MiceNReets

Bantams are super cheap. My ‘18 Bantams (last 3 I bought) cost me around $130cdn shipped. And I got a Gomexus handle for one of them and found a handle less bantam for $75cdn shipped and I already have a handle to go on it. im liking the bantams a lot more than the zillion SVs the last little while

I agree. But then this hidden gem would be everywhere Lol

they’re such a fun reel and overlooked I find because of the SLX. They shouldn’t even be an SLX lol

I really like the SLX DC XT a lot. I’ve had other DC reels but sold them quickly, I have 2 of these SLX’s and they’re just alot of fun to use. Small and compact. They cast far and effortlessly and a wide range of baits. I use them more than my Zillions reels and Steez reels. Mine are still as smooth as the day I got them. I feel like the Zillions were great when they came out and the hype was reel but now after a few seasons and cleanings, I don’t feel my zillions are as smooth as they use to be. Plus with how good the new tatula 100s are, I don’t feel the need to go up to another zillion. I put one through the paces the other day and it was launching 1/4oz mini max with ease. having said that, I think everyone needs at least one zillion SV and having an SLX DC XT isn’t a bad idea either. I’d take another one over a Zillion which seems crazy. But I just really like how they cast and fish. And I don’t need a DC reel but it’s fun. SLX DC XTs and my Bantam MGLs have become my go to reels lately. I’ve even lost interest in my ‘22 Zillion HD

These rods have intrigued me but I have only seen them online searching for a bottom contact rod. Just wondering what thoughts are on this line of rod from those that have used them? Looking for a bottom contact rod either the 7’5 Heavy x-Fast or the 7’3 MH x-Fast. I haven’t used a Fenwick in years. How are the quality of rods these days? I was also looking at a Johnny Morris Carbonlite Technique specific rod.. the 7’4 Heavy Fast is listed as “Dragging”. Guessing that’s bottom contact as well. Any experience with that for comparison?? thanks

I regret selling my Champ XP 734C. Excellent all around rod.

Great reel. I just put mine to work tonight. 👍🏼 edit: I used it with 10lbs machine gun cast line, 7’1 evergreen combat stick medium rod and it launched out 1/4oz mini max very well and easy. Brakes set to 3 and it was no fluff, brakes set to 2 and it had a little fluff and didn’t gain much distance. Really comfy to use as well.

Ok so I have these 3 reels and 3 rods. I’ve switched them around and not sure what I like them for. What combos would you make with these reels, rods and line?? reels: 2019 Antares 70A - 6.3 2016 Steez SV - 7.1 2022 Zillion HD - 8.5 rods: St Croix Victory “Grunt” - 7’1 MH/F St Croix Legend Xtreme - 7’6 MH/MF St Croix LTB - 6’8 M/XF lines: Seaguar R18 Bass - 12lbs Seaguar R18 LTD - 16lbs Seaguar R18 LTD Hard - 14lbs (for bottom contact) I currently have them set up as: 1. Antares/SC LTB/12lbs fluoro for jerkbaits, rattle traps, weightless senkos and small crankbaits. 2. Steez SV/SC Legend Xtreme/16lbs fluoro for jigs, chatterbaits, rattle traps, cranks, swim jigs, mag draft and other moving baits 3. Zillion HD/SC Victory/14lbs fluoro for t-rigs, football jigs, dark sleepers, sleeper craws and other bottom baits. not sure if I’m using these to the best of their abilities and maybe I should be shuffling these combos around? thanks for the suggestions

Guy knows his channel is poop. How does he get more views? Just rag on daiwa to get more attention. I don’t give him the time. His channel is lame, he bases a reel being good only by casting and skips other fantastic features and he manipulates his casting with daiwa reels to make them seem to fall behind. He doesn’t know how to cast well.

I’ve been moving around trying different areas. Should the bait not go side to side instead of just coming forward? I’ve caught a few on the Rapala Shadow Raps. Just these Vision 110s I can’t get going.

Ok Jerkbait Gurus…. I have come for assistance. I am not sure what I’m doing wrong here. Could possibly be why I’ve had no luck on Vision 110s. So I’ve noticed that when I jerk the tip of the rod, the bait just pulls ahead and does not go side to side. I’ve tried it with slack in the line, less slack, it still doesn’t slash side to side but just pulls forward. I’ve tried 4 different vision 110 and JRs and it’s all the same so it must be me. Using a St Croix LTB 6’8 MXF rod, the newest generation. Maybe jerkbait fishing isn’t for me? I’ve done the fast snaps, medium snaps, slower snaps, long pulls for colder water and nothing. Help

I was thinking the same. Is there diving gear stored on that kayak as well??

I keep meaning to get smack down in 40 or 50lbs in heavy cover. It’s strong?

The ‘22 is that much better than the 18?? I just got the 18 bantams because the ‘22 are still over $250 cdn when I got all my 3 bantams used for under $130cdn.. I’ll eventually get a ‘22 but I’m finding I prefer the bantams over my zillions… 🤫

They are tanks! I have one already and now I just got these 2. The XG model has an aftermarket spool I wasn’t aware of when purchasing. Shimano Yumeya Shallow MGL Spool. I think it holds enough 50lbs braid. Supposed to hold 100m/12lbs mono. Seems to be a 70 size spool. I guess I’ll have to give it a go.

Would that not be a metanium then? 🙃

No idea. They cost me $130cdn ($91USD) so I couldn’t pass that up but I believe they’re the same.

Shimano is overpriced But so far my fav are my Bantam MGLs. Quite possibly my Antares 70 once I use it this year.

just arrived from Japan.

What’s the benefits on braid? I used a line conditioner on braid one time (bottle said it was ok for braid). I think it was ardent line butter or something and it separated all the strands and pretty much ate up the braid so I’ve never tried line conditioner on a braid again. I threw out the bottle right away and never again. Now I use Reel Snot or KVD. Whatever I can get ahold of.

Yeah. Mine was from auction too. my JLS order came in today and that took longer than usual and they didn’t even include a free gift. 🫢

Yes. I figured Japan. I meant what place. I placed an order from Japan a month ago and it’s been sitting in customs for weeks now and until now it’s always been in and out right away.

Where did you buy it from?