optimator

Mag brakes are fine. It just got geary and noisy pretty quick. I’ll most likely move up to the tournament series if I go that route.

I’m looking for another baitcaster myself. Right now I’m using a couple of Fuego’s, a SLX MGL & a Curado. I’ve got $50 in Amazon credit to add to it. I’m tempted to try a Lews but my only experience a few years back with a Laser was less than stellar.

Kick the budget up just a little and look at the ALX IKOS line. I just got my first rod from them and I can already tell it’s going to be a problem…

I've been using a Dobyns Fury 735. Daiwa Fuego 8:1 with 50 lb braid. I did just get a ALX Toadface. I imagine I'll be dumping the Fury.

I work with a guy that did. Took a sinker to his eye steelhead fishing. He ended up losing it. It does happen.

Happy birthday! And you picked the right one for sure.

I use the neon green Daiwa J8 on my dropshot and Ned rod. I love it.

Hell, I’ve caught trout on a Ned

Both. But I have used blue painters tape before and I've never had a problem with it.

I use mono backing.

That's pretty much exactly what I do. Except when I throw in a frog or swimbait rod.

I use them more than I used to but I still use baitcasters much more. If you prefer it and it works for you then do it. Don’t give what anyone else thinks a single thought.

I’ve used the Fury 735c last couple of seasons. It’s a good rod. I have a ALX Toadface in route that I’m pretty excited to try out.

I did when my sister had a pool

Oh man, I better take a run over to WM…

They’re also doing Yum baits, 5 for $10

That was my thought

I second this . The SLX is a great $99 reel.

My only experience with Lew’s was a first gen Laser. It started giving me trouble pretty quick. I know it’s a sample size of one but it turned me off on them. It’s likely unfounded with their newer stuff, but I just stick to Daiwa and Shimano anymore.

Just ordered a ALX Toadface.

The day I caught my PB. My son got his PB (about 6.5) out of the same spot the day before. As I was casting he asked what my PB was. I told him 5 lbs. He says "Ha, mine is bigger than yours". At that moment I felt a tap, set the hook, and told him "till now, junior". It was a 8.2 ?

I've got to get some of those Uni Toads.

Same here. I’ve got a medium Triumph that hasn’t seen the light of day since I got a ML Avid and Sierra.

Not me. I just have what I need. I’m actually going to downsize a few of these today. My daughters fiancé got bit by the fishing bug pretty bad the last couple of years. I’m hooking him up with a couple of better setups today.