UmairF

Anyone throw chatterbaits on the Megabass P5 Dark Sleeper rod? Looking for something to specifically throw single hook moving baits (Chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, swimjigs, weedless underspins). If so what type of line and size are you throwing? Looking for a rod that can do all that in the Megabass line since the rod actions are super versatile. Open to other P5 suggestions. I know people say the javelin and daemos are great for that too. Fish primarily in grassy lakes in southern WI. Would be nice to have a rod that can roll cast accurately into tight lanes, and also be able to launch across grass flats. Thanks, Umair

I have a basic understanding of how to take apart and re-assemble casting reels. I usually do a cleaning/lubrication of my reels every season or 2 depending how hard I fished them. I found what the issue is: The pinion drive gear set is not smooth when the gear teeth mesh into each other while reeling. I know this because I compared my other zillion (only difference is that one is a right handed retrieve. Problem reel is the left handed version). I opened it up and compared how the gear teeth interact and they are way smoother. I took videos of each but realized I cant attach them here. It’s part 62 and 97 for reference. I wiped off the old grease and applied new daiwa space age grease and didn’t make much of a difference. Glad I narrowed down the issue. Only problem now is I don’t know how to fix that since cleaning and re- lubricating did nothing lol. Any ideas? Not sure how much it would cost to order and new pinion drive gear set. Thanks, Umair

My 2021 zillion sv tw isn’t reeling buttery smooth like my second one. I thought it was something to do with the bearing on the sideplate or even something with the spool but after cleaning both and lubricating in the proper spots, it still has the same issue. Sounds and feels like an older tatula when you reel. I removed the sideplate and spool again and slowly reeled and noticed that it feel buttery smooth when you reel when the handle is pointing towards the ground, andhas more of a rougher feel when it’s reeling in the normal position. Any ideas? Really don’t want to pay to have it serviced by daiwa. Thanks, Umair

Just ordered the 873 CRR in the + model. Really looking forward to it. Put in a lot of time researching and appreciate everyone’s input. Will follow up on how it performs on the water once I get some more time with it!

It was originally between those 2 and the NRX+ 894. I’m used to Shimano Expride B powers (I’m trying to sell 3 of them) and upgrade. I fish a lot of grass fisheries and want to get better at flipping through submerged milfoil weedline edges next year since that plays a huge deal in WI. The Shimano actions just feel a little stiff to me and after a season or 2 of owning them I want something with more secondary action in the blank like the FMJ and BC2. The NRX+ 894 is going to be too stiff similar to the Exprides with the Spiral X blanks. Additionally, I heard a lot of good things from people near me that love the FMJ and BC2 for those techniques specifically which added to my selections. Don’t get me wrong, I 110% recommend the newer Expride B line for the $200-300 range. Just have too many rods and I’m trying to consolidate into fewer high-end rods, especially being a co-angler. I don’t plan on buying a bass boat anytime soon. Hopefully a nicer fishing kayak setup once I get some more space. I was looking really hard at the NRX+ 873 CRR. Almost impossible to find on the used market but I’m sure it’ll pop up somewhere with the season coming to an end. For context, I plan on replacing my Expride B 7’2 MH and Dobyn’s 734 Champ XP with the P5 Dark sleeper. I end up using both those rods for everything the Dark Sleeper can do. Mainly moving baits like spinnerbaits, swim jigs, and chatterbaits all through grass. I also already own a P5 XBites which is my dedicated lighter texas rig/lighter jig rod. I’m replacing my 7’2 H Expride B with either the FMJ or BC2 (but now you’re recommending the 873 CRR which is making me weigh my options out again haha). Which ever of the 3 rods I pick will be used for deeper water applications. I don’t throw a football jig a whole lot but want to have a rod that can throw it and a C-Rig when needed, but PRIMARILY 3/8-1/2oz jigs and heavier Texas rigs through the weedlines. I do like the sound of the 7’5 BC2 because that extra length would help reach deeper water especially from the bank. Hoping the context regarding my other rods clarifies everything for you @TNBankFishing. What do you guys think? Still haven’t heard about the FMJ being good at dragging techniques from anyone as well but maybe it’s between the BC2 and 873 CRR now? Appreciate the input, Umair

Debating between the 2023 Megabass P5 FMJ and the 2021 Daiwa Steez AGS Bottom Contact 2. Let me list some of the applications I’m looking for below: - Flipping 3/8-1/2oz (without trailer) grass jigs and texas rigs into 6-20ft weedline edges. - Launching 3/8oz (without trailer) jigs when I’m bank fishing - Dragging 1/2-5/8oz (without trailer) football jigs/carolina rigs. I fish in more grassy lakes/ponds and want the rod that’s got some power (not a broomstick or extra fast action) and versatile enough to cover the techniques listed above. Would buy either of the 2 rods used so warranty is definitely a factor. I know Megabass leaves you hanging with used equipment but I heard Daiwa allows warranties to be transferred for the most part onto used rods (can anyone confirm this?). If anyone owns these rods, I’d appreciate if you could compare the rod actions when fighting a fish or working a bait. Thanks, Umair

Where was that from if I may ask? Looking to secure one before next season

Hey I know it’s been a while since the last post on here but hoping to get some insight on this: I fish mainly in WI grass fisheries with some occasional mixed rock/gravel. Want something for fishing weedline edges in 7-20ft of water. Would be nice to be able to flip a jig/texas rig to dragging a football jig. Mainly in the 3/8-1/2 WITHOUT plastic trailer range for jigs. I would love something from the 2021 Daiwa Steez, NRX+, and Megabass P5 lines. I’m looking at the newer Steez from 2021. More specifically the Bottom Contact 2. The rods I’d compare it with for the applications I’m looking for are the NRX+ 894 and the Megabass P5 FMJ (2023 revamp). Anyone able to shed some light on these rods? I can provide more context if needed. Thanks, Umair

Looks like one rod might not fit the applications I’m looking at. Maybe 2 different rods might help narrow it down in the NRX+, Megabass P5 and Daiwa lines

Hey guys, Need some help narrowing down a rod. I’m trying to consolidate my equipment and just upgrade to a few nicer sticks. I’m gonna list some techniques below that I need them for. Hoping to only grab one or 2 new rods at the most. Only looking for rods in the NRX+, Megabass, and higher-end Daiwa lines. For some context I fish a lot of Wisconsin natural and man-made lakes with lots of submerged grass in them. Slight mixture of rock too. Docks play a big deal too. Jigs: Slack line sensitivity. Something that’s easy to skip with and rip out of grass. Not looking for a broomstick but something more powerful than the P5 Xbites and has a slightly softer tip than the NRX+ 854C so that I can load up a little more when I skip 3/8 and 1/2 oz jigs WITHOUT trailer. Chatterbaits/swimjigs: Again, Mainly ripping through grass but also something that can fit into tighter spaces/lanes. Currently using the Dobyn’s Champion XP 734C. Mostly for 3/8 and 1/2 oz WITHOUT trailer as well. Line sizes for both of these can vary. I do prefer braid to leader but open to full fluorocarbon too. Let me know what line you guys would recommend for the rods you suggest based on the technique. I can add some more context if you guys need it. Hoping to have one rod for these situations but open to 2 options. Was looking at the P5 Super Destroyer but worried it’s going to be replaced/something better will be released since it’s already over 4 years old now. Would prefer something that’s a little more recent than that but if there’s a perfect rod from the last 4 years I’d be open to that too. Thanks! Umair

No way! I saw online somewhere it’s only 1500 I think the atlas which is the larger SUV is 5000. I’ll call and double check but I’m hoping Im wrong because thatll be GREAT 😂 UPDATE: Called the dealer and he said the Taos has a capacity of 1000-1500 and to stay near the lower end if I need to at all. It has the same engine as the jetta 😂. Regardless, I may upgrade my car in the next few years so good thing to keep in mind. Maybe I can start off with a decent jon boat setup with a nice deck? At least I can get on the water with a buddy that way and gain some experience before making the big jump car and boat-wise?

I have a VW Taos not sure if that’s even considered a mid-size lol. I was thinking maybe an aluminum bass boat would be lighter but may not be light enough for my car to tow with it being fully loaded plus trailer. I’m a little confused on how hitches work. The car can only pull a certain amount without it ruining the engine. I’ve seen hitches with much higher tow ratings. Not sure how that works and how to match the right hitch with the appropriate vehicle. Well budget-wise not looking to spend anything too crazy. Not sure what a god starting point is since I’m looking to hopefully get a boat in the next few years. A lot can change in a couple years. Lets just say under $15-20k? I’d like to have the basics a tournament bass boat would need not sure what that would cost in total. Would prefer a new boat but open to used if that’s out of the question based on the budget. Thanks, Umair

Okay yeah good point. Tried finding the towing rating for my car but to be honest, there isnt one listed and it’s not really the best for towing something over 1000lbs. I guess that’s step one. I’m not in a hurry and I can wait till I upgrade to a larger vehicle but thanks for pointing this out. I just read some other forums here talking about bass boats ranging from 4,000-6,000 lbs with trailer, outboard, trolling motor, gear, etc. I’m thinking I’ll need a vehicle with at least 5,000 lbs towing capacity at least? Glad I’m thinking about this now though. Good to plan things out when making decisions in the next couple years lol

Hi Everyone, I’ve read some of the posts on here and I’d be interested in getting a bass boat in the next few years. Starting to gather info about it now so that I’m ready by the time I decide to pull the trigger. I’m not looking for somethings super fancy with all the bells and whistles. Just something to get me started on the water by myself with the basics and that I can customize with electronics down the road. Would like to stick with the boat for a while so quality and durability matter. Here’s some other info that might help with suggestions: - I tournament fish as a co-angler a good amount throughout the year mainly in WI and IL lakes/rivers. - Would be nice to be able to use my boat in tournaments eventually once I build up enough experience fishing as a co-angler - Bodies of water I fish are anywhere around 2,000 to 10,000 acres. Size is relative but I’d say they’re smaller to medium-sized natural lakes. Not like I’m fishing the great lakes but would be nice if it could handle the crazy pleasure boater wakes since it’s tight quarters at times. - Need to fit myself and another person comfortably while we’re fishing. - Nothing super big but preferably not tiny either. I have a small SUV that I’m sticking with for a while so would probably need to get a hitch installed. Let me know if there’s any other info that might help give suggestions. Again, I’m not in a hurry to get a boat. Just seeing my options for the near future! Appreciate any advice! Umair

I guess this is kinda relevant to the OP considering it’s regarding the p5 xbites; would you guys throw a wacky senko on it (30 lb braid to a 12-14lb fluoro leader)? Usually a 1/8 oz weighted owner hook on a wacky senko to be exact. Reason I ask is because I’ll usually throw it on a NRX+ 852 S (15 lb braid to 10-12lb fluro leader) and it’s the gold standard for sure but I’m looking for a little more versatility in my casting approaches especially since Im usually fishing behind people casting at unusual spots/angles they didn’t hit a few seconds before me. Primarily picking apart leftover boat dock areas and sometimes holes in lilly pads. I totally get the “dont fix whats not broken” idea but for me it’s more about casting efficiency. I fish a lot as a co-angler and rely heavily on the 852S for a bunch of other techniques. Would be nice not having to retie that one rod every time we switch locations. Was thinking of using another 7’1 medium (st croix legend tournament bass) spinning rod but again, looking for more precise and efficient casts at specific targets which a baitcaster would do much better. Also have the 6’10 Medium casting Expride B which I’m trying to figure out what to throw on besides topwater and jerkbaits. Just putting this as an option beside the p5 xbites.

Hey Guys, I’m fortunate enough that my wife lets me use our second closet as my fishing hub (not like there was really an option esp since we don’t have a garage but I’ll give her credit for being supportive! 😂). Don’t have a boat yet either so have to maximize every inch of space I got in there. It’s a decent sized closet though. I bought 2 of these 3-bin drawers from Target and stacked em on top of each other. From the bottom up it goes: - Line: All my spools of mono, fluoro, and braid sectioned off - Worms: Senkos, Finesse worms, curly tails, dropshot/neko worms - Jigs:Flipping/casting/finesse/football/swim jigs are all in here with their craw trailers in separate boxes (struggling with this bin I don’t know how to store my jigs that still have trailers on them) - cranks/jerks/lipless and all my spare treble hooks - Chatterbaits/spinnerbaits as well as the trailers that pair with them - The top bin has a bunch of miscellaneous swimbaits/glidebaits, megabass items, and my topwaters. All of these items, except for the line, are taken out of the original packaging and organized into plano boxes whether its hardbaits or softbaits. I would be okay with the idea of keeping things in the original packaging but I like seeing all my inventory in the boxes so I know if I’m running low on something. On top of all of these bins are 2 stacks of planos full of other soft plastics that are separated by bait type as well as a small bag of reel maintenance items. Next to it, a gigantic bass mafia deep terminal tackle box that holds all my terminal tackle. I could make a separate post on how I organize that but in short, I basically bought these small clear bags off amazon and label them by brand size/weight depending on what it is. The entire box is sectioned into multiple areas starting from finesse all the way to heavy punching. Really like this system keeps all my terminal all in front of my eyes without being overwhelmed lol. Oh yeah and I can’t forget, the gigantic baby blue zman soft plastic bag. The BIG one. That holds all my plastics that are in clamshells (mainly swimbaits) and all zman plastics in general. Sits on the shelf on top in the closet above the bins. Now you’re probably wondering, where do all the rods go? That’s where I’m struggling right now. I installed one of those kast king wall mounts for rods but can really only fit 4 or 5 rods. The rest sit in front of the bins in sleeves. Really need to figure something out about this. Makes accessing the bins really hard sometimes since I don’t always like having to take all my rods out just to grab a couple of senkos lol. I also try keeping my bank fishing backpack, as well as my co-angler bag in there. With a collection that keeps growing, makes it tough to cram anything else in. PROS: - Compact - Organized CONS: - Rods get in the way of accessing bins (MAJOR ISSUE) - Can’t fit more bins for all the plano boxes of plastic that are sitting on top - Can’t easily see everything I have at once. Things are easily forgotten and I don’t end up using it sometimes. - Jig bin is a complete mess because jigs that still have trailers on them are loose in another plano box vs jigs without trailers. I’ll post a picture for reference later. Maybe it’ll help visualize. Open to any suggestions or critique on my current system. I spend a good portion of winter re-organizing all this stuff and would love to hear any improvements you guys think would help! Thanks, Umair

Hey Everyone, Kind of a specific question but I fish a lot in the back of the boat mainly in southern and central Wisconsin grassy lakes. Looking for recommendations or tips on fishing in water in that general area behind someone. I figured finesse is the way to go when fishing behind someone but open to hearing any suggestions. For some context. Usually I’m in these situations: Shallow docks Weedlines in 10-20 ft On top of rockpiles in 20+ ft (usually behind a boater that livescopes) I usually have a general idea of what to fish but there’s times when I can’t pick any of these fish off behind my boater. I do tend to experiment with different things (maybe I should stick to one thing for a long period of time). Whether it’s techniques or general advice I’d greatly appreciate it! -Umair

Hey figured I’d update on here in case anyone was curious! Been putting the 7’0 light Expride B to good use sine the last post here. Great for nose hooking dropshots but lacks a little power texas rigging it IMO. Picked up a P5 Addermine for dropshots which should fit the bill for nose hooking and texas rigging. Thinking of keeping the 7’0 light as a strolling/okashira/hair jig rod. Just wish it was SLIGHTLY whippier at the tip. Kinda hard to “launch” those super light baits out there with such a fast action in the tip but it’s been getting the job done so far.

Classic I like it! Same I use suffix 852 15# braid to a 10-12lb fluoro leader. The rod Im using is extra fast too so I’m not too worried about the power aspect. What are some ideal conditions/locations you guys fish a shakey head in? Thanks, Umair

Could be possible that it’s some panfish nipping at the worm. I want to stick with the 6” and only go with the 4” when it’s super pressured. Thanks Brian might try that if I’m still not getting them hooked good. How long do you guys usually wait to set the hook once you feel the *tap-tap*? Also, what are your favorite shakey head baits and heads? My go to has bee the gamakatsu tricky head and a t-mac Thanks, Umair

Figured this would be a good thread to ask this on, I love throwing a shakey head especially dragging behind the boat along the bank and even when I’m out pond fishing. Was super productive for me last year but for some reason this year I’ve gotten so many short strikes. Figured the 6” was too big for them so I went to a 4” and still have the same issue. Not sure what changed not really doing anything super different. The fish here in IL and WI aren’t necessarily “gigantic” but was always able to catch anything from dinks to 3-4 pounders on it for the most part. Any suggestions? Thanks! Umair

Hey not sure if you’re still looking but the owner ultrahead finesse head is a great option. I’ll take the 3/16 oz and texas rig my favorite shakey head bait. Super weedless and you can’t go wrong with an owner hook on it!

Thinking about hitting some ponds tomorrow. Supposed to be in the high 50s/low60s tomorrow. You guys think the fish are in prespawn right now with this abnormally warm winter we’ve had? Not sure what the water temps are close to… one day it’s 40 the next 60 lol. Also, what areas are you guys targeting right now? Trying to figure out if the bass are gonna start coming up shallow soon. Really wanna start throwing a glidebait but worried I’ll be throwing it in areas without fish. My thoughts are that they're still slowly coming out of their deep wintering holes halfway to the bank. Not sure if any are willing to commit yet. Any other ideas? Thanks! Umair

Hey @badfish79 someone started a thread about the new champ xp swimbait rod you’re talking about and I just ordered mine. If anyone has any input on the rod would be super curious to know how you feel about it! -Umair

Hey I just got this rod gonna try it out in the next few weeks. I’ll let you know how it fishes and hopefully get some bass on the other end of it too! Got this rod for 6” magdrafts, swaver 168, chad shad 180, and gantarel jrs. Spoke to the folks at Dobyns and said that the 794.5would be perfect for all those baits and some more within that 1-3.5/4 oz range. Read some reviews on TW for this rod lineup and almost all said that they would hesitate throwing anything at the upper range of the recommended weight. The baits I listed above range from around 1-2.75 oz and the 794.5 has a lure rating of 1-4 oz so hopefully it’s the perfect balance of what I’m looking for. This is also a newer model and has a full cork grip (which I personally prefer over EVA). It’s a swimbait/glidebait/AR rod so seems pretty versatile. Can’t remember the guy’s name that I spoke to from Dobyn’s (super helpful btw) but he said that he loves this new addition and uses it to throw pretty much everything I just listed. He said it’s pretty parabolic and emphasised it’s strong suit is treble hook baits but a magdraft freestyle would be a great fit on it as well. Not really venturing into the larger swimbaits atm since the largest we get in my neck of the woods is probably around 6lbs but that’s rare at times. (In the Chicagoland area and southern WI lakes). On paper, super stoked to use this rod. In general based on all the feedback I’ve seen, won’t be throwing anything over 3oz on it. Not super well-versed with swimbaits/glidebaits in this lure rating but am going to superglue the technique to my hand all pre-spawn/spawn if the conditions seem right. Oh and if you’re curious, I’m pairing it with a 2023 Lexa 6.1:1. Mot sure about line yet. Will probably go 20lb fluoro but might need a good amount of backing since it’s a 300 sized reel and I don’t want to keep getting super expensive fluorocarbon spools every so often. If anyone else is using this rod or has gotten it out on the water already I’m curious to see what you think about it as well! -Umair