All of those baits, except for the roman made, are on the starter list I have running in my head along with a MS Slammer, an AC minnow, and a Jointed Claw. I want the Mattlures gill for bed fishing and I had the I-slide pegged for the same reason you mentioned. How would I go about converting a sil...

I would put a 3:16 wake jr on your list. They are a bit expensive but well built. They also float so if you cast it off while figuring out the proper setup you should be able to retrieve it provided you have access to the water. I also really like 3:16 soft baits. The rising son (top hook version) h...

For me these are for spring lake trout as long as they stay shallow enough and pike all summer. Will be using a Destroyer TS78X and a conquest 401.

Pretty sure it is always $10 Brokerage and $5 handling plus taxes for me.

Updated line reviews. Would like to see an enthusiast Fluoro shootout. Even just sunline has so many options its hard to choose. Also would like to see more JDM bait reviews. Maybe something similar to the glidebait week for topwaters or other styles of hardbaits.

New 262T's have arrived. Sadly 5 months till open water here to try them out. Very Apple'esque packaging. http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz261/Farnorthpb/98C17FC0-746C-4A79-BCB3-7033E8E57E1D_zps3gvv67nm.jpg http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz261/Farnorthpb/8073C756-39B0-4F8B-8FA8-4DED6A829654_...

Just some comparison between the two rods. The SRD weighs 187g The TS weighs 249g Here are the tips of the two rods, not sure if the picture shows it but there is about double the material in the tip of the TS. http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz261/Farnorthpb/IMG_1763_zpsbd2297e6.jpg Good luck wi...

The TT review of the Super Red Demon is really good if you haven't read it. The difference between the SRD and the TS is huge. The SRD has some tip for fine control of smaller baits while the TS has none, it really feels broomstickish if you try to fish anything under 4oz with it. On the other hand ...

I consider a longer rod 7'6"+ a requirement for swimbait fishing with anything over 2oz. This would shorten your list a lot for me. I currently have both the Super Red Demon on your list as well as a TS78X and like them both for Topwater type swimbaits. If you are just going to have one setup for th...

What are the specific baits you are planning to use most? Is 3oz the largest you plan to throw?

Responded to your PM but wanted to post in case anyone searched it in the future. The short knobs will fit. "A Type" refers to the handle posts on most Shimano freshwater reels. Japan Tackle is a good reference for people wanting to change knobs. Both the long and short Yumeya knobs have the same in...

I had a few reels with YGK X8 Upgrade 14lb and Seaguar Leaders, but ended up going straight flouro and mono. Braid and leader is nice, but nothing beats straight flouro and probably why most Japanese pros go straight 4-6lb. Forgot to mention that i use Sunline Biwako 6-7, Sunline Shooter Metan/Invi...

Well done, Beatles62! Nice set-up and nice fish. I'm diggin' that Simms ProDry as well. =D> Thanks a lot....the simms looks sweet and has pockets for dys and will keep u dry no problem but is super thin so deff dissappoints in the warmth The ProDry stuff is made to fit a bit larger and cinch down s...

That's a good looking rod. Let us know what you think of it once you have had it out.

Really hoping Shimano makes the conquest in a 301 size along with the 300/400/401 this time.