ha. I like it a lot.


Any reel with a retrieve speed around 5.3:1 or slightly higher.
Any rod with a medium fast tip and action. I like graphite in 6.5 or 7 foot.

You can also use this set up for MANY other lures in various colors.

I first had am Abu Orra Winch in 5.4.1, liked it but it's more suited for deep cranking for my taste. Just recently purchased a Quantum Smoke HD 200PT in 6.6.1. Not only is it smooth and incredibly quiet but it also has a deep spool and it might be my favorite reel out of all I own.

Doesn't matter really. Just find a reel you like that's comfortable. Always going to be different views. IMO a faster reel is better because it's easier to slow down than to speed up for me. Don't over think it or you will just exhaust yourself. I would look into a reel that throws lighter lures well if your talking squarebills. I use a Lew's Pro G and it's good. The Shimanos have always been good also.

My choice as well.

Tatula 6.3 for me deep divers get the 5.3

Daiwa Tatula SV TW in 7.1:1 or 6.3:1 Gear Ratio

I use a Lews BB1 (6:4-1) on a Lews Custom Speed Stick (Squarebill) rod. Just recently got the rod and could not be more pleased with it.

OK, I admit that I don't throw square bills a lot, but the times I have and have been successful with them and encouraged to throw them more, I was throwing at targets like specific groups of rock, laydowns, submerged visible wood or weed formations. For these, I consider a lot of the retrieve just a matter of getting the bait back to the boat as quickly as necessary. Personally, I am going to get an 8.2 or 8.3 ratio left handed reel for this purpose. Left handed because you can start the back swing of the cast while the lure is still touching the water (much faster), and that I am getting weary of winding the reel a gazillion times to cover the dead water.

That "dead water" is sometimes where I get my bite. A fish may follow it out of the cover and slam it right at the boat.

FINE. I'll cover more dead water that way too.

Lews Tournament MB or BB1 in a 6:something gear ratio with 14-15 lb fluoro. I don't care too much for the sub $100 Lews. Drags are weak and they seem to be hard to dial in at least for me.