8 minutes ago, Eric 26 said:

I just jumped on Amazon and I can’t find this deal ☹️I will say I really want the Tackle Warehouse exclusive Zata Tactical though.

I think it's previous gen if that matters

https://www.amazon.com/Abu-Garcia-Baitcast-Profile-Fishing/dp/B086MLXCH8?sr=8-4&psc=1

@Bass Rutten I appreciate the link and whoever was selling them is out of them as they’re now $158.00 which still isn’t bad for a combo but I don’t need another reel but I’m always looking for a bargain. I’ve signed up for the Zata Tactical Tackle Warehouse exclusive if the price drops even though I don’t need that either. 

2025 Tatula 200 inbound

Picked up one of the gen 5 revo SX SS reels. Trying light braid for regular casting like some of the inshore guys do with the Lews SP. So far it's really surprising. The reel feels a bit bigger than the 3rd and 4th gens. I haven't heard much about the 5th gens so I thought I'd give one a try. 

On 4/6/2025 at 3:51 PM, ReelDr said:

Interesting on the delay from JLS.

 

I just ordered my 25 Antares from JLS yesterday. I’ll let you know if I have any issues. JLS says they’re shipping FedEx.

Antares arrived today.

 

A little slower than usual but not bad.

 

Unboxed the reel and it’s huge. No way I can palm this reel with my arthritis.

 

If anybody wants a brand new, never been on a rod, 25 Antares, PM me and I’ll try to work something out. Beautiful reel just way too big for my hands with my condition.

New rod en route, couldn't pass up $99 for a fenwick elite (610ML). If this rod is everything I want it to be it'll replace 2 of my setups #gunning4umonkey

It's a Goby Thang ~

 

 

A-Jay

On 4/10/2025 at 11:33 AM, Craig P said:

I wanted to add another Curado BFS to the lineup but the Monkey got me when I found out Digitaka had a 22 Aldebaran XG Left in stock.  This reel is so light I thought the box was empty.

 

I already loaded it up with 6lb Sniper Assassin FC, just for yucks. I like 8 lb but I want to see how low I can go and see what all the hype is about.

 

 

 

I am waiting for 2025 also, I have the 22 and it is awesome, You made a right choice.

8 hours ago, ATA said:

I am waiting for 2025 also, I have the 22 and it is awesome, You made a right choice.

 

I am enjoying it.  The 2025 looks interesting but I can't seem to find much info on it.  Looks like it may be DC?

 

Finally received my Graphiteleader Compatto. First impression is that this thing is insanely light and well balanced. Can't think of having held a multi piece rod that felt ligher, and i am usually all about multi piece rods, and have had a ton of them over the years. Very curious on how it'll performance for jerkbaits. Its also weird to see Made In Japan written on the blank, it's so rare nowadays.
 

New VS old Tatula 200

I broke a drop-shot rod and the bait monkey launched an attack.

Just received 2 reels and 2 rods.

Shimano Sierra 2500 paired with a 6'10 med light fast Mojo Bass for drop-shot.

 

Decided to give 13 fishing a try so got a 

Ascent competition G-man 2.0 paired with a Omen gold 6'9 med light fast for Neds.

 

I know I could use the same rod and reel for both techniques......but why ❓

25 minutes ago, Bird said:

I broke a drop-shot rod and the bait monkey launched an attack.

Just received 2 reels and 2 rods.

Shimano Sierra 2500 paired with a 6'10 med light fast Mojo Bass for drop-shot.

 

Decided to give 13 fishing a try so got a 

Ascent competition G-man 2.0 paired with a Omen gold 6'9 med light fast for Neds.

 

I know I could use the same rod and reel for both techniques......but why ❓

I think my phone is damaged as I don’t see photos 😆

28 minutes ago, Eric 26 said:

I think my phone is damaged as I don’t see photos 😆

You had to ask 😯 

The St. Croix mojo Bass is a very popular rod so never took a pic.

Here's the Omen gold, very nice rod.

I'll post some more pics to help repair your phone 😄

@Bird That’s a sharp looking pairing, I’m looking forward to hearing how you like it when you get some time with it. Although I only have a low end spinning reel and low end rod from 13 fishing not paired together I really enjoy both. Oh and thanks for fixing my phone 😉

On 4/16/2025 at 4:05 PM, Eric 26 said:

I think my phone is damaged as I don’t see photos 😆

I didn't forget your damage phone 😁

Finally got around to setting up the 13 fishing spinner.

Fantastic drag but the reel itself is not as smooth as my Shimano's.

23 minutes ago, Bird said:

I didn't forget your damage phone 😁

Finally got around to setting up the 13 fishing spinner.

Fantastic drag but the reel itself is not as smooth as my Shimano's.

If I may ask what reel do you have on the Omen Gold as I’m a sucker for a good color match 😉 That’s kind of what I’ve read about the G-man reel which is why I asked your opinion. I’m seriously beating the bait monkey back from ordering a 13 fishing Oath cranking rod by telling him we will need to wait for a sale as the combo I will take the reel from will probably need a new reel 😬

20 minutes ago, Eric 26 said:

If I may ask what reel do you have on the Omen Gold as I’m a sucker for a good color match 😉 That’s kind of what I’ve read about the G-man reel which is why I asked your opinion. I’m seriously beating the bait monkey back from ordering a 13 fishing Oath cranking rod by telling him we will need to wait for a sale as the combo I will take the reel from will probably need a new reel 😬

I switched the Shimano Sierra over to the Omen gold.

Yes color match played a role.

The 13 fishing went to the St. Croix mojo Bass.

Bait monkey likely won't let you wait for a sale 😂

Just in from Digitaka. Now waiting on the Edge 703-S

 

 

2 hours ago, Motoboss said:

Just in from Digitaka. Now waiting on the Edge 703-S

 

 

I can’t help but notice it’s a shallow spool, which leads me to ask what are you spooling it with? I only ask as I bought a Miravel 2000 shallow spool and my plan was 8 pound Daiwa J-Braid for Ned rigs until I realized the spool was a bit too shallow for my needs as a bank angler so it found a new home on my ultralight rod with 6 pound Suffix 832.

13 hours ago, Eric 26 said:

I can’t help but notice it’s a shallow spool, which leads me to ask what are you spooling it with? I only ask as I bought a Miravel 2000 shallow spool and my plan was 8 pound Daiwa J-Braid for Ned rigs until I realized the spool was a bit too shallow for my needs as a bank angler so it found a new home on my ultralight rod with 6 pound Suffix 832.

I plan on using it on a light rod with Smackdown 10# (4equ would be about 130 yds) for small neds and creature bugs and possibly small kitech’s. In person it is a bit smaller than I had hoped for but I can make it work fishing from my canoe as long as I can fling 60/70 yards with it. 6# capacity is 100 yards, so may use 15# (6#equ).

Starting a new BFS combo, This one going to be American BFS combo. First part is the reel, 2025 Aldebaran BFS DC. A first of the kind BFS reel with DC breaking system. I was waiting for this one over 10 years and I don't think we can have any monster like this one. It is Aldebaran and BFS and DC, Im going to have it beside my bed for long 😁

4 hours ago, ATA said:

Starting a new BFS combo, This one going to be American BFS combo. First part is the reel, 2025 Aldebaran BFS DC. A first of the kind BFS reel with DC breaking system. I was waiting for this one over 10 years and I don't think we can have any monster like this one. It is Aldebaran and BFS and DC, Im going to have it beside my bed for long 😁

 

Is that 30 size spool truly capable of 2-3 gram BFS stuff? I wonder if it could surpass the '22 Aldebaran BFS in casting.

10 hours ago, newapti5 said:

 

Is that 30 size spool truly capable of 2-3 gram BFS stuff? I wonder if it could surpass the '22 Aldebaran BFS in casting.

The 22 BFS casted 1gr. I am hopping 2,3gr from this one. Lets see. Going to report when my rod is here. I am still waiting for Poison Adrina BFS rod to be delivered.

I really like the Evo lite I've been using recently. So when I saw my local Academy had some Falcon rods, the baitmonkey said "that one" and I picked up a Lowrider Lite spinning rod.