Finally the Ice has melted, and I got a chance to try some of my new equipment.

Rod: Kistler Built For me Custom 7' Action MH

Reel: Steez 100HA

Line: XPS 10# FC

Lure: Berkley Frenzy Rattl'R

Water Temp: d**n Cold maybe 34

Clarity: 16-24 inches

Wind 10-15mph

Overall Impressions:

Rod: All I can say is... unreal... I mean like nothing I've ever owned. Especially being that it was made to my specifications, I can honestly say I will not go back to Bulk/Factory Rods

Reel: was Like a dream come true also. I must say I've tried to nit pick it to death but it was complete ecstasy. I mean by far one of my best investments and defiantly in my top 3 reels I've ever owned. I know it's the fad to say it's the best I've ever owned, but it's not worthy of that title yet as I've only had it for a month or so and fished it just once.

I can say though if this holds up and stays true to form over the long haul this will be the greatest I have ever owned. As of right now it's a complete joy every single cast. Distance has to be right there as one of the furthest caster I've used, and Smoothness is silky even for a Mag reel and 5.5 oz is just surreal.

The Line:  XPS FC seems to be really good Not quite as stiff as other FC  I've seen and used (can be used on spinning), but definitely  as strong. For the Price this seems to be a really good Line and since you can buy it in bulk 1200yds and it has a small diameter I would suggest trying some for yourself.

The Lure: Berkley's Frenzy Rattl'R. I must say this was the biggest surprise of the day. After using Red-eyed Shad, Xcalibur 75's, and Rattle traps. The Frenzy just started knocking them out of the park. For the price ($1.99 at Scheels) they just can't be beat. I lost one to a snag about an hour into the outing but I just tied another one on and casted right back to the same spot. I guess at that price your kind of "Fearless Fishing" which could also be the reason while I started catching them. Whatever the reason was I would highly recommend you go pick up a handful of these. I went back to scheels this afternoon and bought 6 more  ;D

Anyways here are a couple pictures.

in my top 3 reels I've ever owned.  

What are the other two?  :-?

Right on and great report! My eyes played a trick on me at first when I initially read the title. I missed the word "in" and my eyes nearly popped out. Glad it wasn't, "Broke my Steez Today."  :-[

I did the same thing.  Kept looking for the part where the Steez breaks.

Me, too.

I thought the reel just fell apart with parts flying all over the place.

Glad to find out that everything worked great.

burley I believe he is talking about top three combos are from his other post

all steez reels 2cast 1spinning

on custom kistlers

but anyways thats great hear how that worked out for you

Berkley's Frenzy Rattl'R are those the sinking ones??

NICE REEL I WISH I COULD AFFORD ONE!  I DO OWN A ZILLION.

NICE FISH!!!

I'm saving up If it was no way in hell I am letting that combo touch the ground

Just plain sweet  8-).  The Steez is in a class by itself.  Shimano has the DC technology, but I think that applies to a different market; albeit the new Chronarch DC is aimed right for the steez.  The Steez is compact, ridiculously refined, and just plain sick all over.  I'm not sure how Daiwa will improve upon it or release a better reel in the years to come.

On another note, pick up a few Frenzy shallow and medium divers...they are stellar regardless of price.  They are a staple in my tackle box during prespawn.

Nice report. It sounds like you have a match made in heaven.

Congratulations!

8-)

Berkley's Frenzy Rattl'R are those the sinking ones??

Yes, The Sinking Rattlers are insane

How did you get a custom built Kistler Rod?