To use the MGL spool in the CI4, you will need the spool and sideplate

Depends on what I’m fishing. Ripping grass, the Lucky Craft LVR D-7 or D-10 gets my vote. Doesn’t have much vibration on a straight retrieve, very tight action, but the way it rips clean from grass is amazing. It always seems to catch the biggest fish when the lipless bite is on at Seminole. For ope...

The aldebaran BFS 12 is one of shimano's best looking reels IMO.I love straight handles more than swept back handles too I agree, it is a great looking reel, and love the Corefit platforms. So compact and comfortable to palm. Wish I could get some easy questions answered though, seems there are sev...

Good points made Slazmo, definitely some things you don’t think to look for. The main thing to worry about for me fishing inshore is greasing the inside race of the pinion bearing so the pinion doesn’t get stuck to it, and using something with good corrosion protection on the ARB so it doesn’t start...

My blanks were purchased in 2017, and replaced into 2019. 4 different models, all broke within the first 3 trips. After rebuilding rods a couple times only to have them break again, I gave up. If you want any info on how the rods broke, send me a PM. Todd, Loomis does exactly that, small coded stick...

I can’t say who’s right or wrong on their marketing strategy, that’s their decision to make, but this is really hard to view any other way than being about the money. After all, as long as the deal is good, if they think it’s better than what they used before, I’m sure they will tell you it’s better...

The other thread on this reel got my attention and I have a few questions. Does this reel come with brass gears as stated on JapanTackle? My guess is no based on weight, but would like to confirm this. Do parts swap between this and Core/Aldebaran 50mg? A picture of internals would be really nice. I...

All about the money. If you have ever read about Shimano/Daiwa sponsorship, it seems Daiwa and many other companies are a much better deal. Shimano seems to be more interested in anglers on YouTube and social media now.

Just to be clear, I was referring to ARB in casting reels. If I had a spinning reel I would give it a try and report back, as I can’t really see a negative to using it even though they are supposed to be run dry, but I don’t own one. Be sure to let the bearing drain on a paper towel before reinstall...

I fish in the salt, and can say these ARBs can be a huge issue. Probably said this earlier in the thread, but CorrosionX is the deal and can’t be beat for these. Haven’t had a single issue with one since I made the switch. Simply spray it in the bearing liberally, insert inner tube to spread it arou...

most would consider setting the hook, working jerk baits, etc, a little more complex than grabbing handles. Was thinking the same thing, how is it harder to spin your hand in a circle than to work a topwater or jerkbait with any kind of rhythm? I don’t care which hand people use, and think it’s fun...

I really wish I had the same experiences as everyone else since I loved my K2’s. Unfortunately all they did was break. Even had the replacements break. All breaks occurred while casting well within lure weight range within the first couple trips. Phenix customer service was terrible as well and took...

Finished these up and fished them last week. First try at 3D scales look ok, but working on adding even more detail to each scale with more layering. https://i.postimg.cc/Hxb3GxYL/4-CEB6-C33-336-A-4-FEC-BD9-D-FB14-D2-B738-F4.png https://i.postimg.cc/YS58ygwV/47485-DDD-AD2-A-494-C-9-B88-8-D4-C6-A431-...

I’ve used my Stile SS PG for cranking quite a bit, and it seems very similar. Plenty of cranking power in a small package, but not much line capacity so braid is a must. Braking is simple finesse style VBS which allow for some really free casting with heavier baits. It works great overall, but I’m n...

I put a lot of use on my Alde/7.7:1 combos, and they are as good as it gets in my hands. Super smooth, plenty of power, great durability. Throw topwater, bigger jerkbaits and jigs quite a bit, but love that setup for throwing chatterbaits. Normally throwing 1/2oz with a mix of burning and stop and g...