Creek Chub 1

I’m very interested in getting a BFS combo for river smallmouth fishing. Honestly, the choices and options are a little overwhelming and I was hoping for some suggestions. I don’t want to skimp on quality and will likely buy the reel first due to the cost and then the rod later in the year. I have an older falcon low rider ml with a mod fast action that should work with larger lures until I make the rod purchase. admittedly I am a shimano guy for reels but not a brand snob so all suggestions and recommendations are welcomed Thanks

What does YGK mean?

I was considering putting the lighter braid on either a vanford 2000 or 2500. Would a 5 or 8# be too small for those reels? I am considering the lighter braid for either a vanford 2000 or 2500. Would a 5 or 8# be too small for those reels? What knot do you use to connect the 8# braid to your leader?

I’m considering going with a lighter braid on my ned rig set up. I currently use 15# smackdown. I seen a ned rig rod review and the guy swore by 5# power pro in red color. Any one use 5 or 8# braid with good results? I fish rocky rivers for smallies if that matters and always use Yozuri hybrid for leaders

What’s the lowest weight line you’d put on a bait casting reel? I fish for river smallmouth exclusively and am thinking of ditching braid for fluorocarbon for jerks and cranks. I have a shimano dc slx if that matters

I am thinking about trying one of the silicone finesse jigs with a football head in 1/4 ounce

I have never fished football jigs but hear they typically are less likely to get snagged vs a traditional ball head jig. I fish in a moderate flow rocky river. Has anyone used 1/8 or 3/16 ounce ball head in a rocky river in 1-6 foot water with Ned style baits?

I have a st croix premier ml and it seems to do pretty well with Neds the few times I used it I have a light action phenix. I think it’s 6’10” and camo colored. I used it a couple time but it’s tip was too soft for fluke styled lures to get a good hook set. If you have success with it for ned I may give it a try for ned rigs on my next trip

I’m late to the ned rig bite but now sold am in the market for a dedicated ned rod. I’ll be fishing shallower rivers with moderate current. I’ll mostly fish 1/20 and 1/15 ounce jig heads. I am eyeing the shimano Expride A in light+ but wondering if it’s worth waiting on the release of the B model. Any rod suggestions would be appreciated and feedback on the Expride A models. thanks

That’s a heckuva endorsement. Count me in when I can order one

That’s good to know. I may preorder one

I seen the TW one but I’m a little hesitant to buy the new model. I don’t mind the wait but don’t want to take a chance with an unproven model, which I’m sure will be ok.

It looks like shimano expride A rods are out of stock everywhere I’ve looked at least the 7’ light + is. I found one though that had like a $50 shipping charge which seems very excessive are the new B versions due out soon?

Thanks, I’ll check that one out. My friend has a Powell max 7 foot light that he likes for Ned rigs. Is that rated “light +”?

Anybody have the G Loomis IMX Pro 831 medium light, extra fast NRR spinning rod? If so, can you provide reviews/opinions on the rod? thanks

I’m gonna have to find a how to video and also see what tools I need to switch knobs

Dang, you got me thinking about changing the knobs on most of my reels. I have a vanford 2000 that I love but the knob is so tiny.

Will the shimano oem T 3000 T handle fit the 2500?

Those are awesome, thanks for the info!

Just curious what options are available to upgrade spinning reel handles, specifically shimanos like strandic and vanford 2500 or 2000 series reels. Most, if not all these series have the small knob style handle. I like the T style handle on the 3000 and just curious if shimano has an option or preferred aftermarket parts that work well with shimano thanks

Awesome to hear. I have been a shimano guy for many years. I have a vanford 3000 and like it but if I can get a similar quality reel for $50 bucks less I’ll jump on that deal

Does anyone know if this reel has the T handle vs the traditional knob style? also any review or opinions would be appreciated

For a spinning option, look at the Powell endurance 723. It’s medium, moderate fast. It works great for all treble based lures.

Has anyone tried spybaits in shallow rocky rivers for smallies? Just curious if that’s possible Thanks

Thanks for all the suggestions. I ended up ordering a 6 foot custom spinning rod for jerk baits. Hopefully I get it soon to try out.