I got the reel slimed right away.  its a fine reel.  casted just like any other spinning I've owned since line is just peeling off.  the drag feels fairly robust.  the bass were impressed for sure.  one thing, I close the bail, and I have to take the time to pull the line up taut.  this reel will lay line down outside the spool sometimes.  more often than my busted up Vanford.  I think comparing the 2500's, the Tatula is a tiny bit smaller.  I spooled it with Ghost Suffix 20 with a 10lb flouro leader. I have the reel on a Dobyns Medium Kaden.  they seem to jive fine. 

 

I tried to use that anti reverse switch to back-reel a bass fight and I was a hot mess.  "let me put that switch back to ON".  I can see how that would work, and I think I need more practice, but I found myself loosening the spool absentmindedly by spinning it backwards.  duh.  

 

my old Shimano should be repairable, and it is with them now.  the Tatula will definitely stay in rotation.  not looking so good for my Daiwa Procyon AL (or whatever it is called :)).  I love my bait casters but there is no denying that I am getting very very accurate with a spinning set up.  so fun!!  all of it. so fun.

Actually from my experience, you don’t really need back reeling with Daiwa ATD drag. The drag would let the line out easier (less drag) when fish start to run fast. Another reason I love Daiwa when crappie fishing. It help protect tearing paper thin mouth.

One thing to warn you, Daiwa drag seem to be a little sticky when let it sit for awhile. You can either loosen drag when store or play with drag before fishing.

5 minutes ago, Bass_Fishing_SoCal said:

Actually from my experience, you don’t really need back reeling with Daiwa ATD drag. The drag would let the line out easier (less drag) when fish start to run fast. Another reason I love Daiwa when crappie fishing. It help protect tearing paper thin mouth.

One thing to warn you, Daiwa drag seem to be a little sticky when let it sit for awhile. You can either loosen drag when store or play with drag before fishing.

Roger that.  thanks!!  I tend to run the drag loose on spinning reels.  I love a fish run on a spinning.  its very dramatic.  

Also,... Manually closing the bail and tugging the line taut is a good habit to get into. I do it with all of my spinning reels. It will help reduce line twist and loops jumping off the spool.

I have never had to back reel with my Tatula LT. If you want to because it's your preference but the drag works great on that reel.

1 hour ago, Boomstick said:

I have never had to back reel with my Tatula LT. If you want to because it's your preference but the drag works great on that reel.

i understand that.  just wanted to try it because it isnt an option on my Vanford.