Jeff H

Really? A book? I would have never guessed there would be enough info on this to fill a book. It would just seem the answer lies in whatever you are comfortable with. You either crank right or left, done deal. I do the "switch" with baitcasters (throw right crank right) but I crank left with spinning. It's just what has always felt "right" to me.

I bought a GS35 and a GST30 last year. I figured the GS was a Trion and the GST a Prez. Doesn't matter really, both seem to be very good reels for the price. I had no problems with either, both worked great. Heckuva deal either way you go.

I have 3 Revo's and 3 Curado's of those listed.

I've done better without them, even in dirty water. Never use them at all anymore.

YUCK! That would shock my system right now.

The higher the lb test, the more you are going too see that. 20lb mono is way up the scale so you can expect that from Big Game or any other mono.

That old Husky Floater looks nice! I like that round (4'er?) also. My all time favorite crank is probably the #5 Rapala Fat Rap and that one looks kinda close to it.

It doesn't bother me, or I don't seem to have the problems some others do OR I just don't notice it. I fish XT in 10, 14 and 17 lb on my baitcasters. I love the stuff and yes I DO notice the "memory", but it doesn't bother me. Maybe I've just gotten used to it. Spinning is a different deal. ALL my spinning reels have 6lb XT on them. Can't use XT heavier than that on the small reels I use. I've tried 10 lb before and it is just impossible. I'm not willing to give up the "tough" factor of XT and switch to another line though. I had a 4 lb'er wrap 6lb XT around a wooden dock post and have her little hissy fit under there. I caught that fish and the guy in the back of the boat just couldn't believe it. No sir, I ain't switching. Whatever, the memory doesn't bother me. When it comes to XT, I'll gladly deal with it.

Good call. That new Patriarch feels "reel" nice!!

Team Daiwa Advantage HSTA. Check one out and see what you think.

No argument there.

It's not heavy, it's just heavier than what everyone else offers.

Thats a GREAT birthday present! You will love the Revo....and Happy Birthday

The ones we miss are always good ones!

Sounds like BS to me. Not gonna worry about it.

I use pork in cold water and when the fish are in "play" mode. On those days when all they seem to do with a plastic craw is pull the claws off I switch to pork. It is the only thing I've seen work. 90% of the time I prefer to use plastic craws. I will always try plastic first.

Mike, What differences did you notice between Big Game and XT?

I'm sticking with MN. We don't have the DD's but we have enough water to keep it it real interesting. You can get on some good northern MN lakes midweek and not see another boat all day if you are lucky. I'll take 3's an 4's and smaller crowds any day over big crowded lakes with DD potential. Only thing I hate about MN is our very short season. I gotta cram some serious fishing into 3 month time frame.

The cool part about that is you'll now be one of the group trying to find out. 8-)

If I can find it I will try it this year on a spinning rig. I'll be comparing to XT so it shouldn't have a problem in the memory dept. But, according to RW he uses 6lb YZ on his spinning rigs and I'm really not having much trouble with 6lb XT on mine as it is. It is when I've tried 10 lb on spinning reels where I've had problems with XT.

I never got on the salt wagon, probably never will....but I got a whole lot of confidence in Original Powerworms. I don't think it does squat for attracting but once they get a taste, they EAT it. You gotta be on your toes fishing Powerworms because if you give them too much time you'll end up killing that fish trying to dig a hook out of it's throat.

I like to fish them over the crown of midlake humps when the wind is blowing. I catch lots of LMB doing this but have not nailed any bigger fish yet. Mostly 12-16 inchers.

Try a Kalins Mogambo Grub. It's a single tail but it moves a LOT of water.

Wow....sounds too good to be true. :

Castaic for me. I love the Insta-Gage feature when I'm pitchin'. My new Castaic is possibly the smoothest reel I own now. Has more than enough drag for the fish I'm likely to encounter. Yes, it's bigger than Revo but I'll put up with that and every other short-coming anyone can dream up. Perfect pitchin' reel to me.