Stylez78

Thanks I totally appreciate it! I think I'm just going to send that Carbon XT back and move on, no need to waste time messing with that if I got better reels coming in.

@bulldog1935 Do you think it is worth it to add a 3rd or even 4th washer to correct the lay? I know you said every reel as some sort of error in line management but I'm trying to figure if having to shim that much is considered normal or if it being off that much may cause more problems in the future or if it better to just return it now and exchange it (maybe this one just is a dud in manufacturing) or get $ back and just move on? I do have a Daiwa Regal LT and Exceler LT and a Shimano Nasci coming in today all to try out so could. I also picked up a cheap ViperX and it doesn't appear to have had the same line lay issues the Carbon XT had (I think that one came out much better even though I think I might have over spooled it a bit.)

@bulldog1935 Looking at your pics above those reels and the line looks put on really well. I attempted to lay on 15# braid on the Carbon XT I picked up as one of the options for my son to test out. At first the line bunched up at the top really bad, had to back track take all the braid off and with a quick search I put the 2 plastic washers that came with the reel on to try and help. Even with the 2 washers it still looks like it is bunching up on top to me, but I'm no expert. It also feels like the braid is not going on the spool as tight as it could, even though I have plenty of tension on the line while spooling. Here is a picture below, even with 2 plastic washers add, would I need more or could some other issue be the culprit?

He actually had is own baitcaster we got him on vacation last year. IT was an Abu Garcia Blackmax combo we got for like $30 clearance at Walmart. Think we had some straight flurocarbon put on it and it was a NIGHTMARE! even with the brake adjust on to hardly any fall to slow the spool down that thing nested up bigtime every single cast. I yanked all the fluro off and it has been sitting in the garage. I could throw some 30lb braid on it for him give it a shot but I think there could be something with the reel since I had major trouble with casting it (or the fluro was put on poorly). He is somewhat intimidated by the baitcaster hence why i figured get him a spinner he is comfortable with it. Freshwater though he will do more when we go upstate to a few spots but down here on the island he probably will be doing more saltwater since it just seems more accessible for him. I like that he has options though and with both set ups he can go do either whenever he wants.

@PhishLI @Eric 26 @bulldog1935 I'd like to ask you your thoughts about line / tackle for each of these setups: Saltwater setup: I was thinking maybe a straight braid line since he will basically be bottom fishing so there will be some type of weight. I'm not 100% sure the type of rig I'd have him try to use in the beginning, I'm thinking something he could work and then maybe a rig that is even simpler something you cast and wait for a hit. I'd certainly want him to experiment with live bait setups but also something with a gulp at the end since guys been killing it with that type of rig around here. Freshwater setup: this one I am unsure what would be best since I've read so much I'm super confused. I've read all sorts of things like don't use mono it too visible and it stretches to much, use straight flurocarbon, then I read straight flurocarbon on spinning is a terrible idea and all sorts of problems it can cause. I read a lot about braid but then use a 3-6ft fluro leader, then I read that the leader knot could catch in the guides and cause issues. So yeah! lol I do know he will mainly be trying out wacky rig senko and texas-rigged senko with the sliding bullet weight. Eventually he may try a chatter type bait but he likes the senko and probably will stick with that for a while. Any help/advice is appreciated!

I got to say Causeway B&T is an amazing place! My buddy stopped here to grab some worms when we took his son and mine over to the lake by Wantagh. Never being a customer before, just buying 2 boxes of worms I asked the guy "Excuse me, I just got a baitcaster reel and rod that I wanted to spool up with some braided line, was having some trouble. What do you charge to put the line on for me?" Guy said "Do you have the line? or do you want our line?" I said "I already bought the line, was gonna do myself but was having some trouble" He goes" Bring it in we'll do it. I'm like for free??? he's like yeah! no problem... I was like I got to give you something. He's like nope it okay just bring it in we got you. I was just curious on what the cost would be but was blown away this guy who didn't know me from adam and I was never a prior customer was like yeah man we got you don't worry. The fact you had said they have the rods, I'll go there and buy it just because I am MORE than happy to support a business that operates like that! (incase you were wondering...kids caught nothing at the lake, not even a single hit...lol!)

Yeah I def think I am going with the Ugly stick for him, that thing would be virtually indestructable for his age. I'll look into that reel as well but I don't mind buying him a better reel if it will last him a good bit. I may get that Daiwa Arid X as well and give him a freshwater setup that would be a little more sensitive for bass fishing freshwater.

I appreciate the reply! I had looked at a few Saltwater rated models from Daiwa and Shimano. I think the Diawa BG for around $150 got great reviews and I think the Shimano Nasci looked nice an light for a 3000 model even though it isn't saltwater rated, lot of people said with rinsing it is fine. The thing was yeah these reels come in around $150 give or take then the rod at $250-$300 for a setup for a kid who prob will bang it up, knock it around on his bike the lower entry cost feels a bit better, yet I know cheaper stuff breaks easier and then buying a second time you've essentially spent more. It is a tough choice. I can say he has been using a cheap Dicks Sports Daiwa rod/reel I got for $15 and that has held up for the past 4 years or so. It still works and all I ever did was rinse with water after, it just time for him to take that next step up from that super cheap entry level.

My son just turned 12 and he is 5'4" tall. He know how to use spinning gear so I wanted to try and get him 1 or possibly 2 setups to use. We are on Long Island, NY. We mainly have access to saltwater near us with various docks and piers. He LOVES to go for the snapper blues (they are tiny) but I already have a cheap $20 diawa setup from dicks for that. I wanted to get him something he could maybe bottom fish fluke, black bass or whatever other stuff may be roaming around down there. I was looking at getting him a Piscifun Carbon X 2 3000 reel and then I wasn't sure what kind of rod to pair it with for this type of saltwater fishing. I know Piscifun isn't as good as Pflueger or Diawa or Shimano reels but I figured the lightweight and specs on that reel and the lower cost of around $60 wasn't a huge entry cost. The rod is the thing that I wasn't sure about, what would pair well. What size, strength and action would fir best. Now we do go away a few times a year and do lake fishing for bass and there are also some lakes around us that have some good bass fishing. I wasn't sure if I would be able to get away with a 1 setup does it all type of thing but I'd also like to get him a 2nd reel/rod just for this type of bass fishing or use the same reel just get a different rod and then swap them back and forth as needed. I am open to any opinions / options anyone could provide. I'd like to stay in the budget range for some stuff as with him being a kid, I know things will break but I don't want to get him junk either. Appreciate any advice in advance!

I bought it from Amazon. I had credit to use up, it was a seller through them I believe. It was a triangle box. If I didn't have credit to use I would have just went to tackle warehouse or a reputable online seller.

I did purchase the Tatula CT but it came yesterday broken 😭. I setup the exchange so have to wait little longer. In the meantime, I bought a Abu Garcia Jordan Lee signature rod for $56 shipped. Don't know much about it as there aren't many reviews but I'm hoping it decent for the price. I'll end up giving it to my son to use when the Tatula XT comes in.

I really appreciate the replies!! I think I will just get the Tatula XT. It seems hard to beat for the price. I appreciate all the replies!

I had gone to the store and felt some of them and to be honest they all feel good compared to the $20 rod/reel Daiwa I been using for the past few years. I just kept reading that some rods are better suited for certain baits and fishing styles. I am sure every single rod on that list is a good rod and way better than what I have used. Since I like to fish mostly Texas Rig if one rod would be better choice than another for that application. Also I know the Falcon Rod is a medium action but from reviews many people say it is a great rod that is more like a fast action and it was very sensitive compared to other rods. Was just hoping to hear some feedback form more experienced people than I.

I have looked over a bunch of threads and kind of narrowed down my selection some based on some reading but I wasn't sure if I was missing out on a potential selection based on some of the criteria and if any of my choices might be better than the other based on the criteria. So if anyone can lend their advice I'd be extremely appreciative! I am mainly targeting bass. I prefer to fish Texas rig with 1/4oz weight and plastic worm but I am also starting to explore chatter & rattle baits. I fish from the bank of lakes so I won't be out on boats and up to now not much overhang but never know. I was looking at a Medium fast action rod. I am going to pair it up with the Carbon X 2000 Spinning reel I was given as a gift. I'm looking at about $100 for the rod give or take. My current shortlist of rods are: Daiwa Tatula XT 7' M F Abu Garcia Veritas 7' M F Lews TP1X Speed stick 6'9 M F St Croix Bass X 7'1" M F Falcon BuCoo BRS-4-17 7' M M Shimano SLXSX70MA 7' M XF These all seem to be in the $100 area (the abu and the st croix are about 20 bucks more).

Just started to enjoy bass fishing more and more and have decided to try and get more into the hobby. Decided to join these forums to hopefully enhance my knowledge and get some helpful advice from time to time.