Hi guys! 

I’ve decided it was time for me to upgrade my fishing gear to venture into the “high-end” world of fishing... I will be coming from a Daiwa Tatula 150HG and a Dobyn’s Fury 705CB so (hopefully) I can really see the difference.

 

Just a little bit more info, I am looking to **mostly** throw tackle between 1/4-1/2 oz... things like crankbaits, swimbaits, swimjigs, etc. I’m a bank fisherman as I live in SoCal and there isn’t much large lakes around me, only small city parks/lakes. For this upgrade, money isn’t a factory and to be quite honest, I’m looking more for a “do-it-all” combo.

For the rod, I’ve decided on a Megabass P5 Destroyer X-bites after watching some videos. The reported extreme sensitivity of the rod is what pulls me into picking this up... I have also considered the Megabass P5 Super Destroyer, Megabass Orochi, Shimano Poison Adrena and some of the G-loomis rods. I plan on staying under 7’2” length wise as I have a small coupe that I’ll be packing the rod in. If there are other suggestions you guys may have, please let me know...

 

As for the reel, I’m really torn between the Steez, Metanium, Scorpion, Zillion and Aldebaran. I will be mostly running powerbraid 30# with a 8-15# fluorocarbon leader. I don’t really care too much about the DC in Shimano’s reels as people have often said that it limits cast ability distance in exchange for less frequent backlashes, but as a bank fisherman, casting distance is something I value greatly...

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated from this amazing community!!

i am also a bank fisherman.  i own a daiwa ltd sv lite, a curado dc, and a lew's mach 2.

the daiwa is for casting tiny stuff. the curado dc is my all-arounder, and the mach 2 is my knock-about.  i don't have any issues with casting distance with the curado dc.  however, the dc part of it is so very subtle. i like it, but i could get by without it just fine. 

 

this is just my opinion, ymmv:

if you want casting distance, buy a spinning reel.  that's not the advantage of using a casting reel.  they are for power, accuracy, and sensitivity. imo accuracy beats distance 99% of the time. 

my recommendation would be youtube.  search the reels you are considering, and see how far others are casting them. the reels you've chosen are not really that similar.  they are all intended to do slightly different things. for an all arounder out of your list my choice would be the metanium.

Check out the Shimano Bantam MGL....thank me later ?

1 hour ago, CantStop_WontStop said:

I am looking to **mostly** throw tackle between 1/4-1/2 oz... things like crankbaits, swimbaits, swimjigs, etc. I’m a bank fisherman

 

   So 1) you're throwing lighter lures, 2) you're employing steady retrieve, and 3) you're a shorecaster.

 

   I'm a shorecaster, too, and I use steady (or twitching-style) retrieves. In the first place, the combo you have right now isn't bad at all. You said that you're attracted by the lure of high sensitivity. (Pun intended) But sensitivity is not really a necessity or even a high priority in steady-retrieve rods; it's more important for bottom-contact techniques. Although you can read some ads that tout high-sensitivity rods for stuff like squarebills, saying that you can "feel exactly what the lure is deflecting off", that's just advertising malarkey. On tensioned-line retrieves, by the time you feel anything and set the hook, the fish has already hooked itself. You may latch a door that has already slammed shut, so to speak, but you usually don't need to. I caught fish for quite a few years by holding the rod fast and reeling against the pull of the fish. It works.

   Bottom contact is different.

   As for casting lighter (1/4 to 1/2 oz.) lures, what @cheezyridr said about using spinning gear makes a lot of sense. Spinning casts lighter lures better, especially into the wind. If you use braid, he's correct in that you can get greater distances. Braid does have its own problems, but nothing is perfect. You'll have to decide which way you want to go.

   And you said that  you're looking for a "do-it-all" combo. You can do that with casting gear, but it's easier to do it with spinning gear.

  

   One last thing: If you're thinking that "high-end" gear is going to give you a lot better results compared to what you have now, you're going to be disappointed. Better results come from the person doing the fishing, not the gear.

   I wish you the best of luck.        jj

Man a part of me says go for it.. but high end tackle for the most has pretty specific.actions and tapers.  A do all for a high cost is may lead, to disappointment.  Personally I'd get two more combos like you have now for that money.  There's nothing wrong with a tat and dobyns rod.

Thanks for the input everyone! 
 

I have a fairly solid spinning combo and up until about a month ago, it’s all I ever used up until about a month ago. I have a Phenix Feather/NASCI 2500 that I’ve caught tons of fish on, and when I first shifted to that from an UglyStik, I was blown away by the enormous upgrade in sensitivity, casting distance, smoothness and every other positive attribute one would want in a reel/rod.

 

I guess what I’m saying is that I’m hoping to feel that same way again because although I love my Tatula, I’ve just been having a hard time feeling bites with my rod (using mostly Megabass Dark Sleeper 2.3” 3/8 oz or  3” 3/8-1/2 oz) or even setting the hook properly. 
 

Maybe you guys may be right that I’m assuming this’ll fix my inadequacy.. I’ll keep working at it

I only have one Dobyns....a 704CB Glass.  Really like it.  What I read about Dobyns is they have a great warranty, excellent build and balance well.  Not the lightest rod, but a balanced rod will wear you out less than a tip heavy one.  Some say they are very sensitive while others say there are more sensitive rods at the same price point.  Guess the individual has to make that determination.

 

Went out about 3 weeks ago.  Used a Kistler Helium 3 Light MHF and Steez EX with a 105SV spool and spooled with 20# braid.  Lure was an underspin with 4" finesse trick worm.  Total weight 3/8 oz.  I retrieved with finger on rod.  I retrieved with finger on line.  Couldn't feel any lure vibration coming through open water.

 

My dedicated short range spinnerbait rod is a 6' MH Berkley Lightning with a Daiwa Procaster 100HN and 15# Daiwa mono.  Coming through open water the whole rod and reel shake with a 1/2 oz. spinnerbait having a Colorado blade.  It becomes tiring fairly quick.  Lot of resistance.

 

Does this mean the Lightning is more sensitive than the Helium 3?  I seriously doubt it.  I am merely pointing out that some steady retrieve lures will give more feedback than others.

 

My first "quality" rod feels dead with crankbaits.  Personally I prefer more sensitivity even with a crankbait rod.  Will it catch me more fish?  I don't know, but have to assume it will.

 

I can't help with the rods you've mentioned.  Above my pay grade.  My "expensive" $250-$350 rods were all purchased used for much less.

 

I've never handled a Metanium or Aldebaran.  I own the others.  My Zillions are OGs and I wouldn't use them for anything below 3/8 oz.  I'm sure they would handle lighter, but results wouldn't be impressive.  An aftermarket spool designed for lighter lures would change that, but why invest in one when I already have more than enough capable reels to handle 1/4 oz.?  The new Zillions do much better...so I've read.

 

My Steez reels are recent additions.  Purchased used way below new cost....naturally.  I love them.  The EX is the newest model.  Others are OG models.  Some people will give you a hard time for spending that kind of money when you can catch plenty of fish with a $30 rod and $30 reel.  I am sorry, but using quality gear gives me more pleasure.  Fishing sucks in my area so my gear is what gives me the desire to keep going out.

 

If you are like me (and many others), then buy that high end gear.  Catching fish isn't the end all.  If it were, I would have quit fishing again.  I quit for 23 years after moving to this area.  You might try also posting on TT.  Many enthusiasts there that think nothing of spending $600 on a rod or reel.  Some visit here, but often keep it toned down. 

 

Spinning may be a more viable option, but I enjoy baitcasters more, and don't mind their drawbacks.  I am not going to catch many fish no matter which one I use so I would rather use what gives me more pleasure

If you're expecting serious differences by upgrading from what you have i think you may be disappointed.  Yes a bantam mgl is gonna "feel" a little better than your tatula.  Is it gonna feel 200 dollars better? Absolutely not to me. Having said that if I were to suggest a reel that will do it all and is smooth as glass the bantam is the one. Id honestly take your tatula over a couple of the reels you're interested in upgrading to. 

Expride 7'3 Heavy and Chronarch is a great combo for me 

You want a Loomis GLX MBR paired with a Met or new Antares.  I will cover all you want to do and more.  ....the Swiss Army knife of fishing ?

GLX MBR 844C  https://www.tackledirect.com/gloomrodmbgl9.html

Aldebaran MGL50  https://discounttackle.com/products/shimano-aldebaran-mgl-50-baitcasting-reels?variant=12867414392887

The 20 Metanium B is the reel I would recommend if your going to be getting a lighter rod.  The Met can do just about anything within reason and it throws lighter baits really well.

 

On 11/6/2020 at 10:38 PM, CantStop_WontStop said:

Thanks for the input everyone! 
 

I have a fairly solid spinning combo and up until about a month ago, it’s all I ever used up until about a month ago. I have a Phenix Feather/NASCI 2500 that I’ve caught tons of fish on, and when I first shifted to that from an UglyStik, I was blown away by the enormous upgrade in sensitivity, casting distance, smoothness and every other positive attribute one would want in a reel/rod.

 

I guess what I’m saying is that I’m hoping to feel that same way again because although I love my Tatula, I’ve just been having a hard time feeling bites with my rod (using mostly Megabass Dark Sleeper 2.3” 3/8 oz or  3” 3/8-1/2 oz) or even setting the hook properly. 
 

Maybe you guys may be right that I’m assuming this’ll fix my inadequacy.. I’ll keep working at it

If you're throwing Dark Sleepers, Megabass makes a P-5 model for throwing that bait. If I was going for a high end rig, I would rather it was designed for the type of fishing I do most. Spending big money on a high end 'do-it-all' rig frankly doesn't make sense. 

 

Are you going to fish with 10-25 lb test line (with the X-Bites) in park lakes and ponds? Seems like overkill to me.

What I would do is add a rod with more tip and use your current Fury for treble hooked baits. You could buy a high end rod but if it's for swimbaits (I assume you're talking paddle tails) and swim jigs, you would be best suited with a rod like a Dobyns 703C or 704C, depending on how large paddle tails we're talking and how heavy the swim jigs are and to some extent how fat of a hook you are using.

 

I got my oldest son a Sierra 703C and 704C, each paired with a Shimano Curado 200k (7.whatver gear ratio for the 704C) and that's a pretty versatile two rod setup. I actually prefer my Tatula CT/SV reels as they brake better, but the Curado's beat most everything in a distance contest - and the kid can outcast me even using my gear or with me using his.  The 704C can fish things like weighted T-Rigs, 1/2 spinnerbaits, chatterbaits and swim jigs and lighter carolina rigs and jigs where the 703C can fish weightless or lightly weighted T-Rigs, lighter spinnerbaits, chatterbaits and swim jigs, smaller paddle tail swim baits, and is surprisingly good with square bills in grass and whopper ploppers and the like and it has notably less tip than the 704C.  17lb line on the 704C and 12lb on the 703C for the most part.

 

Anyway, something like that would get you much further. I am actually considering adding a high end setup to my arsenal either for T-Rigs and lighter jigs or a more all around jig rod (not sure yet) but I have my bases covered so this would be for something I have rigged up almost everytime I take my kayak out and my most expensive rod is my finesse spinning rod already, and I wouldn't even bring this one out when I'm just shore fishing most of the time.

The other thing I will add is that if you do go this route, you can always add a higher end setup similar to whichever one you use the most later. I can't say how many times I went out this summer with two MH/F rods, each rigged with something else.

I've never owned one, but everything I read about the Tatula Elite says it's a far caster if that's what you're looking for. I have a 2020 Metanium and wouldn't really label it as a far caster.

 

I was in your position this same time last year and was looking for the best rod. I ended up buying around 30 rods in the last year from multiple Dobyns Xtasys and Extreme HP's to a G.Loomis Conquest and tons of others in between. I recently bought 3 NFC X-Ray blanks and am almost done with my first build, a MB-736c with G2 Carbon Handle & Reel Seat with Titanium Torzite Guides.

 

So if you have any ambition to ever build a rod, better just do it now, because that's about the only way to get the perfect rod. Or you can contact Delaware Valley Tackle about building a custom rod for you, and you can pick out exactly how you want it to be. 

 

To me it seems like you just want a nice rod to have one and I'm the same way. I don't fish a lot of big places or catch a lot of big fish, but I spend a lot of time fishing and have become somewhat of a gear enthusiast. Let's face it, nobody needs a $500 rod, no matter where you fish. And, I think it will be hard to beat catching fish with a rod that I built myself.

15 hours ago, kayaking_kev said:

Let's face it, nobody needs a $500 rod, no matter where you fish. 

 

Well, I don't know about that.  And then you need a complimentary reel to go with it!

 

You should look at some JDM rods, or Japanese made rods from Japan, they make some of the most sensitive rods on earth.  Major Craft high end rods are fantastic for feel, once you own one you'll never go back, but you are sounding like you love finnese fishing thats a whole different game than just fishing for whatever bites.

one thing i would add about high end gear: 

if you ain't fishing the tour, you don't really need that level of performance. 

BUT

that doesn't mean you shouldn't buy it.   the real reason (in my mind) to buy high end gear is,  the refinement looks good to your eye, and feels good to your hand.  the  non-linear improvements you get for your money feel good.  you work your butt off for the money you make. why shouldn't you have a few small trinkets? 

 

* what i mean by non-linear improvements is this: guitars and fishing gear have something in common. after a certain price point, the  ROI drops off.  the more you spend, the less you get for the extra money.  is the improvement i get from my curado dc worth the extra $140 i paid compared to my mach 2? not really, when you consider just how much reel i got for $139. but it makes me happy to have those refinements, so i gladly paid it.

Well, I understand why a guy NEEDs a Porsche as he approaches 40...

https://www.porsche.com/usa/models/718/718-boxster-models/718-boxster-s/'

but a Porsche SUV just doesn't make any sense.

https://www.porsche.com/usa/models/cayenne/cayenne-models/

 

3 hours ago, roadwarrior said:

Well, I understand why a guy NEEDs a Porsche as he approaches 40...

https://www.porsche.com/usa/models/718/718-boxster-models/718-boxster-s/'

but a Porsche SUV just doesn't make any sense.

https://www.porsche.com/usa/models/cayenne/cayenne-models/

 

great example! double the horsepower for only 31 mph more top speed, with a price difference of $98,700

I got a P5 Super Destroyer and I love it. It’s a true, do-everything high end rod. I paired it with a Metanium DC and it’s so much fun to fish. If the 7’2” length of the Xbites doesn’t bother you, and you can find one, pick it up while you can. It is a very versatile rod as well. Pair that up with an Aldebaran, and with the rod, reel, and line, the whole deal will be well under 10 ounces. I’m a believer in the new P5 lineup of rods and am looking to get a Tequila Baccarac next!