BrianNJ31

I have fished Oradell res pretty extensively over the years. Prespawn period is the easiest time there. Summer time is all about finding the bait fish. The big smallies and hybrids follow the bait around all day. You have to be willing to walk a lot to find the bait fish. Have a heavy walking bait tied on and bomb it out to the schooling bait. Travel light and be prepared to do a lot of walking

I have the US model, using it mostly for swim jigs for now. Casting is incredible with 2 internal brakes on and 2 off. No complaints.

Regretfully, I did not purchase the new Metanium when there was some store availability. Everywhere I look now shows there won't be availability until end of May (at the earliest). I am looking to add another rod/reel to handle moving baits - chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, ploppers, etc. After reading this thread and many others, sounds like a Bantam may be better suited to handle my needs. Is there anything that I am really sacrificing by going with the Bantam over the Met?

Might be hard to explain, but the hatch was originally designed for easy access to hold two 3600 Plano boxes. The clip you see there, ties to a little rope and when you open the hatch, the Plano boxes rise. If you plan on installing one of those bins, then you could ignore this clip. But if you plan on installing the Plano box holders you will need to use this clip.

I’ve been torn for the longest time between the Topwater 120 PDL and the Hobie PA12 360, leaning towards the Hobie. However, the Sportsman 120 PDL is making me reconsider. For those of you that have the PDL drive, how does it operate in light to moderate weeds? Is it frustrating constantly taking weeds off the prop?

Both are awesome rods for what you are looking for, I would lean more towards the Expride. Shimano is releasing the new Zodias next month which look great as well.

I can't think of one flaw with ci4+, have yet to try any other Stradic. The Fuego is a great reel as well, I think I prefer it over the Tatula.

2500 ci4+ and 7' M Expride is the exact setup I use for my Neds. I run 10 lb PowerPro to 8lb flouro and I can't think of a better set up for Neds.

I don’t spend much on rods often, but since I fish the Ned so often I figured it was worth it. 7 ft M Expride with 2500 Stradic ci4+. 10 lb power pro braid to an 8 lb flouro leader. Super sensitive, I can tell when I’m on a rock, leaf, sand etc. A very fun way to fish.

I have a 1/2 ounce War Eagle tied on at all times. Cheaper spinnerbaits never seem to run true.

Hey all, I’ve been lurking and reading all of your threads and comments for close to a decade now. Finally created an account and I’m excited to talk to you all. I am 25 years old from northern New Jersey. I’ve been fishing these pressured lakes my whole life. I am limited to a kayak, which I do not mind, but I’m currently in the market to upgrade my yak. Look forward to talking to you all and learning even more from this site.