Heads Up

[edwin]

You can still get good discounts on Daiwa's excellent reels however. I might try and grab a half dozen or so.

I recently picked up a couple Daiwa Fuego's that were on sale at Tackle Warehouse. I've been a long time Chronarch user, here's my thoughts on how they compare. The Daiwa seems more 'mechanical' and definitely not as smooth or polished feeling. Also, the reel is kinda clunky on the first turn of the handle after a cast. The Daiwa drag system seems very smooth and plenty strong for any of my needs. I do like the smaller size of the Fuego reel...fits in your hand nicely when tossing a jerkbait. It appears to be a well built reel, good fit and finish. All things considered, it's a nice reel esp for the price (was $130 on sale, free shipping).

[Champ188]

Not sure why anyone would want to trade in a Shimano anyway myself. I have green Curados going back 15 years that still work like they did the day I bought them, and I fish close to 100 days a year.

[Bill Babler]

James,I too have some of that vintage. It seems the casting reels keep going and the repair program and parts keep coming. On Shimano Spinning reels, it is a different matter. 5 yrs. after a model production stops, they quit repairing and manufactoring parts. I used to trade in the reels,just prior to that time.

I am going to try some Daiawa's however, just to see what I think. I will try and stay around the $150.00 mark, but you know me, I'll probably not stick to it.

[Bill P]

Took an old Sahara 1000,which I'll never use again,and traded it for $30 on a new Ardent baitcaster. My older Ardent,used more than any of my baitcasters or spinning reels,was sent in for free upgrading today. That reel,on an Falcon 5'-10" Eakin's jig rod,with a 3/8 oz. football jig will always be in any boat I'm in.......I hope.

[Sam]

I just got back from BPS, on the first day of the sale. Going by some of what I've read here, I got a new bass rig and I think I'm gonna like it. Bear in mind, I'm retired and can't afford real expensive equipment.

I got a BPS Extreme Combo - left-hand 6.4:1 reel and a 6'6" medium-heavy rod with a fast tip. During the Fishing Classic it's cheaper to buy these separate, so that's what I did. As a combo, the regular price is $159.95 and it's on sale at $20 off for $139.95.

But the reel is on sale now for $59.94 and the rod for $69.94, so I got the combo for about $130.

That left-hand reel feels GOOD to me. I guess I'm so used to spinning tackle that a right-hand baitcaster feels backwards - and I think this is going to work fine for me. I brought it home and strung it up with 12-lb. Maxima mono for now. Went out in the yard and tried a few casts, and there's gonna be a learning curve while I get it adjusted and get used to it. I've gotta say the fifth backlash wasn't near as horrible as the first two, it was hardly cuss-worthy at all. I'll learn.

Bass Pro wasn't crowded bad at all today, but I bet it will be tomorrow and I'm going back for some soft baits and things. I saw some guys trading in reels, but I decided not to do that. My old round reels are Daiwa Millionaire II's and a couple of Ambassadeurs from about 20 years ago, and they're kind of classics now and they still work good. I wouldn't let one go for $10.

I also stocked up on Roostertails for white bass for the year. BPS quit calling their knock-off Roostertails "Uncle Buck" - they're called "Tournament Series Micro-Spins" now, but they're the same with a wider spinner blade and a bigger hook than Roostertails. I like them better, and the BPS knock-offs are on sale for 94 cents now.

[techo]

Sam,

Four years or so ago they sold that combo for $99.00. I purchased two of them and put 12 pound Maxima on them. They are still on my boat deck everytime I go out. They are a bit heavier than my other set ups, but great for me. I also fish left handed.

I might go fight the crowds tomorrow evening too.

[powerdive]

BP has tried to screw Shimano on this program for years, with "Bait and Switch" I think they finely just got tired of all the hassel. Look how much the rebait prices have changed over the years. I could at one time trade in a Stadic, and get a Sustain, for about a $100.00 bucks. Not now, you have to buy a 500 dollar reel. I know BP pulled some crap on this program one time and Shimano told them if they didn't get their stuff in order they would remove their reels from the Store. Tim Sainato and I were in on it. Shimano, is powerful enough to do it. Shimano is a world wide company with gross sales higher than BP.

[edited] Never mind, it's pointless.

[Sam]

They are a bit heavier than my other set ups, but great for me.

HEAVIER? Now, that's why I've got to upgrade.

That's probably the only modern bass rig that I've ever HELD - and I was amazed how featherweight it is compared to what I'm used to. I've got to catch up with the new technology.

If my bass-fishing equipment was any more primitive than what I've been using, I'd be wading the creeks and using a tree limb for a club.

[emjay]

I'm sure all KVD products will be cleaned out

But really, I doubt anyone is going to be buying a $500 reel like a Steez

[WeekendWarrior]

Not sure why anyone would want to trade in a Shimano anyway myself. I have green Curados going back 15 years that still work like they did the day I bought them, and I fish close to 100 days a year.

Champ,

You are correct on the old Curados. Best reel ever made for the money IMO. I think that is why Shimano changed design and bumped up price $100+. I have 10 of the old Curados that I bought way back when Grandpa Pigeons went out of business. Payed $75 a piece for them and they are still going strong. Just bought another one from "PaolaCat" on this board. You will pay $250-300 for a reel these days with their quality.