While the weather starts to finally warm up here in Iowa, I'm itching to buy one more combo before I officially get out on the water. This urge really comes from me wanting to get my hands on a Diawa reel (I've only fished with Shimano). I'm trying to identify gaps in techniques, or a better technique specific combo. 

 

Here's my current combos and what I use them for: 
SLX XT, Dobyns Fury 7'3 Heavy (Frogs, larger walking baits, whopper ploppers, buzzbaits) 
SLX DC, SLX 7' MH (pretty much all purpose) 
Curado DC, Megabass Lavante Diablo Spec R (Chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, swim jigs)

Curado 150MGL, Megabass Orochi XX EMTF (Crankbaits of all depths) 

Curado 150MGL, GLoomis GLX 843 MBR, (finesse/compact jigs, light chatterbaits, light T Rigs) 

Metanium, GLoomis GLX 844 MBR (heavier all purpose 1/2oz and more) 

Metanium, GLoomix NRX+ 854C (Pitching/flipping cover with T Rigs and full size Jigs) 

 

Note: I'm primarily a shallow water fisherman due to location and lakes around me. Most water around me is under 20ft, and 90% of the time I'm fishing <10ft of water. 

 

Diawa reels I've been looking at - Steez A, Steez SV TW, Zillion SV. The only thing I've really noticed here that concerns me is the 80mm handle on the Steez SV (not sure how big of a deal that is) 

 

Rods I've been I've been looking at - Megabass P5 models, The Dark Sleeper or the Madbull. (open to others)

 

My current thought is getting a nice higher end rod to throw Chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, swim jigs etc, and Selling my Curado DC/Levante and possibly my SLX DC with SLX rod. ?‍♂️

 

Thanks for any and all input! 

 

 

 

Get the Zillion.  USDM prices on Steez are up there.  JDM prices aren't that bad though.  You could also wait for the new Tatula sv 70.  It will be the size of the Steez ct but won't have the boost spool the zillion has.  For dark sleepers I would go with the zillion but that silver is ugly.  I couldn't stick one one on a destroyer.  Maybe the 2022 zillion hd with magZ boost.