Blaine Donders

My 3/8-1/2oz jig rod. It’s a Pride Rods CS7H.

The casting reels are Doyo. Think Lew’s Tournament MP or Abu Revo SX. If you like those reels you will like the Bass Pro ones. Unsure who makes their spinning reels, but I really like them. I have the Signature versions and they are really nice. I’ve heard Daiwa makes them, but I really don’t know.

If you like the 17 SV’s, you can’t go wrong. I prefer the newer 100 size profile, but not enough to sell my older 17 models!

Braid backlashes aren’t any worse for me than any other line. At least it doesn’t kink like fluoro. As to distance, braid is fine. The reason some don’t like it is the zero stretch with treble hook baits and the noisy retrieve coming through the guides.

I have not had good luck with this other than tying to backer.

My preferred knot as well.

I would use 10-12 pound fluoro.

I have 4 gen 4 STX’s, a Revo Ike, and a gen 4 Rocket. The side plate cannot come off. Brake wise, I prefer the pure centrifugal of the STX and the IKE over the dual like on the Rocket or the STX. I throw anything from 3/16oz to 1oz with it. I have mostly Tatulas with the Abu’s and a couple Lew’s mixed in. The Doyo reels are fine.

I’m struggling with the rod tip angle more than anything.

8# PLine fluoro

I have owned the Curado DC and the SLX DC. For me? I don’t see the point. I’m learning to skip, and have had way better luck with a Daiwa SV. I can blow up a DC spool for sure. I’d get an MGL if you want a Shimano.

As far as I can see it will be a personal preference. I’ve owned the first 2, and have used the third. The Carbonlights seem a tad faster than the Duckett, and way faster than the Dobyn’s, if that’s a consideration. I don’t know Bass Pro’s exchange policy, but I know Dobyn’s has a good replacement program, and I have personally used the Duckett replacement program. No problems at all. Sensitivity is so subjective it’s hard to make a recommendation. Grips are different on all 3 as well. Cork, Eva, and synthetic like Winn on the BP. The Duckett should have a small hunk of Eva in front of the reel seat nut, which is nice. All three would work!

As far as the reels go, they are Doyo, so they are as good as any other Doyo.

I hate, and I mean hate, having to re tie on the water.

Interesting indeed! Now I want one….

Is this a Tackle Warehouse exclusive? I do t see any where else?

The last BB1 launch was the last back reel reel?

I think the drag is there, just the star is eliminated. You have to reach in and turn it behind the handle?

I have both a Cara Head Turner and a PLX Tournament. I can’t put them head to head, as my Abu is a ML. It’s my tube rod and it’s nice. Other than the Carbon grip, which rocks, it’s no match for the Cara’s blank. I haven’t touched a rod yet that is more sensitive with spinners or vibrating jigs. With that said, I have owned a Dobyns HP704C. Even with bottom contact, I prefer the Cara.

This is a draw. Go with the brand you prefer. I prefer Daiwa, some prefer Shimano.

I have both the 2017 and 2020 SV’s. And a Coastal 150. The ergos on the newer are much better for sure. For me, the older feels a little nicer build wise. Most likely the different paint. Casting wise, I can’t really tell much difference. Quantum wise, I have never owned anything older than the S3’s. I’ve had a Smoke I’ve used a lot the last 3 years. It is really a great reel. In fact the only knock I have on it is the cheap feeling thumb bar.

I’m mostly Daiwa, but have owned 2 Lew’s Tournament Pro’s. if going pure centrifugal, don’t dismiss a Quantum Tour. Stewart Tackle has them for $115. I think the brakes are way better than the ACB. My opinion of course.

I have an elite and an elite p/f. They are really nice for sure. They both cast like rockets, and are worth the $$$ over a regular 100. I wouldn’t trade an SV for one though. Just preference.

Don’t forget Impulse!

Sixgill is launching a LP baitcaster made in Texas. All Carbon though.