Jeff H

I recently bought a really nice pair of these for $105 each. I don't have a problem at all with grips that have no bearings, my personal opinion is it's over-rated as "must do" mod. I do though prefer 90 mm handle and will likely add them to these reels at some point. Would really like to get hold of the TD-Z 100M handles for these Clean the gunk out of the riveted grips with solvent and oil with a heavier oil and I can't tell any difference vs bearing supported grips while fishing. The drags on these reels are another story though. Probably the worst of all my Daiwa's as far as being sticky but they have more power than I expected. If I have ever had a reel that needed drag improvements, it is these Fuego's. They are, at least to me, pretty lightweight reels. They are tiny, almost too small for my liking but that means everybody else would like the size. I've torn mine down and serviced them and will fish as they are this season but they are likely to see some work and updated parts over next winter. Wouldn't mind having a couple more to be honest.

Same for me, except I use XT Clear.

I have the 6'9" Avid ML/XF spinning and do not find it to be tip heavy. I have 5 different Avid spinning rods and don't notice any heavy tips on them. The only tip heavy St. Croix that I have is a Premier casting 6'6" H/F.

I'm ready! Boat is ready! If everything clicks I'm in Wi next weekend.

I switched from Shimano to Daiwa spinning probably 6-7 years ago. I was getting noticeably less line twist with my Daiwa's so stuck with them. If Shimano has made improvements to this aspect in the last 7 years, I do not know, but other than this I could go either way. Right now, I'm fine and happy where I'm at.

Before you go buying any more rods/reels just fish with what you have for awhile. It'll work fine starting out!

I won't be buying anymore new reels but I'm highly susceptible to good used models of those I like most. I'm good on rods for now, even have some spares stashed away. Tackle is a never ending pursuit though and one I've no desire to quash.

Unless you split and pinched the eye on that bell sinker, I'm lost......

Since buying and using my Minn Kota Talon, it has become a necessity for me. Total game changer!

Some have commented that in covering up TM/electronics noise makes it worth having anyway. I don't have one and probably never will. I have enough crap to deal with mounted on my boat as it is.

In your case, 4 is the norm. Trolling motor batteries are usually dedicated to the TM only and the cranking battery handles everything else.

I've been using Zoom Finesse worms rigged wacky on 1/16 and 1/8 oz flick shake heads.

5 new rigs! Always exciting to get new equipment.

Since I've usually got weeds involved I often use Water Gremlin Bull-Shots, sometimes even 1/16 oz pegged brass Thunder Bullets. Pretty effective around docks too.

Anyway.....Last week I was at Cabela's and they had those particular Exceler piled up on sale. I pulled a few from the box and gave them a spin. They all felt loose and bone dry inside. A good deal at $50 I suppose but when I (or anyone else) can get the Tatula for $110 or less it is just a better bargain to me.

parentheses just kind of cracked me up. While I am a Daiwa supporter, I acknowledge that Daiwa has it's eccentric moments.

My best producer has been the BPS Kermy in black fished on overcast days. My son routinely hands me my you know what with Spro's. He likes them best. Hit the right spots on the right days and they will jump on any brand!

Seriously? 8 oz reel is gonna put you down by the end of a day of fishing?

Daiwa Millionaire 4H.

They are to me, that's what I specifically use my Avids for!

I have 5'6" casting and spinning rods. They don't get much use anymore though. So, consider my shortest in use to be 6', of which I use several.

I like the last part of that statement!

Which driveshaft bearing and why?

I'm going to try the Cabela's Verano 2500. I'm a big fan of Daiwa reels and most of my spinning reels are Cabela's reels by Daiwa. Seems a good deal for the price as all others have been. I'll have it next weekend but won't use it for awhile yet since we're still icebound up here.

I like 'em! I fish heavy jigs deep with them, pitch heavy cover and even docks with them. I like the power and when I set on them I want that power to start moving those fish in my direction immediately.