I finally got into some big fish on the Tatula Type-R last night. One about 8 stayed deep in the grass and made a couple of big drag stripping runs. I purposely layed into the fish when it barely moved on the hookset to see what the reel was capable of. The drag and stiffness of the reel couldn't ha...

All of these ideas work, but line that has been on a reel for a long time tends to have dents (deformation) and this older uneven line makes more noise running through your guides. It also doesn't cast as far. This doesn't bother a lot of guys, but it does me. Most line lasts longer than people thin...

I read all your post and saw all pics and I am still not quite decided, although I think I still prefer the Zillion Type R. I have to say that your comments and pics were great! For light weight lure applications I already have a Core 51MG, so its not sooo important to me which one cast light lures...

I think Daiwa was just right in the price increase for the amount of upgrades. I don't like either color that much, but the lighter spool and better bearings are worth about $50 to me. The rest of the upgrades can be done on our own. Daiwa got it right even though many people want more. I think the...

The type of line can really effect the bait. I did just fine fishing mono in the past decades before fluoro became popular. Fluoro is good if you really want a bait to stay neutral or sink with a really slow retrieve (winter time). Heavier mono helps keep a shallow bait running up over the grass (su...

I think Daiwa was just right in the price increase for the amount of upgrades. I don't like either color that much, but the lighter spool and better bearings are worth about $50 to me. The rest of the upgrades can be done on our own. Daiwa got it right even though many people want more.

Hi everyone, Was wondering if someone could help on a baitcasting Spinnerbait ONLY rod. My current setup is a SkeetReece Spinnerbait rod, and a Pflugger Baitcaster. The Skeet Reece rod is a noodle when throwing a 1/2 oz spinnerbait; its the new version of the Teressa rods. I purchased the rod onlin...

from what i am led to believe ish monroe uses alot of high end gear. didnt he lose a whole deckload of sexy gear one tourney in rough water? Yep I remember hearing about Ish losing many, many dollars worth of gear to a wave a while back too. And a couple of years ago, I was fishing around in the ma...

I think most of us would be buying arbors if they fit all spools and they had different diameters for each spool size. They do look like the best material. Unfortunately they don't make enough sizes yet. I'm so anal that I have 66 yards marked off on the greenbelt in the back of my house and every t...

Thanks but no theres not..... nothing on spool swapping or dragstar.. ive looked even before posting. Nothing on these two spicific items. Anyone else? You are not looking hard enough. Many people have made reference to the fact that the Tatula spool is not a Zillion or Steez size and that they are...

The Worth ball bearing swivel is all I use for my spinnerbaits, the size #2 is what you want for spinnerbaits from a 1/4oz up to 3/4oz. In my opinion there isn't a better swivel, I put these at the same level as Sampo, and the best part is they are made in the U.S. and if you buy retail you can get...

I have never found an easier-turning swivel than Sampo. (By the way, the black Sampos turn less freely than the stainless-finish Sampos, but still better than the next-best swivel I have tried.) It's easy enough to compare swivels. Connect them, put the belly treble of a plug through the bottom-mos...

I've been using Sampo swivels for the last couple of decades on my homemade spinnerbaits. The few off the shelf spinnerbaits that I have bought over the years don't have ball bearing swivels that last very long, but the swivels don't cost $2.50 a piece either. Are Sampo's still the best and worth th...

There is lots of info on customizing the Tatula in many threads on several forums. Just look for "Tatula" in the title of the thread.

The general rule with casting reels is to use a spool that will accept the required amount of line, and no more. Lighter is always better, the spool starts up faster, is more controllable, and needs less braking. Backing may be needed because you are stuck with a deep spool (stool????!!!), or you n...