For me Shimano edges out Daiwa. I fish only spinning but the Shimano spinning reels Stradic and above are still the best. I also have a Capricorn and a Saltiga and while they are nice, and I love them, but they just arn't a Sustain or Stella in terms of reliability after time.

Any of the newly redesigned Lefty Kreh rods are worth looking at. I have test casted a model (forgot which one) but retail was less then 400 dollars, and it was suprisingly good.

Nice report Seasicknes,

Friend of mine also went out recently, did well but got sick from being tossed about by big swells. I hear fishings been good, but conditions have been challenging.

Here's the link Gyro...

http://www.marinemetal.com/

Hi Gyro, My dad has been using a bubbles system he ordered from West marine and it has been working out real nicely. Definately keeps bait alive. I have been told that while proper aeration is vital one of the main reasons bait die is actually due to the stress from temprature, so my dad has been us...

I've never seen this one but my brother has been using the "CrabCatcher" with a lot of success. Thats a different concept and uses loops to ensnare the crabs. Has TackleTour reviewed the crabhawk? I can't find a review for it.

How did Cabela's and Daiwa build the Prodigy with 8bb and still manage to reduce the weight of the reel? I checked the price and it is 119.00 for the Prodigy, at 5 dollars more then the Capricorn it looks like a great deal. Has anyone fished with the Prodigy for an extended period, is it just as rel...

Thanks Buzz,

I know the cork drags offer very good drag performnace when new but other anglers have told me that these reels are hard to maintain and sometimes the drags can be damaged by grit, or dry out... is this true?

thanks for all the help

I think that fly fishing for trout is simply the purest most exhiliarating way to get back to nature.

Are the St. Croix reels any good? Or is it better to match up another reel to the Legend Elite rods? Any reccommendations?

Bass Pro makes a lot of good bags that are cheaper then then name brands, they also have alot of nice features like expandable compartments and sunglass holders stc. not normally found on other bags.

Thanks Vador,

Wow, 4'4" too long? Thats already a tiny rod. I think anything less then 6 feet would be fine for me. I'll send some pics after the trip. I think I will ahve to try the Escape rod, since I am very confident in the Loomis graphite fly rods I have used.

Thanx.

I enjoyed the review. Lots of good info there. Do you know why Shimano didn't go with more meagnesium on the reel itself, and whether they willmake a higher end s-concept magnesium reel (perhaps stella) that can really compete with the Daiwa TD-Z?

I loved the Sea Eagle reviews! Inflatables are great for those of us who travel alot. I have been looking at Hobie watercraft, any chance you guys can review one of those?

I mostly have fished for peacock bass here in Florida, but will be making a trip up the Sierra's next month. I don't have much experience fishing for trout but I am looking for a nice backapcking outfit. Anybody have any experience with the new G'Loomis escape rods? How do they compare with the St. ...