Jeff H

Are you saying the Type has a bearing in each knob from the factory? I don't have an R model but I thought the factory bearing count was the same on the Tatula and the Type R. I have a hard time believing they would spec 2 bearings in the level wind on this reel, but if the R already has 2 in the knobs to begin with I guess they'd have to. My bet would have been 4 in the knobs.

Naw, not too high. That ABU LT is gonna get you there! Nice shallow spool on that reel! I might even get me one of those sometime.

What do you have to get for distance to consider your efforts a success? What have you experienced with your past efforts?

Well, they can say what they want. I don't think it's easy for any revolving spool reel to chuck lures that light any great distance. I seldom feel the need to go more than the 40-45 ft I can get. Truth is, in my finesse presentations I'm seldom going that light in actual weight. This whole light lure with casting gear thing is still new to me, I have part of one season under my belt so far so I don't really know what I'm talking about either. I do know this....I CAN throw 1/8 oz (sorta) stuff with a bunch of different reels with 6 lb line, but I guess I can't throw it as far as others claim or expect to. Maybe my expectations are more in line with reality or maybe I'm underachieving?? Don't really care I guess. Tossing above mentioned Sliders/4" worm combo..... I have a 2013 model Cabela's Tournament ZX (Rapala Shift ) that will give me 40' +/- spooled with 6lb line and mounted on a custom Avid 5'6" pistol grip M/F My Alphas F will give me 45' +/- with 6 lb line mounted on an Avid 6'2" M/XF. I have a small collection of TD-Z's too but not throwing super light stuff with them. Downsized, yes. Maybe 1/4 oz 5/16 oz in some cases but probably usually under 3/8 oz. I seldom go much lighter than 1/16 oz heads with salted Stubby tubes (they kinda heavy w/salt IMO) I mean, I'm not fishing panfish with this stuff so I'm just using some smaller baits, not micro stuff. I have not tried weightless lures yet. I do like to fish 4" Fin S Fish weightless but have no idea what they weigh with a 3/0 EWG hook in them. I'll be trying those this spring and I expect casting them to be difficult.

I don't think you'll find anybody that's really tried this will say throwing actual weight of 1/8 oz is easy on any rod/reel combo. I have fished 1/16 oz heads on small tubes (2-1/2" stubbys etc) and total weight probably exceeds actual weight of 1/8 oz. I don't weigh this crap, not that freaky about it. I throw 1/16 and 1/8 oz Charlie Brewer Pro Series Slider w/Producto 4" Tournament worms on 6 lb line a LOT. I can get approx 40-45 ft with these provided I'm not bucking a wind. It's not easy, but it's not impossible. I've got a Presso going on a custom rod that I'll be using 4lb line on this season and I'm pretty sure it will throw 1/8 oz more than 45 ft. If I can get 50 ft I'll be more than happy with it.

I have been considering the SV shallow and RCS 1012 for use in my TD-Z's for lighter lines/lures (6 or 8lb test). I used the 1016 with 8lb test last year on my TD-Z 103P for some small cranks and it worked awesome. I just don't need that much capacity with 8 lb line so considering other options. It's looking to be an expensive playground!

A whole lot of reels could do this duty if using 6lb test line and proper rod. The Daiwa Sol is a very good choice or any Daiwa Alphas. I have not done it yet but I'm going to buy one of those Pinnacle Producer LTE or whatever they're called, the ones all the mods here are bragging about. I'm betting with clean spool bearings even this reel with 6 lb line on it will throw 1/8 oz lures a respectable distance and they only cost $90.

I've got one being built right now....my 6th. If I get excited about anything, it's a custom rod!

Those new Fish Eagle 50 rods are really decent sticks!

I have TD-A HST & HSTA's, TD-Z's, Fuego's and Tatula's and I pitch with Shimano Castaic CA-200's. Go figure that one out! I do still like those old reels with the Insta-Gage thumb bar.

Is that the one you had problems with the clutch spring? How'd you fix it?

TD-Z can be set up to do anything!

For those of us traveling anglers with boats, it is astronomical when you factor in ALL related costs. I could probably make a close guess, but I won't and don't want to know!

Never used the Hedgehog tool. I have the Boca pliers and have used them a lot, no problems for me so far.

The ZX's are a good buy. Another Cabela's rod that I consider worthy is the Fish Eagle 50. They are very sensitive and durable sticks with regular price of $90.

"Any port in a storm".....

I usually fish the Chisago area lakes, Rush and Forest most often. I head north to Aitkin/Crow Wing counties up by Mille Lacs quite a bit. I'll likely be on Gull at some point this summer and if I find the time I'll head to the Alexandria chain for a couple days! I have fished Crooked a couple times but not in many years. I have fished Coon quite a bit, but again, it's been a long time. Have never put a line in George. Heard it was/is full of mini gators though.

I have used black Uncle Josh #101 pork frog on black hair in the past and done well. It's been a long time since I tied any up and used them!!

I have always done 6lb but next season will be my first trying 4lb line for bass. Will target smallies primarily but LM also. It's just a fun thing to do. I'm getting a custom rod built for a Daiwa Presso that I just got specifically for use of 4lb line.

LOL,,,,and they hold it upside down!

Am I shore bound or do I have a boat in this scenario?

He doesn't have to fish with them all to know that. He's just confident. Ask them all to put their money on the table and line up and he'll likely be the first one to do it, no hesitation. He cracks me up, wish he was my neighbor...lol

They are the most durable jigs I own. The paint is unreal tough. I have some that date back to 2007 or 2008 that I have beat on rock piles with many times and still the paint is there! Great quality product!

Wow! That's a heavy sack of Spots! I have only caught one in my life and it was probably a pound at best. I wish I could fish them again some day.

I still think it is. I can still catch fish every time I go out, believe it or not.... and I don't have any 8:1 reels.