All the new STUFF

Guys,

This is my second post. I'm just learning how to use this forum. I have been out of avid bass fishing for about 20 years. My Lord, how things have changed. I just ordered a new boat and my grandson and I are going to tournament fish together this year . I have 1 million questions but I guess I'll start with just a couple so not to get overwhelmed .

I bought the first Shimono Calcutta back in the 90s that I payed around $100 for. It was top of the line back then. Now I see different Shimono reels as much as $600. I need to buy a few reels so what are some great quality reels for the best value? I like Shimono but will consider others if they perform and last as well.

Also, I want to work on techniques I never mastered. Jerk bait, drop shot, shakey head etc. starting with jerk bait, what's a good rod and reel set up?

I will spare y'all all of the technology questions. I have helix and ultera. What's a good source to study them?

You tube and Google. Just do searches. Lots of info on all of your questions. Go get em

I switched Lews from Shimano and never looked back.

want your jerkbair rod shorter so it’s easier to maneuver.. 6’6-6’10. Mh is my preference

Lews is an easy choice. Can’t go wrong.

Lews is a good option and so are the Pro Qualifiers at Bass Pro for cheaper reels that perform pretty well.

Give Slade a shout on your electronics. He offers a trip to set them up and teach you how they work, money well spent.

Welcome, you will have a blast with your grandson fishing tournaments.

This day and age, it's a challenge to find a $100 reel that will last like the reels made in the 1990s

The best deals going on right now are the Dick's Sporting Good's end of year sale and the Cabela's bargain cave.

Bass Pro and Academy Sports don't have great deals right now, but usually do in February with the Bass Pro Spring Classic and the Academy Spring sale. Also go to the Walmart fishing sections end of January to end of March--they usually clear out last season's lure packaging before restocking this year's packaging (I can think of at least one company that was bought out this year, thus should have new packaging this year).

Best reels for at or under $100 in the Cabela's bargain cave right now


You will notice that the fishing industry has mastered the art of marketing specific reels and rods designed for each fishing technique, lure weight, and climate

The Pflueger President is sold out at Cabela's but it's at even a better price at Bass Pro in the 2500 size--good size for jerkbaits, drop shot, and shaky head. I'd go ahead and buy four of these at this price.

Your Calcutta is still a great reel. They were $200 when new back in 1990 about the same as a Chronarch. The new Shimano Curado K's are awesome reels for $179. They recently reworked them and gave them the same internals as last year's more expensive Chronarch.

Youtube is your friend when you need more detail on specific techniques.

I find it much easier to fish light presentations (traditional drop shot, jerkbaits, light shaky head) on a spinning rod/spinning reel (especially if casting into the wind)

If tournament fishing, I'd use 15-20lb Power Pro superslick braid mainline to a 6ft leader of 8lb fluoro of your choice for these techniques.

Rod choice is very subjective, but jerkbaits, I'd go 6'6" to 6'10 medium power moderate action. I'd use the same rod for small topwaters

Drop shot and light shaky head, I'd go 7' to 7'2" medium power fast action. Some might prefer XF action on shaky head.

I've looked and can't find a great deal on a fishing rod right now.
+1 on watching youtube videos and searching here to learn techniques.

6'-8", medium heavy.

Lots of help here on rods and reels. On your question about graphs go down to the boats and equipment section and click on general equipment section. At the top of that forum there is a thread for Humminbirds and a thread for Lowrance. They have some gurus on there that are a lot of help and show a lot of screenshots.

+100 on youtube. It's amazing what you can learn. I repaired my AC unit with youtube, learned how to change oil and filters on my Yamaha SHO and install a new actuator on my trailer and bleed the brakes. Great resource of information.

As far as your electronics, the ulterra is fairly simple. Is is ilink and connected to your fish finder? If so it has a few other features that you can use but otherwise it is primarily spotlock and jog feature that you'll use. The manual gives enough info to go out and practice with it to learn. The Helix, you can get that info and settings on youtube but if you really want to learn it quickly you are best to look for an electronics guide. they typically will set it all up to the best settings, explain how it operates and take you around for a bit in your boat to show you. We have several around here in Central and East Tx. Not sure of any out your way.