Blaine Donders

I use blue J Braid on 2 of my setups. I really like J Braid, but I will say I prefer line that is white, yellow, or bright green. I see the blue better than green, but not as good as those colors.

I use 14# Fireline flame green interchangeably with 20# braid. My braid is usually PP in yellow. I have never had one problem with either. I normally tie on a 8# fluoro leader. I retie the leader about every 4th trip. Never one issue. For spinning applications, Fireline works just fine. Sometimes I feel it is more sensitive. It is rougher till broken in though. If you are rocking a super sensitive rod, it will feel weird the first couple days.

I have 3 Smoke S3’s, 2 Smoke HD’s, an Accurist, Energy, and Icon. They all work good. I have an Smoke KVD S3 8 speed I’ve thrown so much the paint is going. Stays in my trunk on a 2 piece Favorite. They are not as refined feeling as a Tatula, other than the HD’s, which are. However, that is a subjective thing. They have been durable, easy to set up, super comfortable, and cast really really well. They are all I use besides my Tatulas anymore.

Good luck with this! Every time I think I have an answer I change my mind. I am currently in love with the Smoke 200HD’s. I have two and love them. That said, I haven’t found anything that performs better than a Tatula, yet. I have the SV, 150, and CT, and 100. Of these I believe the 100 is a good upgrade from the Fuego for $50, as it is smaller and feels better. I doubt, however, that it works better. As to the SV, I run a loose reel with lots of thumb, and don’t skip much, so it is interchangeable with the CT for me. I realize that’s me, and my opinion only. Sold my SLX XT’s, and my furthest casting reel is is a Smoke S3. So pick your poison. It’s all preference. Please keep in mind I only have one reel that’s worth more than $200 and that’s a Concept C.

I use 40# or 50# pound braid with a 12-15# fluoro leader on baitcasters, when I don’t use straight fluoro. 40# is a close size match for 10# fluoro. For spinning I run either 14# Fireline or 20# braid with 8# fluoro leader.

I keep an Excel spreadsheet tabbed for each caliber. I then upload it to Drop Box and keep a copy on my phone so I can access it anywhere, anytime.

I have a couple. I use them for worms and jigs. Mostly TRig

Hey, I like bourbon!

My Accurist S3 kicks butt. Only thing I don’t care for is the position of the thumb bar. Small potatoes. I prefer it slightly to my Energy and Icon, only because of the paint job. All are a little rough fit and finish but tough and smooth, and work great. Now the Smoke S3, KVD Smoke S3, and the Smoke HD, are another level all together. I haven’t used a Tour S3, but it’s basically a Smoke S3, so would be awesome as well. These reels are great. Underrated! I also have Tatulas, STX’s, Lew’s, and JM. Sold my Shimano. I love Tatulas, like the STX and Lew’s Tournament MP. Love the JM Pro Qualifiers, and really like the Platinum. I always enjoy my Accurist and Smokes, and will buy more when they wear out.

I use a PT Accurist S3 nearly every time I go out. Very good casting reel. It can flat bomb baits. The Icon and Energy are the same. The Accurist paint job just feels nicer. You will enjoy them all. The only reels I use all the time that outcasts them are my Daiwa CT and Smokes.

I’ve personally never talked to anyone in Michigan that has caught a big mouth much over 7#. I grew up on Cooper Lake in Jackson county, and caught a 6 pound bass and witnessed one close to 7 as well, both in that lake. We went out and spotted at night, as we had seen several lunkers in there, and we saw some pigs. I doubt they were 10 pounds, but they were far larger than the 7 pounder I saw caught. The rumor always was that a 10.5 pounder came out of there in the 60’s. May have. Maybe not.

Lurked for a while, decided to finally chime in. I fish all species, preferring smallies, however spend 90% of my time chasing bigmouth. Prefer power fishing when I can, and the only catch and release I do is bass. All others get ate!

Seabees

Tournament Pro fir $140 is a good deal for sure. $120 for the MP is a good price as well, and Sportsman’s Outfitters has them for that all the time.

It was auction. Made a run at about 6 of them before I scored. Gander has Smoke HD’s for $140 right now. Very, very nice reel.

I have an Icon I got on eBay for $30. Works great.

I have the Platinum and a couple Pro Qualifiers as well as 2 of the Signature spinning reels. My brother has a few of the Carbon Lites. They are greatly underrated for sure.

If the Signature is as good as the Platinum, Carbon Lite 2.0, or Pro Qualifier, it will be money. And the Signature spinning reel rocks.