Thanks Matt!

Jeff,
I just picked up my second Alde. I think you will really enjoy it. I'll be interested to hear how it handles a bull.
Enjoy my Friend! JD

The Themis was the workhorse yesterday paired with a Core 51MG7. A few pics with the biggest Red going 30" and 10lbs.

Aussiebasser, Thank you for the information it is much appreciated!

Can anyone tell me if there is a difference between these two models. I know aesthetically they are different, but I'm interested in blank, guides and performance. Thanks.

Excellent report and pics. Thanks for sharing!

Jeff, The Alde is a very impressive reel for me. I own three other Cores and an 09 Alde and will admit they are my favorite of the Shimano bunch. The new Alde feels like it has moved to the top of the heap now past my beloved Cores! It is a great caster and almost impossible to birdnest even with li...

Thanks Matt, She's found a good home in my stable. I again appreciate all that you did to get the rod to me safely and quickly!

A few more pics:

I recently purchased a Megabass X7 Super Criffhanger from the Hooligan here on the forum. I received it in pristine condition and had been wanting to try it out, but my first two outings with it I was faced with strong winds and it never left the rod locker. Yesterday, I eased my skiff into a vast m...

Matt is a true gentleman. He sold me a Megabass Criffhanger and he is a man of his word. I received the rod today and it is in pristine condition. He did an excellent job of packing the rod and it arrived super fast. Thank you so much Matt! JD

Jeff,

Excellent report and excellent pics! Y'all caught some bruisers.

The Themis does not have a stinger tip, but definitely is faster in action than the Expada. The tip is very soft for about the first 15 inches of the blank and then gets quickly into the backbone. The Expada is much more parabolic in its action, and it definitely feels to me like it has more backbon...

I have no experience with the NRX 802S but here is a thread where I discuss my thoughts on the Themis:

http://forums.tackletour.com/viewtopic. ... is#p479741