Went and got that Daiwa spinning reel. Was about to order the Dobyns Kaden until I noticed where the hook keeper is. That is atrocious. Why would they put it down on the bottom of the rod. I fish out of a center console with rocket launcher rod holders, that’s a deal breaker.. lol. Back to Falcon rods it is!

I thought the same thing when GLoomis did it to the NRX+. Actually like it better there but if I still had my bay boat I would have to agree with you.

Yeah exactly. I have an old throw-around Lews rod with the hook keeper down on the bottom. Bay boat or not, I don't understand it.

Vanford 2500 is a really nice reel, too.

Ended up ordering the Expert Finesse Jig. Being I haven’t truly used a spinning setup since I was a young kid maybe I’ll figure out that handle on the Falcons once I get it out there and use it. Worst case scenario, y’all will see it up for sale on here for a good deal with the coming month.

I have that spinning rod it’s great for fish up to around 8lbs, you get one upwards of that it will take some open water to handle her. Had one probably close to 10+ with my custom lite and I could t even turn her and was putting the pressure to keep her away from a tree and she pulled off. Caught a 7 11 and 7 8 during mega bass using my expert, guess I didn’t learn my lesson glad I didn’t have to find out. You will like that rod easy to skip with too. But everyone has their own preference.

I can only hope that I end up having the same problem as you

Got it all put together. Spooled with 20# Sufix 832 and Invizix leader

I have a problem that I’m sure is user error/due to inexperience. If I cast it somewhat short, when I reel in, I’d say 80% of the time the line will wrap itself around the outside of the spool (see second photo). It’ll wrap around 4-5 times before I catch it. If I make a long cast, it’s a non issue.

What’s causing this and how do I fix it? Do I maybe over-spool by chance?

After casting, close the bail with your hand and lift the rod to take up the slack before cranking.

Ditto and maybe a bit less line on the spool.

Thank y’all, that in combination with cutting off about 20-30yds of line (unintentionally ) seems to have cleared it up. I had a jolly ol time trying to spool that thing up earlier. Probably wasted half the spool of 832 in this whole process but I think it’s in a good spot now.

When I say unintentionally cut off line; I didn’t think it was possible to backlash a spinning reel but somehow I did. Went to make a long cast out in the street and I don’t know what happen, but all chit hit the fan. I had line going in all different directions which eventually ended up in a nice knot. Cut that mess out and it looks like it actually did me some good. No more problems since.

That Kage reel is going to spoil you. They are sweet rigs.

I’ve only casted this rig in my pool/street so far but I’ll agree, it’s nice! It pairs up really well with that Expert. Lightweight setup overall and balances nicely. I’ll be on Houston County Thursday-Sunday. If the senko bite is good then I’ll get some good use out of it this week

You may also have to shim the spool. Sometimes they are very slightly off. I know some of my spinning reels came with a shim pack and instructions.

Oh!

Awesome setup ya got there. It will have you slinging senkos like a pro in no time.