I was a Shimano guy for years, until I bought a Presso 1025. I prefer the Daiwa by a wide margin. Casts better than my Cardiff SS2000 JDM, the Daiwa has a smaller profile body, better drag, smoother. I wouldn't expect the new Luvias to be any different in comparison to a Stradic.

I use PVC pipe with a fixed cap and screw off cap. Takes a few minutes and some PVC cement.

I knew about the spool difference. I think it does help with casting. One thing to watch for, especially when windy, is to make sure the line is tight before retrieving. I close the bail manually, but the wind will blow a loop in your line and you'll wind up with a mess on that next cast. Gillchase...

I'd be interested to see what you think of the Iprimi reel when it arrives, was it the 1003 or 2004?

The 5" senko isn't too much but close to the rod's upper range. I walked outside and cast an unweighted 3" TRD on a 2/0 hook about 35 feet. Plastic baits with a larger profile won't cast as well I would think. I haven't owned the CR722 so can't make a good judgment on which one would be a better fit.

Tokugawa wrote:A 5" senkos is about 3/8 oz...Not really finesse.

No it's not, just answering the question posed.

I can cast a 4" Zoom finesse worm with a 1/0 hook (2/10 oz) about 35 feet or so. A 5" GYB senko quite a bit further. 1/8 oz is too light for me to cast.

Nice catch and rig....

Brad,

I'm using the 3 lb Sunline Area Meister. It's a little difficult for me to thread and tie without magnifiers. The clear section doesn't help matters.

JB

Jrob wrote:Very nice!

Thanks, it's great combo.

Most of us that were raised on Zebco's moved to Abu Garcia bait casters in the late 60's. I don't recall what I paid for my first 5000 in 1969, but they weren't cheap. Garcia Conolon rods were nice for their era. Of course the Mitchell's were the big deal in the 60's. I loved them, since they made a...

Jrob wrote:Nice! Which Presso model is that?

Presso 1025 reel and AGS 54 XUL-S rod.

The 1.7 g JH-85 with the pink 1.7" pinworm works well. Casts very nicely. A lot of fun on my Presso outfit.

Nice batch of rods, I'm pretty set on my Loomis CR721. I can't cast ultralight baits with it though, but it works for most of the non-weighted plastics I fish. I have a Majorcraft Volkey BFS UL sitting in the closet now, I used it a few times but it didn't have the action I prefer. It's a great valu...

The high end JDM reels and rods definitely have the edge in the XUL category. The attention to detail and finish of these rods is astonishing. I've owned fly rods costing over $800 that weren't as well finished. I'm hoping the streams clear up after a heavy rainfall last night. I have some of the aj...