yodel1993

Appreciate the insight, and i definitely agree there are more purpose-built rods, specifically any sort of "expedition" rod like the valkyrie world edition range, or specialty swimbait rods. The micro guides on the destroyers in particular aren't ideal for fishing 30-50lb braid and up to 100lb leader. Part of me wanting this rod is liking the way it looks, and being interested to try it out. It is extremely common for guys over here to fish equivalent rods though, a lot of what we use is repurposed largemouth gear, like the dobyns 703, 704 and 705, and the edge 705 etc. So it shouldn't be too different. This rod will likely perform double duty between jerkbaits and soft vibes like the jackall transam (these dont seem to be much of a thing in the US, but are extremely popular here as a craw presentation). So the fast tip and MF action sounds pretty ideal

Hi, I am trying to decide between these two rods for jerkbaits that are 3/8oz to 3/4oz, such as the lucky craft pointer 100xd and rapala x-rap xr12. I am fishing for barramundi in Australia (often over 1m in length), hence me looking at rods which are more powerful than you guys would typically use for jerkbaits. I was initially planning to go for the Mad bull, and then worried it might be underpowered in the bottom end, hence upgrading to the super destroyer, and now im second guessing myself. Any feedback from those who have actually laid eyes on these rods would be much appreciated.

I have been trying to get my hands on one of these, but the 200+ USD price tag is a little tough to swallow

Sounds like just what im after, thanks very much Tom

Hi, i am not based in the USA. Skirted jigs arent popular where I live. I want to buy a couple of skirted jigs to fish in Australia, but seeking a recommendation for one with a really solid hook, as they will be used for barramundi which grow to 40lb+ Cheers for any recommendations

As far as I can tell they were only available for a short time, released in 2019. There is one listed on the Bay currently for $54 USD + 20 postage. If it was a more sane price i'd consider grabbing it. I'm definitely aware of the heddon super spook which is wood, and have considered that one. Most interested in anything around ~100mm, specifically wood (so that its mostly silent) and with a bit of weight to cast. I have already pulled the trigger on the roman made like bite, which I caught for $30 USD best offer on ebay. Was just eager to hear what it's like. There's a promotional video on youtube, but it's a bit hard to tell what it's like as a conventional walking bait. They seem to be fishing it with some different erratic retrieves.

Hi, Was keen to hear feedback from anyone who has swum/seen swum the Roman Made Like Bite. I was most interested in the 105mm, but other lengths are fine too. Does it walk the dog easily? Cast well? etc. Since they stopped making the wooden lucky craft sammy there aren't many wooden walk the dog options on the market. Open to recommendations. Cheers!

Which Daiwa cast control (Magforce or Magforce Z) is better suited to each of: Throwing 14g jerkbait minnows like the lucky craft pointer. Unweighted Z-man hard leg frogs on worm hook 1/2 to 1 oz swimbaits

Thanks for the responses @BaitFinesse and @NOC 1 I had figured it must have been the spool rim after the earlier replies, perhaps getting off-balance when i turned the handle or something. But i suppose if it doesn't make the sound when the handle is spun, or when the clutch is engaged then it may have to be something going on internally... i think you're correct though that it's something that's easy to fuss about when you're at home, but is unlikely to amount to much out on the water.

Completely silent! *Shrug*

Thanks so much for the replies. Delaware i think you may be right that the "play" in the spool bearing behind the pin is normal, and not the cause of the problem. I think it may be a dent in the spool rim. I did notice one (which i had no idea how it could have gotten there, and was aghast) so i tried to gently press it back into shape. I thought i'd managed to do a pretty good job, but when you mentioned it could be the spool rim I remembered, and that may be an explanation for the sound... If i "spin" the handle the spool/handle spin quietly. But when i manually turn the handle it makes the noise.

Hi guys, my Steez A baitcast reel is making a sort of clicking noise when I wind. I have taken the spool out and the noise ceases. If i "shake" the spool it makes a similar noise. I think there is some play in the bearing on the magnetic brake side of the spool. Anyone have a quick fix to get rid of this little clacky sound?

Hi guys, I currently own a Daiwa Steez A 1016 baitcast reel, and a Daiwa Zillion TW HD 1520. Given that these are really expensive reels, I was debating downgrading to an 18 Tatula 100H an 18 Tatula 200H respectively. I am not very mechanically minded, however I am trying to cut through some of the marketting puff, and develop a substantive understanding of precisely what I am "giving up" in downgrading to these slightly cheaper (however still good quality) reels. I am far from a gun fisherman by any means, so I am confident that the Tatula models will be more than adequate for me, even if a little less "smooth" or slightly shorter-casting. I feel like creating threads like this with "benchmarks" demonstrating what substantive "upgrades" come with each reel model from base models to Steez would be super useful for reel-buyers, but as far as I know nobody has compiled such info. So far my understanding of the difference between Tatula and Zillion/Steez is: Worm Shaft Collars (rather than worm gear bearings). Is anyone able to articulate how much difference this is likely to make in functionality? What aspects of fishing this affects? Spool shaft (vs free floating spool). Again, what is the impact of this? Heavier spool spool - more energy to start spool rotation, slightly shorter casts. No Handle Knob bearings - Steez A uses plastic collars also. Different drag - single drag washer rather than Carbon Drag stack. Results in less maximum drag. Potentially less smooth also? Brass gears in the Tatula, Aluminium gears in the Steez A/Zillion (both still have some plastic internal components, to my understanding). No Magseal in the Tatula. Same TWS, same magnetic cast control systems, same handles/knobs/body material (full aluminium frame in Tatula). I would love to hear your opinions on any other substantive differences between these mid-range versus high-end reels, and how you feel these differences "manifest" in the actual fishing experience i.e. smoother, cast further, more durable in what ways (corrosion resistance, can cast heavier baits, less prone to breakage, overall longevity without breakage). How do you feel about the "value" offered by the high end zillion/steez models, do they justify the price increase (to you)? I feel like it's a bit of a trap for newer fisherman to want the "best" gear available, and the manufacturing brands don't necessarily make it easy for the average joe to develop an appreciation of what they're paying for between each price point beyond cosmetic increases, and peace of mind that they have "the best".

Is that your philosophy with all reels? Or just because the Steez A has an aluminium frame you feel like this particular reel is sufficiently rigid to cast large baits (and is only limited by line capacity)?

Hi, short and sweet query. I have a Daiwa Steez A reel, and am keen to throw small swimbaits up to 2oz. Unsure whether I should purchase a Zillion TW HD 1520 to accomodate this larger size. I am well aware that the reel will not combust if I tie on something heavier than it is rated, just asking what would be the maximum weight each of you would be comfortable casting with this reel to avoid any risk of damage.