I can't take all of this excitement swirling around ICAST 23...
No covid excuse this year and haven't heard any hype for enthusist level gear. Maybe we will be pleasantly surprised.

Gorgeous reel, pictures on the web don't do justice. Needs equally gorgeous knobs. Sita Stag is always a nice option. Nice setup. I'm probably going for ebony. What handle nut did you use to replace the stock plastic? Is this with the stock handle? Yes, that was the stock handle. I used and avail n...

ras wrote: ↑

Wed Jul 05, 2023 10:20 pm

Gorgeous reel, pictures on the web don't do justice. Needs equally gorgeous knobs.

Sita Stag is always a nice option.

This is readily available in one of the shops I frequent in Japan, all sizes, multiple spools in stock at around $8.50 each. PM me if you want a link.

I can't speak specifically to the line, but their entire catalog of goods looks like branded Ali Baba MIC stuff. Some people seem to think that doesn't mean its bad, just a good "value". Looks like they might be the leader in Sequin Swim Tubes as well. https://herculespro.com/collections/fishing-tac...

Maybe there is a good reason, but I don't understand why they don't just sell the JDM models in the US.

It doesn't sound like you are throwing 1-3 gram lures, so I wouldn't be too concerned with line size as a BFS UL purist would. Forget the # rating and go by PE size. PE 1.2 (.185mm) and up should limit problems. If there is not a great reason to have a bunch of line on the spool, stick with 30-40 me...

If you can find one a Ballistick 86M TZ/NANO would be a great option and fall into your price range.

Here is a youtube video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z96wmT4TJqM

There are a variety of similar JDM rods, as they make big use of rods like this for shore saltwater fishing.

Thats awesome TT picked one up to test. It's expensive for sure ($715 plus shipping, about the same cost as us US Steez CT SV) but I don't think it is the money for the high rollers. Too many face value negatives or unknowns (software, 1st gen). One thing is for sure. Everyone in the poll that said ...

Eco-friendly baits certified by JB/NBC Tounament.

Studio Composite 68MH-S if you can find one. Should be around $500 with the favorable exchange rate. Very sturdy, versatile and eye appealing rods MIJ. JDMTH might have one or be able to get from their distributor. These have them listed, but not available. Same thing, might be able to get from thei...

COO's are sometimes defined differently. Megabass are designed in Japan but not made in Japan. (mainly China) There are fair number of Made in Japan grip joint rods, which some consider 2 piece. For actual 2 or 3 piece rods, they are few and far between and generally pricey, but here are a couple yo...

The CTSV might not have been the right choice at all with hard use that you outline. Also, walk softly when ordering from Japan vendors. Ordering-cancelling-refunding are things that ruin it for the rest of us when they decide to limit or stop their sales to the US. Stick with Dick Sporting Goods or...

I used to be poor, then my child support payments ended last year..

It was a long wait, hope it lives up the hype. Never owning the model my first take is that it is a marvelous piece of engineering, but very lopsided heavy on the drive side. The setup, NS Craft 40mm single handle, Yumeya bamboo knob, 6lb Casket Plugin Nylon, M-Aire 5'3 UD Glass Thesetup.jpg Some si...