TNBankFishing

You’re not wrong. I clearly remember them saying that during a Christmas buyers guide a couple years ago. Might have been off hand, or speaking about a certain line of rods but Matt did say it.

I have a gut feeling they might be dropping the brand. Barely any restocks, and the 40% felt like a blowout sale. The hook up stopped stocking them as well. I love their legend lines but maybe they don’t sell enough to warrant their massive catalog.

I still feel like the magnetic braking system Daiwa uses is the best in the business. I’ve owned a number of DC reels, and standard centrifugal braking reels with MGL spools and Daiwa just wins. The T wing doesn’t matter much to me, but I’ve replaced all of my Shimano reels with Zillions because for me they are easier to use. If I’ve got money on the line in a tourney I don’t want to deal with a reel getting finicky when I change trailer or baits. I fish from a kayak or as a co angler, so I switch baits often and need rods to pull double and triple duty. The SV spool, its boost feature, and the ease of external adjustment are winners. I’m not as concerned about dialing in a bait for 2-3 casts after making I change. I pick up the rod and sling the bait.

They are all heavy.

Bellows worm at 8” crushed last weekend for me.

I swear by the VMC rings. Just downsize the recommended ones are too large.

Yes. Love my bantams for heavy power work. https://japanlureshop.com/shimano-22-bantam.html $206. Check Digitaka and Asian portal

NRX+ 873 or Steez heavy cover special are my 1-2 punch for bottom contact now. I switched to smaller hooked jigs with compact trailers on the NRX and big stuff goes on the Steez. The generic full size pitching jig at a half oz or 3/4 just isn’t in my box anymore.

It’s still a good rod for full size jigs, but I don’t throw those much anymore.

Hook Up has BOGO on Cover Scat today only.

Big Tackle can’t sell you a $20 one.

Did you get a chance to connect with St. Croix to replace the cap? I want to add some more Xtremes but people never sell the good models near me!

When I was running tournaments from my yak I had a 7’11 punching stick. Worked for me, but I know a lot of guys run shorter rods because of the distance to the water. Hard to sit and cast, but I stood on mine a lot.

For reels over $100. A Lews LFS is a bullet proof aluminum frame external brake adjustment reel with brass gears. The Zillion is a close second but it doesn’t offer 2x the functionality at $200+. I own 3 Zillions and zero Lews reels so take that as it is. For rods I’d break it into two categories. For Do It All without a ton of technique specific models and the lineup that offers the one rod for everything. The Daiwa XT line at $100. Fantastic value, sensitivity, and style for little cash. Specific techniques I’d go Dobyns Fury. From a line with crankbait rods, punching rods, even a legit swim bait rod they cover all the bases. The reality is a stick with twine tied on will catch fish. I’ve fished value gear especially when I started and I don’t lie to myself for one second that I’m catching 2-5x the fish with rods with MSRPs of over $600 dollars. Doesn’t matter. Diminishing returns starts very low in the price range, but I enjoy fishing high end gear for many reasons.

Significant price difference between the two though. Not the same ballpark.

From the Hook Up video on them they have a better blank than the elites. Nanoplus vs something else. I’d have to look it up. Since these are harder to come by I’ll have to wait for reviews.

I would sample a higher end rod to pair with your zillion. Grab a dedicated rod for your favorite technique. Love throwing jigs? Megabass Orochi Brailist, IMX pro JWR, or Tatula Elite. Otherwise I’d fill out your lineup with a heavy powered rod to cover heavier baits and frogging. Once the mats come up in late summer getting some big frog blowups will be a blast.

I’d go that route honestly. Great internals and a fantastic price.

Fishem if you gottem. More will show up in stock here or through jdm sites.

Abu Revo in the 5 speed for heavy winching power. Anything 150 size for deep to medium and 100 for medium to shallow. Grab a JDM Tat 100 with the new internals and save some cash.

Been a while since I got a new pack. I’d give them a ring and let them know where you bought the baits. Might have been a bad batch or they might send you out a replacement.

I’ve had them do that in my truck when I forgot my hard bait box over a weekend camping. Blew up 1/2 of them.

99% of drags on casting gear are silent. You’re best bet is to show it to someone who is familiar with the reel or send it in.

While I’ve not owned an MD reel they are highly regarded for big bait fishermen for their power and torque. I’m sure it will be perfect for inshore fishing.

ALF at it again. My poor wallet