JN94

Split cork grips, black/gray blank with minimal writing/logos. Cork locking nut

I own 3 T150s and love them all. Have all held up well to heavy salt use but you do have to make sure to maintain them still. They'll cast down to about 7g with the appropriate rod and line. I throw 1/4oz jigs + plastic all day with them. Would take the 150 over the 200 for what you're looking for I also actually ordered a chronarch G and sent it back. Did not feel good to me

If you can find a Dobyns Sierra on sale I'd give it a look. Idk what it is but the Sierras fish and feel so much better to be than the Champ XPs. I've sold my XPs and kept my Sierras. The Sierras are actually a hair lighter as well (weighed the 7' MH model of each line). I'll continue buying Sierras but won't buy anymore XPs. I'm probably in the minority on this but that's been my experience. May also want to check out the new SLX A line for $99. I only own one (7'2 H) that I bought for larger paddletails but have been super impressed with the weight and feel of it. Haven't fished any bottom contact so I can't speak to sensitivity

Curado 70

I would for sure do it, unless the size difference (which is pretty minimal) is a deal breaker for you. The K is an upgrade across the board

Used to use double uni until I ordered a rod with micro guides and had to learn the FG. Now I only tie FG across the board. Keep practicing and you'll eventually figure it out. It is definitely the superior knot

I think length is largely based on preference, but there are some benefits to going longer (more casting distance being the main one, but at the expense of accuracy). I personally don't like much beyond 7'2"

Bought it ~3mos ago. It was the 6'10" MH F

Shimano Zodias. A hair above $200 if you can stretch or find a deal. I bought a "mint" condition one off ALF for $140 and it is definitely a brand new rod

What do you mean the dream tackle version? I know okuma partnered with DT to make the reel. Are you telling me there is an Okuma version and a DT version? Interesting. Yeah I figured the standard spool was light enough that you could cast plenty light. Wonder why the other versions disappeared. Maybe they realized the standard version can do it all and more variations would be unnecessary I appreciate the reply. Going to put it an order for one of these and see what it's about

Spinning or casting?

Checking out this reel. Their website shows they have a "standard" (~100 size spool) version and then a shallow spool version. I can't find the shallow spool edition anywhere for purchase and Okuma doesn't let you order from their website. Can anyone tell me what's going on here? Have they just not released the shallow spool version yet? It also claims the reel can cast down to 3g but doesn't specify if that's the full size or the shallow spool. It's got a super light spool on the standard version so wouldn't be shocked if the full size can pull that off with proper rod/line pairing. But if anyone can explain I'd be very appreciative. Also if anyone owns one, I'd love to hear your general thoughts. Seems to get super positive reviews

Unlikely if I had to bet. I own a few Tranxs and fish saltwater a good bit. I wouldn't take an MGL spool in the salt personally unless you are good with potentially destroying it. I have fished my Tranx with 10lb braid before and a M power rod and was able to sling 8g a long way. I don't go that low anymore (was really just an experiment), but you could put 20 on and still get solid distance. I use mostly 30 now with a M or MH rod and can throw 3/8oz plenty far. What rod/line setup have you been using? I really wish Shimano would come out with a 70 size Tranx and a lighter spool for throwing 5-8g range. That is the dream

I own a 6'10 MH Zodias and a 7'2 MH Zodias. Love both of them. The 6'10 is more of an all around rod for me that I use for lots of different techniques. Will easily cast down to it's lower end of 3/8 really well. It's one my favorite rods I own. I also own a 7'2 MH Expride. Tbh I don't notice a massive difference between the Zodias and Expride blanks/actions. I think the Expride is prettier with the cork grips.

Sounds like a pretty sweet combo. Reel will be able to handle all that well. I prob wouldn't throw a mini max on a ML since it's got a little heavier hook though. I tend to only use medium and light wire hooks once I get to ML and below. I'm sure others will have different opinions though

My experience is with the 7'2" Heavy. I throw small (6-7") soft plastic swimbaits on it on a jighead or weighted hook. It's labeled a fast action and I would agree with that. A mod fast should perform as it's labeled. In my experience Shimano's ratings are pretty accurate. It's rated up to 1.5oz and I would say 1.5 does feel like the top end. Maybe check out their swimbait specific rods. I haven't looked at them but they will be able to handle the bigger stuff that you're trying to throw. I wouldn't throw anything over 1.5 on their standard heavies. As far as the rod itself though, super comfortable to fish with and well balanced. Weighs just 4.6oz. This is the SLX A btw, not the previous generation. Like I said, I was super impressed for just $99. Definitely feels like a much higher end rod than that. https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Shimano_SLX_A_Swimbait_Casting_Rods/descpage-SSLXSB.html

Not sure about that line but I own rods from the SLX, Zodias, Expride, and Poison Adrena lines and love them all. The SLX expecially surprised me, it's a $99 rod that weighs less than some of my $250+ Dobyns. Might be a line worth looking into if they've got a L/P/A you're looking for

It's meant to be a finessier baitcaster. I prob wouldn't put it on anything more than a M power rod (up to 5/8 or so). It would be great for weightless senkos, small paddletails, jerkbaits, finesse jigs/t-rigs, etc

I use these as well. I think I prefer the deeper gap on an EWG though

Interesting. My only issue with it is the weight is too far forward on the shank to allow for a keeper to be tied at the shoulder. I only use z-man and it won't hold on an EWG without a keeper

Interesting, hadn't thought about tying weights on. I tie keepers on all my hooks and it works well, so maybe that could be a good option also. I'll have to do some experimenting

Has anyone found a good way to add weight to the shank of an EWG without using the crimp on weights? I don't like how the crimp weights end up looking (ugly, I understand if it works it works and I shouldn't complain but my OCD kicks in and gets bothered by the sloppy appearance) and aren't 100% attached. I'm assuming the only way to really get a good clean look is to have a custom mold built and pour them yourself. I want some 3/0 and 4/0 EWGs with 3/16 and 1/4oz weights but almost no one makes them. Lots of manufacturers max out at just 1/8 until you get up to 5/0 size. There are a few that make that size/weight combo (eagle claw has one) so I know it's possible as far as fitting the amount of lead needed in order to reach that weight on the smaller sized hooks. Does anyone have any experience or can point me in the right direction?

The zillion does not cast as far as a Curado 150 (or any Shimano reel in my experience), you are right about that. But definitely adjust the spool tension. They weren't set by an engineer ?. Just by some minimum wage factory worker who cranks out hundreds per day. It won't be perfect. Also correct spool tension is somewhat subjective. I like to run mine pretty loose regardless of lure, but some like it tighter, etc

Another vote for SLX MGL if the wallet allows. SLX XT can do an acceptable job for this as well if not

Dang. Well I can't find any non fixed inductors for my reel ?. They're all fixed. And I ordered 3 different fixed ones.... As far as finding spools that are compatible, I know this tatula 100 I'm trying to convert is a 34mm spool. Will any 34mm spool work? Or are there other factors at play?