GetFishorDieTryin

Theres 3 generations of the Stradic Ci4. Gen 1 is the Ci4 FA (pretty sure its FA, ill dig mine out if I have to), then you have the Ci4+ and then the Ci4 FB. I needed a part for my FA a few years ago and Shimano had stopped making them. The parts werent easy to get for the FA as Shimano still relied on an analog system, which was rally slow. I remember it took 6 months to get an aux bearing cover. It will be easier to find a spool then a random part. Odds are they make an aftermarket that will fit, if you cant find an original.

Whichever one you want. If you use a deep spool just put mono backing down first, then put your braid on. I would still use mono backing on a shallow spool, but just enough to cover the inside of the spool so the braid has something to grip on. Try using as little braid as possible when typing the Alberto, with practice 6-8" is more then you need. Do the same thing with the leader. Try to use as little line as possible without compromising the quality of the knot.

Color has more do with water and weather conditions, IMO.

Havent had the best experience with my VIctory. I dont see myself buying another.

People do it all the time, its just not as prevalent compared to more popular techniques. I think a big reason why, is the shorter casting distance with 1/32 or 3/64 and 2"-3" bait means it takes more time to cove water in comparison to using heavier weights and bigger baits. When the professional side of the sport emphasizes speed and efficiency, it bleeds over to the recreational side of the sport. Baits and techniques that blow up quickly usually do so because of its success in a professional event. I would bet, that if IKE or KVD would dominate an event by using BFS or micro baits on spinning gear then you would see the demand for that gear from rec anglers and the market would spring into action to meet that demand. Although the growth of BFS and Micro baits in the US has been mostly grass roots, its really taking off and I cant imagine that market seeing anything, but significant growth in the near future, with or without professional anglers really pushing the products.

I prefer straight shanks too. The 2/0 G finesse heavy cover might be the most versatile hook I've ever used. The big bite of the hook wroks well with bulkier and ringed baits, but doesnt look out of place on a senko typical sized worms. The wire is like a stout med, but is as strong as any heavy wire I've used. With the smaller dia, slickness of the wire and super sharp point I have no issue setting the hook with a M power rod using #12FC. I really like the Cover shot as well, but its just a little thin to be a do it all hook. Curious about the HD Cover shots, will try them in the future.

Any rods at a similar price point that are more comfortable, sensitive and lighter?

That doesnt ever work for me lol.

Fill the spool and tie 10-12" leaders. Avoid using palomars. Suffix is on the thicker side, try a thinner PE and go to #8. You would be surprised at how much pressure it takes to break it.

That 1 hurts...They replaced it though right?

I knew 13 was kind of under the umbrella of all the Rapala brands for the past few years. Kind of surprised they discontinued the soft plastics but kept hard plastics that may compete with Rapala. IMO theyre kind of like Ark rods, except they put a little more $ in components instead of the blank. Theyre really competitive with budget to mid price point rods, I really like my Muse, but once you get to that price point competition gets really stiff. Never owner any of their reels and from what Ive seen I wouldnt take one of their spinning reels for free, after seeing 2 fail. Casting reels sound promising though. The Concept Cs look great on Paper, just havent been able to get 1 in hand anywhere, no one sells them around here. I noticed that there was nothing from 13 from iCast, but theyre debuting a bunch of rods and some reels so I cant figure that 1 out.

I havent fished Champ in decades, but I recall being wowed at the sheer size. Really the gear I would bring wouldnt be much different then that of what I use around here, I would just have to bring some heavier weights and maybe a deeper running crank or 2. Personally I would have 3 rods, 2 casting 1 spinning. ! casting rod would have a T rig or Free rig and the other would have a swim jig, possibly soft JB or buzzbait or frog early. Spinning rod would either be wacky rig, light SH, ned rig, DS or small swimbait depending on how tough the fishing is and what ever you have confidence in. Just wing that swimjig around looking for a bite and everytime you see a good target pitch that T rig in there. If you dont get bit on the heavier gear, just downsize and slow down.

Been doing really with them on a free rig. 1/16 or 3/32 DS and a 2/0 Cover Shot or 1/0 Dream Hook.

VARY NAAS

Right, for the most part I pretty much agree with what you're saying. With InzivX it feels like there's an initial stretch at fairly low load, like 1/4 or 1/3 breaking strength, which is what I refer to as a practical load. Once you get to like 3/4 breaking strength of consistent pressure, you can feel the line stretch again generally followed by a breakage.

lol, for sure...Im just not too happy they stopped making them in bluegill

I was waiting for the, well AKCHULLY!... I know, we've all seen the results several times over. Its a great thought, provoking experiment, but I take those results with a grain of salt. Im not saying that because I think Im right and hes wrong sort of deal, thats not it at all. I just think the experiment falls short on replicating reasonable practical use. Its a good simulation if you're lure is stuck in a tree. Or possibly one of those 2/0 2x strong ned rig guys. IME, I struggle setting the hook on a t rig at range, especially at the end of a cast when using M F gear and 10lb BG. When I use 12lb InvizX same rod/reel/hook I can set that hook at range significantly better. I would be curious as to how much pressure

I like FC as a mainline for casting gear. Its got less stretch then mono and as long as you get a decent FC it handles really well. I It might be a good idea to stick with a co poly or mono until youre proficient with the reel. You dont want to blow up a spool of braid or FC.

Tiny brush hogs are great, but theyre really small, like micro jig trailer small. The baby brush hog is probably the most versatile size in the series, although I havent seen or used the midsize yet.

For me, a longer handle makes it a little easier to take up slack quickly before a hookset, compared to a short handle. With a short handle it feels like it takes a little more time for me to get going, but I feel like I have a faster sustained retrieve speed compared to a longer handle. IMO youre over thinking it. As long as you aren't dumping close to the entire spool on the cast, line capacity and line dia arent going to make a significant difference.

Zooms Mag finesse and trick worms.

You ever look into getting a Zenaq?

Used to do pretty well with baby brush hogs. I noticed the action would be inconsistent sometimes. Took me a while to figure out theres a top and bottom and if you rig them upside down appendages want to stay closed. I actually prefer SKs knock off and the super hog because I like the thickness of the body more then the BBH. Tried the full size and caught some fish, but never went all in on in on them. I would probably prefer the midsize to the full size, but never actually seen them in person.

Beyond trust worthy...Ive been dealing with them for decades and have never had an issue. I was happy to see them get into fishing gear and really surprised at the extent of their investment. I didnt think they would carry flagship items in bulk.

I really like the matte and flat black finfishes that never chip. There are times where I will use red or orange ones, but IMO color matters not the vast majority of time.