Patrick Oliver

They both have the exact same specs, solid tip, great reviews but the Evoluzion in almost 2x the price. Buying from Japan, I can get the medusa and twinpower for just a few buck more than the price of the Hedgehog. Is this just part of the "law of diminishing returns" with the Evoluzion? TIA< P

Makes sense, my eyes are a bit of a problem as well. Just got a bulk spool of 0.6 Almigh tho :(

Yes the Hedgehog Syringe is the new Evoluzion model, same specs as the X10 Medusa. Both have a very solid bottom end and soft tip (solid tips). As these will both be spooled with PE 0.6 and a 6# leader i can simply try both on both and leave it at that. Thanks for the feedback, Twinpower 2500s is the winner

I have a Vanquish 3000MHG on a windbuster. Nice reel but I always feel that its going to break. So which reel on what rod then?

Right now I have a Certate FC LT2500S-DH on my Flyssa and i'm looking for a reel to compliment my new Hedgehog Syringe. I'm considering the following options: Put the Certate on the Hedgehog and buy a new reel for the Flyssa (2500 Certate or Twinpower) The shimano is a bit cheaper, heavier, and 1 less BB. Balance is important which is why i think the twin power would be great on the 7'6" Flyssa. Also,, I like to have a variety of reel models and I currently dont own a TP. PS, likely splitting hairs... thoughts?? P.

I do like their hooks, I'll have a look for these :) Thanks for the feedback everyone, the Owner Owner GP01 seem to be the one that the japanese tackle makers use. They have a patented tip that looks very easy to use. I'm going to order one the next time i place an order with Digitaka. For now tho, i'm going to see if I can find one of your recommendations locally. I'm upgrading/replacing some hooks this winter. Owner GP-01

Looking for a recommendation please! Prefer something quality, preferably made in Japan. I have a pair of Cuda 5" but looking for something better quality. I checked all the typical JDM sites and the best I could find were the Owner GP01. Thoughts? P

What's you budget and then I can make some solid recommendations. That said, size matters less than my preference is a low gear ratio. Size and weight are based on balancing the rod. Most DS rods are under 7' so something lighter is usually recommended. I use a 7'6" flyssa for deep drop-shotting, hair jigs, small paddle tail swimbaits, etc. I use a double handled Certate that I got from Japan. Its a compact 2500. For most of my DS, I use a XX whipsnake with a 2500shg twinpower.Some of the Diawas are even lighter. Some feature a finess or compact body and a super shallow spool expecting you to use PE and a leader.

That would look great! Not the only time i've picked a reel to match a rod I have them on Dobyn's Champ extreme Come to think about it, I have 2 Shimano Chronarch Ci4 (Circa 2014-2016) that I use for crank baits and bladed jigs. Absolutely no reason to replace them as I recently installed a hedgehog studios upgraded bearing kit and installed anodized clutch leavers because the rubber fell off the factory units. In other words, there's the option to spend less and customize.

Yes amazing reel and I can't believe they quite making the pivoting top.. BTW, they came in 6.3 and 8.1.

I keep 5/6/7/8/10# Jfloro on hand. Best i've ever used

I accidentally caught my PB Muskie (52") this fall on Lake St. Claire using a light moderate action casting rod (Megabass Rapid Viper) on 10# J-Floro. I just took my time.. the fish continued to overpower my gear but I have a good drag ('16 Metanium) and a good buddy with the landing net. I've tried them all from mono, to copoly, to floro, to 4 strand braid, 8 strand braid, sinking braid.. Go with what you like and gives you confidence. We all used Mono for years and it was fine. Braid needs a leader in gin clear water (usually) floro is expensive and isn't as limp as mono, even the pricey stuff. This forum is populated with tackle nerds who love to geek out on the best for this and the best for that. I'm the same when I comes to the way I fish but i'm also aware of going back to fundamentals that work time and time again. I'd say for your smallmouth, get a bulk spool of 6lb big game. Sure its stretchy but its tough, cheap, and just works. I've always found its better to have super sharp hooks than some uber expensive line... Have fun!

I always prefer the newest model because you get the latest tech. Diawa and Shimano religiously update their products on a regular basis and you can decide for yourself whether its worth it or not. Most of the time it is. One caveat - I purchased a Daiwa T3 SV around 2015 because it performs well and has a unique way to engage the clutch which I find really nice when pitching and Flipping. I ended up finding a couple more in new condition on eBay so there you have it!

Beautiful setup!

Basically what Kirtley recommends above. I use either mono or floro except I differ in by using braid on my Hvy/Mod. action as it provides a more powerful hookset with larger trebles. If there's pike around, which is common in the area's I fish, I'll put on an all black wire leader. Pulling larger cranks on stiffer, faster acting rods for pike/muskie, I go back to mono for the stretch as these rods are so powerful with little bend.

Yes there are several P5 options, maybe to many if there's such a thing. Up until now, i've been using a P5 Whippet, Luvias, braid/floro leader setup for all my BFS type needs. Over the last few months I've acquired a P5 Gravel Code (new for 2025) paired with a Calcutta Conquest BFS. I'm planning on spooling up 7# Shooter to start. Checkout The Hookup Tackle's youtube channel and other reviews as some options lend them selves better to bottom contact, others to trebles, and others seem to do it all. My reason for choosing the gravel code what I think its a nice pairing for the whippet. Don't forget to check out the MB Evoluzion line, there's a couple of very nice BFS options in that lineup.

Lucky me received a new Shimano Calcutta Conquest BFS from my kids this christmas, destined for the new P5 gravel code I purchased during a black friday sale. I have several shimano and diawa casting reels where I adjust to spool tension differently. For Diawa, I just remove any side to side play on the spool and then leave it alone. I adjust the brake basted on wind direction and performance, for the Shimano, I start with allowing the lure to drop slowly when the clutch is released followed by adjusting the brake based on wind direction and performance. If I can get away with it, I'll loosen to spool tension a bit to increase performance. So Diawa uses a magnet brake and typically Shimano uses a mechanical system. How should I treat my new Calcutta with the magnetic brake? As this is for BFS, I imagine the spool tension will be quite lite regardless.

Hi everyone, I have a '23 Ranger 521r and I've been considering running a dedicated feed, with disconnect switch, for my electronics from the cranking battery. A dedicated battery for the electronics will be considered at a later date as I'll be replacing the cranking battery with AGM. The boats equipped with 4 Tracker 100 Li from the factory which seem to hold up for what I use it for (no tournaments) As ranger already runs 6awg to at least the console (hooked to several loads) I'm just wondering if a dedicated line would improve the image quality (which is claimed by SeaClear). I would run the helm HDS16/Active Target/NMEA off a small fuse block at the helm and then continue to run 6awg to another small fuse block at the bow to power 2x HDS12s. I'm expecting that this "wouldn't hurt" but would prefer real world proof its available Thoughts? TIA, P.

I typically buy a reel and rod at the same time so I have a specific use/application in mind. I only have D's and S's which provide a ton of selection. A few other times I've bought a reel to upgrade/replace something and I use the same approach. Generally the more expensive the rod it, the more I spend on the reel..lol. Last combo is a MB P5 Gravel Code w/Calcutta Conquest BFS.

haha, I have a line inventory as well :). Its very helpful when its time to re-order.

I totally agree with this, you won't know unless you try it, feel it. My challenge lies with remembering all the different techniques that will work accross different rods. For example, my choice spinnerbait rod is also my choice med. sized paddletail swimbait rod. Now if I want both on deck it would be nice to have a list showing what other rods are i)available(not in use), and ii) suit the conditions (ie cover or open). Just something to trigger my memory..lol. Another benefit of making this list is it helped me determine all the teqniques that are available. When I really started thinking about it, my Windbuster looked like this:

I'm currently building a table for my 16 bass (5 spinning) rods so I don't have to think too hard where to put what when I'm out on the water. I'm starting with a table in excel but wondering if anyone on here does the same. As I get older my memory isn't what it used to be so little tools like this should help. I'm thinking that I can even save it as pdf and load it on my Lowrance HDS Live. I like the computer method vs. a not pad as I can update information as required. Thoughts?

Ha! never noticed this. I picked up a spool of 7# shooter which I'll try after I practice with something cheaper. I'm expecting a bit of a learning curve with this reel. Thanks every1 for all the great discussion!

Good information, thank you. I have 6 and 8# invisible on hand as well as 7# J-Floro that I can try. I'm thinking that you may find better performance from a heavier PE but each application will have its own specific nuances. BTW, how do you like the combo? The Calcutta BFS isn't too heavy for that rod?

Good day everyone. I currently have a BFS setup on order which consists of the MB P5 Gravel Code and the Conquest BFS HG. I was originally going to use a 6/7/8 lb floro on it (shooter) but a lot of the videos i've been watching are recommending a PE 0.06 in a hi viz color and a 6/7/8# floro leader. What are your thoughts on this? FWIW, i always run PE/Floro on my spinning setups because I like the sensitivity and all my reels are high quality with excellent drags. For example, I landed a 4# smallie this fall on a P5 Whippet, Diawa Luvius, 10# Suffix, 5# J-floro. Its amazing how much power these light power MB rods have down low. Thanks for your input! P.