimano has some nice rods that go well with Stradic Ci4+ in the Intenza series around the price range you want.

You asked for an opinion at the beginning. If it were me, I would try to get the last generation Stradic Ci4+ 2500, if you can get one that is on sale, like someone else suggested. They were a great value at regular price, even more so on sale. If your mind is set on a Stella, buy a new one, the latest model. That way it will be in top condition and you will really know what makes it different from a medium priced reel.

To help out Eddie 101, we need to know what he is comparing to what. From what he said, he is looking at a brand new Stradic ( might be a Stradic Ci4+ or Stardic FL ) and comparing it to a used Stella that might be a reel recently bought or 20 years old. He wants the best deal ( quality/price). Even if the Stella is high end, it has changed over the years and for the better I think.

To better compare the two reels you have to give the model : Stella FJ, FK, etc.. The same with the Stradic. It's impossible to compare when you are saying something like: What is a better deal a Chevrolet or a Ford ?, and you don't mention the model or the year

Try Shimano Canada in Peterborough instead of Shimano USA

For the price of the SLX XT, the bearings are of a really high quality and you need a bit more control to get distance and precision.

I like the large size

Sharpen your hooks

Yes I have 2 Shimano Zodias 7'5 heavy. Nice flipping/jigging rods with just enough flex for great precision.

For a SPINNING reel, take the spool off and take the handle off. Lay it on it's side on a table in the sun to drain the water that may be inside the reel and dry. If it's not back to normal after that I would send it in for a lube job.

It matches very well with a Shimano CONQUEST rod

I would go with a Stradic Ci4+ 2500 spinning reel. It's one of the lightest out there. For a two piece rod, the are excellent choices in the Compre and SLX line up. Ten pound braided line would work well with topwater baits or 8 pound test mono would be another choice.

I think with finesse techniques, the rod is much more important then the reel. Sensitivity is what you are looking for. For around a 100$ the new Shimano Intenza rods are one of your best options.

SLX is a great reel.