Nice combo!
I've got the same rod.
Excellent for soft plastics, but I've used if for just about everything other than deep cranks.
Much more versatile than I expected.

Nice smallie!
Congrats!

Thanks for the comments! Unfortunately, the weather and my work schedule has kept me off the water lately. Haven't had a chance to use any of them, yet I'm still compelled to add more?!?.. :doh: I got a great deal on a Viento recently. It's a decent reel out of the box, but needed a few upgrades.. I...

Good question on if/when Shimano might update the Calais DC. But I've heard no solid rumors of it happening anytime soon. There are some lighter DC models, but they don't have the 8x4 system the Calais does. So they do not give you the range of adjustment. As far as better than the core, it depends...

Very nice..

Congrats on that big ol brownie too.

I just returned a Steez compx a few weeks ago for the same reason.
It's prolly the guides making the noise.. It was on mine.
I'd send it back and let them know what the problem is.
They'll likely replace it no questions asked since it's a manufacturing defect.

This is quite amusing actually. A few undocumented cases of $100.00 Abu Veritas rods breaking and people are like, "They're garbage! Don't waste your money!". On the other hand, you get guys spending $400+ on a glorified Shimano and it's like, "Oh, well, they're doing the right thing.". C'est comic...

Got mine last week. Used it a dozen times now, cleaning and lubing just about every reel I own..
It's a great tool, much safer and easier than the modified pliers I've been using. Didn't have any problem with it making contact with the spool edge, but I always tape it off anyway just to be safe.

DUZBASS wrote:Daiwa L&T Frog rod

Yep.
That's been my favorite frog rod for quite some time now.
Not particularly tip heavy, weighs around 5.45 oz.
Not too bad for a 7'4" telescopic heavy powered rod.

I've got the 7'M 'Teaser' model. Been using and abusing it for a couple of years now, and it'll likely be around for a few more. I've got it paired up with a tuned Sol and it's a pleasure to fish.. There are better balanced rods, lighter ones as well, but I haven't fished any that have that unique f...

For me It would depend on what the combo is for..
It wouldn't hurt to cut corners by spending less on a flipping reel for example, casting performance would be irrelevant, but you wouldn't want a cheap, tip heavy flip stick that would wear you out..

Shimano-Or-Nothing wrote:Are you suppose to oil the bearings when you install them?

I always clean them first, just to be sure there's no debris..
Then put a small drop of oil in each. Spin em a little to distribute the oil and you're good to go.

Welcome back!
Nice bass from shore.. From a small pond?
What did ya get em on?
We Need details!

Smalleyez wrote:It should be a law. Everyone needs one to be legal.

Agreed!
That is the sweetest travel setup I've ever seen.

Thanks guys.

Will get a few pics of the spinning gear up soon too, but it's been hectic the past few days getting easter stuff together for my boys. Gonna be finding eggs throughout the house for the next few months!
Thanks for the comments and happy easter!