Search found 40 matches

by VAsmallies
Sun Dec 03, 2023 8:45 pm
Forum: Reels
Topic: Spinning reel for lighter crank and jerkbaits
Replies: 3
Views: 913

Spinning reel for lighter crank and jerkbaits

Im looking to buy my first 3 or 4000 size spinning reel to maximize casting distance with hardbaits such as finesse balsa cranks and smaller 3/16 to 1/4 oz jerkbaits. Probably using 6-8 lb straight flouro most often. What larger arbor spinning reels would you recommend for maximum distance that stil...
by VAsmallies
Sun Nov 12, 2023 8:27 pm
Forum: Rods
Topic: Okuma X-series
Replies: 30
Views: 10091

Re: Okuma X-series

I own the 7'3" M spinning rod. It's a single hook rod in my opinion. It's light and well balanced with good craftsmanship. I'd like better quality cork, but can't complain for the price. My biggest problem with it is that it feels a little clunky, or maybe chunky, as the blank is pretty thick at the...
by VAsmallies
Fri Aug 04, 2023 4:00 pm
Forum: Enthusiast & Import Tackle
Topic: Shimano Aldebaran BFS XG
Replies: 15
Views: 4498

Re: Shimano Aldebaran BFS XG

Where can you get brenious gears? I checked tackle trap and didn't see them. I have a 51e with a yumeya MG spool that I meant to switch the gears in years ago, but never got around to it.
by VAsmallies
Mon Nov 14, 2022 6:00 pm
Forum: Enthusiast & Import Tackle
Topic: Shimano brenious extune 22 spinning models
Replies: 0
Views: 7674

Shimano brenious extune 22 spinning models

Anyone have any experience or ideas on the 72 or 78 spinning models of these rods? Both have recommended lure weights of 3-18g. They look to be similar to the new exprides, just marketed to the Japanese sea bream market. Price is definitely higher than exprides. Any ideas or info on crossover uses o...
by VAsmallies
Tue Aug 23, 2022 6:35 pm
Forum: Rods
Topic: Looking for upgrade from Dobyns 742c HP
Replies: 2
Views: 817

Looking for upgrade from Dobyns 742c HP

This rod has been in my rotation for years because I love the power, length, and action for the way I use 1/2 oz vaults and overrides. What I don't like is the lack of sensitivity when fishing something like a Shakey head, nor the slow, sloppy recovery when twitching a lightish topwater walker after...
by VAsmallies
Sun Sep 12, 2021 6:44 pm
Forum: Maintenance & SuperTuning Q&A
Topic: Calcutta 201 te DC gear swap?
Replies: 1
Views: 1175

Calcutta 201 te DC gear swap?

Are there any compatible higher ratio brass gears? I love the casting ability and solid, smooth, precision of this old school reel, but I rarely use it. I've had too much success speed cranking, even with deep divers. Any way to speed it up?
by VAsmallies
Sun Jul 18, 2021 6:51 pm
Forum: Rods
Topic: Nrx+ 872 vs steez 76mml
Replies: 13
Views: 4082

Re: Nrx+ 872 vs steez 76mml

TravisNY, yes on the James and 'doah. Fish the New River quite a bit too, plus Smith Mountain Lake a a couple other deeper mountain reservoirs. You are right about the extra length coming in handy to launch and keep slack line out of faster water when quarter casting. Doesn't hurt to drive the hooks...
by VAsmallies
Fri Jul 16, 2021 5:38 am
Forum: Rods
Topic: Nrx+ 872 vs steez 76mml
Replies: 13
Views: 4082

Nrx+ 872 vs steez 76mml

I want one high end spinning rod to replace a previous generation nrx852s that was stolen [-( [-( I always felt the 852 was a little too powerful for my preferred spinning applications. I'm looking for a rod a pick up in power where my st croix avid 76mlxf can't handle it, but with a similar lively ...
by VAsmallies
Tue Apr 14, 2020 5:41 pm
Forum: Plastics
Topic: drop shot plastic for bedding smallmouth
Replies: 6
Views: 5663

Re: drop shot plastic for bedding smallmouth

Ive got a supply of crosstails, and they are great, but yes, not durable. Im not a fan of z-man for drop shot because of their flotation, but havent explored many hook options. Maybe if i went with a medium wire roboworm hook texas rigged it would add enough weight to even it out. Anyone experimente...
by VAsmallies
Sun Apr 12, 2020 8:58 pm
Forum: Plastics
Topic: drop shot plastic for bedding smallmouth
Replies: 6
Views: 5663

drop shot plastic for bedding smallmouth

What's your go to drop shot plastic for bedding smallmouth? I have a little trip planned to the mountains of eastern Tennessee with my son and am trying to prepare. Looking for something compact in size. Have some 3.5 Reins bubbling shakers and 2.8 fat impacts im taking with me. What else would you ...
by VAsmallies
Fri Jan 25, 2019 1:49 pm
Forum: Hardbaits
Topic: Showerblow help
Replies: 8
Views: 6032

Re: Showerblow help

Another vote for the 105. I throw mine on a dobyns 705cb with a chronarch d7 and 30lb 832 braid with a 2ft 16lb mono leader
by VAsmallies
Sat Dec 01, 2018 5:07 am
Forum: Hardbaits
Topic: USDM/JDM baits similar action to Wiggle Warts
Replies: 10
Views: 11488

Re: USDM/JDM baits similar action to Wiggle Warts

Evergreen wild hunch is a go to for me
by VAsmallies
Sun Nov 18, 2018 4:42 am
Forum: Hardbaits
Topic: Cold water/ cold front -fall / winter JERKBAIT
Replies: 18
Views: 13161

Re: Cold water/ cold front -fall / winter JERKBAIT

Lucky craft staysee 90 ver. 2 for me. In years past ive been throwing my jerkbaits on a champion 705cb (graphite). I swithched it up and went with the much faster action, shorter 802c glx. Not sure which i like better. Ideal rod would be somewhere in between the two i think. I use a curado 51e with ...
by VAsmallies
Wed Nov 14, 2018 5:40 pm
Forum: Rods
Topic: Dobyns 742c
Replies: 5
Views: 5472

Re: Dobyns 742c

Thank you both for the input so far! I'm in Wisconsin so i can't get my hands on this rod unless I order one. Could either of you compare it to a 852 g loomis casting rod, in terms of action and power? Or any other rod that is similar? The comment about long distnace hook setting power has me just ...
by VAsmallies
Wed Nov 14, 2018 8:53 am
Forum: Rods
Topic: Dobyns 742c
Replies: 5
Views: 5472

Re: Dobyns 742c

I've been throwing under spins in similar weights with small keitechs all fall. My 742c hp has handled them pretty well, with 1/4oz heads being the sweet spot for me. Long distance hook-setting power left something to be desired when using straight fluoro. With 20lb braid to leader power was suffici...