gretsch

That's a cracker, Jenno!

Troy, You speak the truth regarding those particular models however, the guides used are the old frame design (MN) no thte new KT design. There is only one model with the good guides and that is the Terez. Also, the blanks are heavy and some of the actions questionable. Don't get me wrong, I love Shimano gear and own lots of it but, they need to sort out their rods. HookedOn, Try 30lb and you will land a few Kings but, that trophy, she'll be goooone...... please take a photo of your face when the 30lb pops on a good fish!

Hi mate. That Twinpower SW8000 is a cracking reel and can be fished pretty hard. Line-wise, and there will be guys who reckon this is too heavy, I would load it with 50lb because, if you hook that metre plus king, you'll need all of that to get him in especially of you are near structure which, 90% of the time, you will be. I would use a 60-80lb leader depending on territory. Rod-wise, the T Curves are using ordinary components (Pac Bay) these days and the blanks are really chunky. Just when the factory rolled rod world are slimming down and getting great performance out of slender blanks with good (Fuji SIC) components, Shimano have gone in a different direction. This is a huge disappointment. I would look at the Daiwa range and in particular, the Saltiga Coastal or S-Extreme. Alternatively, there are some great rods from Nitro Innovator. For me, the perfect King rod is 6'6" to 7 feet long, has K series Titanium guides and a short butt set up (preferably not a split type arrangement but this is hard to avoid these days)to enable you to get it out of the rod holder quickly and easily. I use 6000, 8000, 10000 and 20000 reels on Harbour and Inshore Kings with regular success. Fish that drag hard. Screw it all the way up!!

You got ripped bro. I lost a SW6000 Stella over board and got it back (long story) and the full strip down, new main bearings plus a service was only $150.

They use crappy blanks. Shimano do the same. I have snapped several Rack Raiders.

That's a lovely piece of history Ray!!

Thanks all... feeling my age!!

Lots of small arrows in the bays either side of the Rip. They used to chase our plastics when we were flattie fishing.

Tasted good bud!! Thanks for the fillets. Still bitter that I had 3 kids parties on and didn't get a bait....

Thanks mate.. I have some of that paper however, I like white labels. I think there is a Brother machine which will print white. I am using the new peel n stick form Decal Connection. They are pretty good. Cheers

Hey Nick, How are yo udoing your labels? I am getting mine form Decal Connection but would love the flexibility of doing them myself. Another good looking stick!!

Nice one Ray!!!

Kell, Get some Permagloss. You wipe it on with a make up removal pad or similar silicone/lint free cloth or pad. Works a treat!!

Nice work man!!

I reckon that $550 quote is pretty reasonable. You can buy the carpet and do that part yourself. I reckon the aluminium is better than ply for longevity and lightness!! You could easily get a live bait tank in there too.

Nice work Nick. What blank is that?

I have a St Croix Blackfish rod and it is awesome. it is 10'6" and rated at 3-6kg. It handles the odd Surgeon too which is testimony in itself!!

Back to the original question, there is a massive difference. Bearings, rotor, floating shaft, body materials, drag system etc etc... I have both BTW. You are trying to compare a Barina with a GTS. The C14 material is good for light stuff but can twist under a heavy load. The Stradic, whilst a popular and good reel for the money, is no where near a Stella in terms of engineering and materials. In saying all of the above, I reckon you'll land the same fish equally well on each reel. The differnce is in the feel to the Angler and the longevity. I find that the Stradics don't retain their smoothness as well as a Stella. Is the Stella worth the extra money? Absolutely in my opinion.

Hey Rickster, amazing photos of those flatties...

Beauty mate.. nic eto get a good fish on a rod you made yourself!!!

Thats the biggest flattie I recon I've seen.... top effort!!

Great work Jenno.. I haven't used a live poddy for 15 years. Still got the old trap though!!

nice one gents

I reckon your best bet is off the shore in Sydney Harbour with fresh squid.

If you are talking about the ceramic ring popping out of the frame, you can't fix that by gluing the ring back into the frame. You will need to put a whole new tip on. Really easy to do yourself or, take it to a tackle shop where they will be able to help. Although, I must say, some of the repairs I have seen done by tackle shops leave a lot to be desired. Make sure the tip is the right size and material to match th erest of the rod.