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Post by Chuck on Mar 14, 2013 18:30:28 GMT -5
Looks like you are reading the same forums I do Kip. Alan Tani's forum has some great info on just about any popular reel you can buy. I have tried one of these Lever Drag Abu's, and although I really like lever drag reels and Abu's, I passed on this one.
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Post by Chuck on Mar 14, 2013 18:15:22 GMT -5
I tried out the Ande Ghost in 50# test at the end of last season. I have used plenty of Ande in tests from 20 to 100#. I was using the 50# Ghost on my Abu Alphamar 12 mounted on an Okuma Cedros Speed Jig XH rod. I think the swivel was 500# test, with a Team Catfish 7/0 Double Action hook. The live bluegill I was using got me hung up in some rocks. So I locked the drag down on the Alphamar and tried to break the line. Not happening, so I raised the anchors, and puller the boat over until I was above the rocks. I proceeded to pull as hard as I could, slipping the 27# of drag a few time, still nothing. So I wrapped the line around one of the Driftmasters, and fired up the motor. Then I gunned it! Almost pulled the back end of the boat underwater! The line still wouldn't break! And the Team Catfish hook wasn't giving either. So I gave up, and cut the line. I would have thought pulling on the line so much when it was stuck in big boulders, it would have eventually broke. But I was wrong. The Ande Ghost is some really tough line! It casts great too! I can't recommend this line highly enough. The Ande Premium is some great line too. When I'm running braid as my main line, I will be using Ghost as my leader. At this point I see no reason to use any other mono. I bugged Dave a few times after this line came out, trying to get him to stock some. Now I'm glad I did. It's the most abrasion resistant line I've ever seen or used, and will have a place in my tackle box until I can't get it anymore. Thanks Dave for stocking a few more awesome products at Bottom Dwellers! Chuck.
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Post by Chuck on Oct 28, 2012 12:46:22 GMT -5
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Post by Chuck on Oct 1, 2012 20:23:48 GMT -5
who put the stainless eyes on your big cats? A friend did it. Unfortunately he isn't looking for this kind of work. It's harder to do than wrapping a new rod.
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Post by Chuck on Oct 1, 2012 19:05:12 GMT -5
I have 2 of the Classic Cats in 8' Heavy. They are exceptional rods, but they are not my favorite rods. For general catfishing I never leave the house without my original E-Cat #3. I had stainless guides installed on the St. Croix's,the E-Cat, and a Quantum Big Cat. I have a Grant custom, and 2 custom Armbreaker rods. One is a Super Seeker, the other a Phenix Black Diamond Hybrid. Also have a couple Okuma Cedros speed jig rods. For everything except monster flatheads in heavy cover, I will take the E-Cat every time.
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Post by Chuck on Aug 15, 2012 10:44:01 GMT -5
Really nice flathead!
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Post by Chuck on Aug 6, 2012 20:44:07 GMT -5
Dang, wish I would have seen this sooner. Looks like Kip beat me to it.
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Post by Chuck on Jul 28, 2012 0:45:30 GMT -5
I'm kinda still looking for a fishing partner. Thinking redhead 38-24-36 measurements. Looking for a generous happy girl who may also own a liquor store. She must have a nice boat. I can stand if she is a nymphomaniac that don't talk much except to say yes or would you like me to get you this or that. If you see a young lady like that let me know. Robbie pretty much hit the nail on the head...except 38-24-38 is more better for me!
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Post by Chuck on Jul 27, 2012 23:29:05 GMT -5
The Big Cat is a good rod. Caught my personal best flathead on mine. Only issue I had is inserts breaking in the guides. Had stainless guides put on and that fixed the problem. The Okuma is an overlooked and under appreciated reel that should serve you well for catfish duty. I have a few buddies that use them, and they love them. The current crop of mid priced Okuma gear is exceptional value for the money. The cedros rods, and their musky rods are outstanding. Their high end saltwater reels are the best reels made. No, I'm not a salesman, or rep for Okuma, just a very satisfied customer.
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Post by Chuck on May 21, 2012 20:09:58 GMT -5
So sorry to hear this bro! If you need to talk, or anything else, let me know. Hang in there bro.
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Post by Chuck on May 5, 2012 13:39:39 GMT -5
Happy Birthday bro!
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Post by Chuck on Mar 15, 2012 9:33:56 GMT -5
I seem to have that effect on people, LOL! Don't get yourself in trouble over it. The Alphamars are great too. Just use the Alphamars for awhile, and see if you are happy. The Fathoms are the most smooth reel I have ever used. The Alphamars aren't far behind.
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Post by Chuck on Mar 15, 2012 9:19:54 GMT -5
They are about $40 more at Bottom Dwellers. Whether they are worth the extra money or not would be up to each individual. As for me, I hope to buy several more. Doesn't seem to be a lot of difference between the Alphamar and the Fathom, similar designs, but there is enough for my $40.
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Post by Chuck on Mar 15, 2012 8:59:08 GMT -5
Welcome to Catfish Freaks.
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Post by Chuck on Mar 15, 2012 8:52:21 GMT -5
I really like my Alphamar 16. They are great reels. Only reel I like like better is my Penn Fathom 20.
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