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Posts: 8835
| Well, another season is just about on the books... Here's a report on how various pieces of equipment held up for me this year:
Abu Garcia Record, RCN61 HC. This was Record #3. The first two fell victim to... Well, let's just say they didn't fare well and leave it at that. I got smart this year, and started carrying an extra handle. Of course, this year I didn't bend the one I had. Anti reverse seemed to hold up better than the last two.
Penn 975: This was season #4 on my 975. The spool release has started sticking, despite dubious efforts to keep it clean and oiled. If you use the handle in the "extended" position, you have to be careful where the handle is when you cast, or the reel will engage. This has been an issue with the reel since day one. That said, it is starting to grind. Main drive gear/pinion gear I suppose. 4 seasons throwing double tens? Can't complain. I am hard on my gear. Having intermittent issues with the pawl/worm gear. Easy fix, and cheap. Perhaps I should have been more diligent about keeping them clean and oiled.
Abu Revo Toro 60: Intermittent issues with the thumb bar sticking. I like the reel. It's... It's what I'd call finicky. A teardown/cleaning/lubrication is in order before I make any judgments.
6500C4: Finally had to replace the main drive gear/pinion gear this year. Could have gotten another season out of it if not for the fact that I used it for a LOT of applications that it wasn't designed for early on. I'll keep this one going, but I'd probably not buy another.
RODS:
St Croix Premier PM69HF: Still going strong. Used primarily for jerkbaits. The more I use 8' rods, the less comfortable I am with this rod, but for certain applications a shorter rod still works best for me. 5 seasons of use. Only complaint is that the cork is starting to get pretty.. Well, its cork, it falls apart after a while.
Okuma EVX 8'6"XH. Bought it for double 10's, used it for just about everything. Popped a guide on the first one on a 38" boatside fish. Fixed it with braid and nail polish (thanks to my girlfriend!) and managed to get a week out of it before I had a chance to exchange it. I still worry about the telescoping feature, but so far so good.
Fig Rig Tooth Tamer 7'6" MH Muskies Inc edition - still my favorite rod for smaller spinnerbaits/bucktails. Say what you want about them, but my only complaint is the skinny cork on the front grip.
Fig Rig Tooth Tamer 8'H: Used it for big rubber, crankbaits, and as a topwater rod. The tip isn't as forgiving as I would prefer for some applications, but after 4 seasons and multiple fish it's still going strong.
Gander Tech20 Insulated Rain wear: Season 3. It's awfully warm, but there's nothing waterproof about it. In fact, it soaks up water like a sponge. I never got cold, but I sure got wet. Finally washed it and sprayed it liberally with camp-dry. Hasn't rained since, LOL. Would not recommend as rain gear. If you want to stay warm in dry weather? A+....
Gander Tech20 uninsulated rainwear: Fared slightly better, but water still gets in in several places, like the elbows and the back side. Washed this set and sprayed it too.
Overall, this was the year that a lot of stuff just plain wore out. My tackle bag, a couple reels, my rain gear, my boots, and a bunch of lures that are good for maybe one more fish. What about you? What lived up to your expectations? What did you break due to no fault of its own?
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Posts: 32934
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Akenas held up nicely. No issues, a nice reel for the buck. No rod problems. No lure problems. No gear problems.
Stuff worked for me.
Only thing that was broken in 2010 was my schedule. Won't happen next year. |
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| One conclusion I have come to is that I won't buy another abu. They work fine for a while and are reasonably priced but the anti-reverse goes out quickly and they tend to seize up on me. I am tired of fixing them.
On the flip side, I have yet to wreck a shimano cardiff (own 4). These reels are a steal. In a sport where evn top end reels take a beating, it is nice to find a reliable one that you can afford to replace if it fries. Mind u I do not burn double 10's with them.
My newest reel, the avet sx, is holding up nicely and reels in double 10's with ease and is pretty fast too. This reel is made to last. I had to move to 100 l braid though as the line tends to dig in and get cut due to the lack of levelwind. 100lb solved the problem.
I still give the Pete Maina Basspro 8'6"ers a 10 out of 10 after 2 seasons. They are a close second to my slingblade and fish mag dawgs perfectly. Paid 70 bucks each for 2 of them - amazing value.
Eagle 642c - bought for about 300 bucks - dying already due to water issues BUT they are looking after me and sending me a Lowrance Elite5 with no questions asked. I am impressed so far with their customer support/service.
And, another minn kota powerdrive pedal is going down. Oh well - I like the motor a lot and have just acepted that the pedals are disposable and I will just have to pay a 100 bucks every 2 years for a new one.
Landry |
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Posts: 571
Location: Williamstown, WV | Bought the new side imaging this year by Hummingbird. Absolutely love it. Best investment I've made for a while as I do a lot fo catfishing on the Ohio River.
Also bought a Shimano Curado 300. Great reel but I hate how the line guide does not move when casting. I've yet to figure out while a company would make a reel like this. For this reason alone I won't own another one.
Finally gave topwater an honest shake and really liked the topraider. Caught some fish on this lure and just overall liked it.
Discovered that fish also like to eat Jones Baits. The only problem is I don't like the hooks (I always change them out), but man the baits are phenomenal and fish love them.
I have learned a ton this year from some new friends and about a dozen websites that I frequent, but I've figured that time on the water is the best learning tool. We have spent a record amount of time on the water for muskie and catfish and have done really well. Oh how I hate winter. 
Shawn |
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Posts: 3508
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | I think Minn Kota must be doing something new with their powerdrive pedals. After 5 years, I needed a new one. The new one lasted all of a month before it would not turn left or right. Replaced it and so far so good.
I tried Cortland Masterbraid this year and found it frayed quickly. Part of that could be due to my rods and casting bigger baits, but the funny thing is, the fraying was not as much toward the leader, but about 5 - 6 feet up the line. I expect some fraying with weagles, etc, just thought this was a bit excessive.
Build a couple of rods for this year on A competitor series of blanks from Thorne Bros. Very nice rods to use. A tish of flexibility in the tip, light, and plenty of backbone.
My abu's have held up another year again. Replaced a couple of side plates after about 5 years of use, and a couple of main drives and cogs and they are all set to go for a while yet. I don't seem to have the same problems that many do with the 6500 series of reels. Granted, they are not built to withstand throwing the big blades and engaging at the end of the cast with that kind of weight... engaging when they hit the water and a normal retrieve seem to do just fine.
Goin back to T.U.F. Line XP...
Steve |
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| Okuma 8'6 XH- I really like the rod when paired with a lighter reel. I can fish every lure I have with this rod. The only problem I have had is that the glue/epoxy that holds the guides onto the blank is chipping/peeling off... also the insert on the guides has some sort of coating and it appears to be coming off. It resembles chipped paint, anyone else have this happen? I hope it's not fraying my line.
Revo toros- Initially, the two revos I bought both made some noise out of the box. I cleaned the factory grease out and started using them and the noise went away. So far so good on the reels. The winch is awesome for big blades and I am using it now with the colder temps to keep my retrieve slow.
Tufline xp- Switched over from powerpro after some issues with breaking. The line is very strong and I have had no issues. The one thing I don't like is that it picks up tons of water, especially the first time you use after a long break. Not good when its cold like this. I will definitely be trying something new when this line runs out of life.
Leaders- will never use a cheap leader ever again in my life.
Curly sues- only had one curly sue, it was on fish number 5 and on what would have been the 6th fish (it was a big one) my leader snap broke, leaving the curly sue in the fishes mouth That said, I will definitely be picking up some more at the shows this winter. |
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Posts: 443
Location: Indiana | I didn't fish nearly as much this year so I did not try as much new gear.
The one standout was the shadillac. It has great action and moved lots of fish, it also got eaten well. |
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Posts: 463
Location: Sw Pennsylvania | I bought a 300E curado this season mainly for wood jerkbaits and smaller rubber baits and cranks. I've personally never been a fan of the low profile reels for any species of fish but really enjoy fishing this reel. The freespool engages firmly much like the calcutta even after a season of ripping jerkbaits and rubber. The reel casts like a dream and i've had only 2 minor backlashes the whole season. I have it spooled with 65lb powerpro. The line pickup is great for jerkbaits and twitching and ripping crankbaits. Very pleased with another great product from shimano.. |
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Posts: 532
| year #3 for my curados D. I had to replace the thumb bar and what they call bearing (the plastic wear peice the thumb bar slides on) on two of my reels, it cost me 7$. They are still running great.
My new Tooth Tamer 7'6" jaw breaker jr had a lot of time on it, my personal favorite rod. Flawless as are the other three toothtamers.
Abu ext after two seasons, she is not fairing to well, had to replace several part. And new issues still make there way to the surface. I think i can get another season out of her, i hope
Eagle 642 graphs/gps one went down midsummer got a new elite 5, very happy with. Other 642 is slowly dieing will be sending that in as well. I hope to get the same great service as i did on the first one.
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Posts: 196
| This was my first year and I tried out several products to find what I liked. I have to say for the money the gander mountain guide series muskie rods are tough! That thing held up great, my buddy caught a 51 inch muskie on it with no issues.
I have to say that the St Croix is the best rod I have ever owned, love it. It is a thorne bros custom mega swim bait rod ( 8 6" ). It was used when I got it and I fished it from June on. I love the soft tip and yet the rod still has a ton of backbone. It is great for chatterbaits, bucktails, cranks, etc. I want to find a good used slingblade before next season to fill in the gap between that and the pounder rod.
Shimano calcutta 400B...it has been awesome. I fished it all summer and caught a 44 on it...after all of that it is still as smooth as the day I got it.
Stealth Tackle leaders...have to be the best leaders that I have ever seen. They are hand tied, crimped and glued for security and have great components including staylok snaps. John is a super nice guy and delivers an excellent product.
If anyone has a slingblade full cork to get rid of, let me know. Thanks |
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Posts: 258
Location: Mayville, WI | Reels: Daiwa Millionaire 300CV-X (2) Both still going strong, no issues (other than having to clean the AR bearings, same w/ any daiwas). 4th year on one reel & 3rd on the other. Penn 975 - first year with the reel, picked it up slightly used (under a month) and other than clean & oiling I've had no issues. Great reel for pulling in tens, but not burning them. From what I can see, this one will last quite a while. Only complaint is it's a bit big. Abu 6600 ssc3 - haven't used this one as much as in past years but still hanging in there.
Baits: Only added one new bait to the arsenal - tyrant shallow czars. And, though I haven't had a fish on them yet I know I will get one soon. Great action both casting & trolling and I've pounded them off some rock piles with and they're still going strong. I will be adding a few more sizes &/or colors to the tackle pile.
Trolling motor: new 70lb MK PD. Had one pedal that stopped turning left, but got it fixed under warranty. No other issues & great on batteries. |
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Posts: 203
Location: Minnesota | This year marks the best year ever in my 4 years of fishing exclusively for Muskies... on every outing, my partner and I have succeeded in raising, getting follows, missed strikes, lost fish, and fish in the net with the biggest being a 46' FATTY while sucker-bobbing fishing... Last three years would find long period for me not seeing anything from time to time...
Fireline Superbraid 80#- Loved this line until last August on a guided trip with Luke Ronnestrand, the line snapped in midcast TWICE... losing two DB10's... Never again, went back to Cortland Bronzeback 80#...
Pro Edge Rod- Rod snapped in half midcast while casting a Magnum Pro Dawg... No warning or anything... just SNAPPED... 3 years of use... Not as much as most of you guys... I got out maybe 20-30 times in those three years... Based on recommendations, I splurged on two Tackle Industries Telescoping rods with split grips... Mega-Heavy XXH 9'0... and I LOVE THOSE!!! Whole lot easier throwing out Mag Dawgs and Pounders with medium fast tip...
Shadillac... Used it often when I went out this year... Nothing to report on it yet... Might be different during fall but mostly find myself using Mag Dawgs, Pounders, and Gliders/Jerkbaits at this time...
Also lost a White Tailed Walleye Pro Dawg along with 6" of 175# fluorocarbon leader... Three headshake and it was gone... Apparently the leader got raked across the gill plate and got sheared in half... I still pray to this day that the fish is allright...
A majority of the fish seen/raised/follow/missed strike/lost/netted came on Walleye-Pattern with white tail bait... That pattern seemed to be my go-to color for this year...
My Abu Garcia 6600C3 and 6600SSC3 got most of the work this year and shows no signs of wearing down after 4 years of uses... both are two in a million that happen to be the best of the crop... I did acquire a Saltist 30TH (non-levelwind) and still need to get some used to it but otherwise I love it... ease of burning DB10s and 13s... Really works wonder for Spinnerbaits... Burning spinnerbaits really resonate the vibration down to your rod handle!!!
Also been grinning and bearing with a bad shoulder... It started hurting after I really stretched out in the truck on way home after a 10 hours fishing day on the MN Muskie Season opener... Just waiting til the season closes then I'll make an appointment with the doctor on December 2nd and see what can be done about my shoulder... |
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Posts: 322
| First off I bought new rain gear this year and got wet everytime "TECH H20 gandermountain brand rain gear. This raingear will stop the wind but not the rain. I hope others that have bought this rain gear have had better luck with it than I have. Second I purchased a St Croix Premier 8ft had an eyelet pop out 3 down from the tip. St croix made it right with me. My motorguide pro 72 cable is starting to slip in the foot pedal. I talked to a motorguide dealer they said this was a common problem with the particular model I purchased "lucky me". My Mercury 150 is still running strong as ever.
Season isn't over here yet. If your gear isn't wearing out your not fishing...!!!
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| gear report form 2010
Revo toro - smooth and reliable
St Croix Sling Blade 8.5ft - best rod ever
Cabellas Gore Tex Guide Wear - after 7 seasons still waterproof and durable
Best lures - DCG 10, Weagles and Suicks
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Posts: 619
| Diawa Salitist - busted 2 salitist 30's - release lever busted and gears went
- busted 2 saltist 20's - same issues
Lures - rad dogs spinnerbaits and suicks were the best
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Posts: 322
| My pro sport dual bank 20 onboard charger just bit the dust.....
Also had some problems this year with the lips cracking in half with the swimmin joes.....
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Posts: 272
| I made the mistake of buying a reduce priced Eagle 642igps fishfinder combo. Big mistake. The thing obtains water very easily.....there's currently water behind the screen. Kinda like trying to read your map/sonar through a clear lava lamp. And a couple big brown "burn" marks on the screen, evidently from water being where it shouldn't be. Will be sending it in shortly. Evidently, this has been a problem child for Navco and they're sending the Elite 5 as a replacement for the floundering Eagle unit......which was being discontinued, I believe, when I purchased it.
Like my new Lamiglas and Fenwick Elite Tech. Although, somewhere on one of my rods I've got a fray happening. Can't remember which one or which reel wound up on it. Have to spend some garage time diagnosing that this winter.
My trusty 5000 Abu, circa 1988 is still the pride of the fleet. Have started moving away from Abu and toward Diawa and Quantum stuff.
80 Terrova is still a champ. "Timmy," as I affectionately call him, gets a little squirrly like all AutoPilots do, I understand. My deep cycle batts might need a load test done this winter. But I sure like AP, man what a difference.
Electronic surge break override has been problematic this year on the trailer. Had a short in it earlier, which made backing the boat up the slope in the curb and up the driveway approach impossible without someone back there manually unlocking the breaks. Got that fixed and it started doing it again in the big storm of late October. More 12v wiring troubleshooting....my favorite.
Started throwing the hardhead from H20......neat bait. Fish seem to absolutely come unglued on the thing. Very few if any follows. Must be a true reaction bait, cuz you either have a bone jarring strike, or you're making another cast. No bumps or lazy follows. Eaten, or not eaten. The guy makes nice stuff!
Have perhaps a season or two left on my boat carpet and then I'm going to have a decision to make. Guess that's what happens with a well taken care of, but heavily used, carpeted boat.
-Eric |
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Posts: 994
Location: Minnesota: where it's tough to be a sportsfan! | interesting thread guys. The hard thing is to tell how different people use/treat their equipment. I had a client in the boat that condemed the reels he had bought . four identical at the begining of the season and now was on his last two all were going back. As I watched he would chuck out a D 10 CG and actually stop it just before it hit the water by cranking. Good presentation as the bait was motating as soon as it was wet, but tough on gears. Not to mention when he was a fraction early on the crank. So really his reels were not the issue in my mind as much as the way he used them. But interesting to hear what everyone has to say about different gear. Great topic idea! |
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Posts: 1224
Location: Okoboji | I got two revo toro 60's and a toro winch 60. safe to say i love my revos coming from shimano cardiffs and garcia c3/c4's.. they cast a mile and retrieve like a dream.
The loomis rods are what they are nothing special just 7'9" heavy bucktails and the 6'3" jerkbait rods which i love.
Power pro 85 is all i use and ever have used....cant say anything bad about except for the incredible hulk green thumb and it looses its color after a couple good days casting.
suicks have been the lure for me this year,,,nothing going on blades.
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| Summary of gear
St Croix Sling Blade 8.6 - Fantastic rod, used for everything but jerks.
Revo Toro - smoothest reel ever owned,. Use for everything but DCG
I-Pilot - hand held remote didn't hold well but functionality is outstanding and allowed me to focus on fishing instead manuevering the boat
Most successful lure over the course of the year- weagle and suicks
Rain Gear - Cabela's goretex - have used for 9 seasons and still is outstanding - very heavy duty and still keeps all water off. |
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Posts: 1184
Location: Iowa Great Lakes | Well today I pulled the gear from the boat so it's over. Can't say enough good about the Tackle Industries rods, over a year of use and going strong, less lost fish this year over normal years and I'm crediting that to the rods. Toro 60's still going strong. New to me boat and loving glass at the moment. Weagles finaly put a few fish in the net for me and got me a tourney check, rubber was good this year as well as my old stand by Wades Wobblers. Good old Cabelas Guide Ware still going strong for me to after a few years of hard use. HDS 5, simply amazing unit, finding lots of new stuff with it we missed with our old units. Got to use my buddys Terrova quite a bit and WOW thats the cats meow for a trolling motor, we used it hard and not 1 problem. Stealth flouro leaders still going after 2 years and multiple fish well worth the investment. Invisibraid still going strong after 2 years not an issue there either, hope I can find more next year. |
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Location: Latitude 41.3016 Longitude 88.6160 | jakejusa - 11/17/2010 1:37 PM
interesting thread guys. The hard thing is to tell how different people use/treat their equipment. I had a client in the boat that condemed the reels he had bought . four identical at the begining of the season and now was on his last two all were going back. As I watched he would chuck out a D 10 CG and actually stop it just before it hit the water by cranking. Good presentation as the bait was motating as soon as it was wet, but tough on gears. Not to mention when he was a fraction early on the crank. So really his reels were not the issue in my mind as much as the way he used them. But interesting to hear what everyone has to say about different gear. Great topic idea!
I have guys do that with Mag Dawgs and Pounders, reels lasted them boys about 1 week. USE your Thumb !!!!! |
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Posts: 422
| No doubt. It doesn't matter what you buy, if you don't use it properly it won't last... I was taught that lesson at a young age and take care of all my things so they last, and I am trying to pass that on to my kids. |
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