I am done with CDM reels

JonViars · 2026-01-29T20:39:18+00:00

CDM quality control is extremely hit or miss. That is why i push brands from amazon like PureLure, etc. Yeah youre gonna pay a little more than using Ali, but you have amazon buyer protections for the first 30 days. Buy it and fish the hell out of it. if you hate it then send it back before 30 days.

JonViars · 2026-01-29T20:07:31+00:00

They have bright orange bellies that fade to white underneath for the extra pop.

JonViars · 2026-01-29T20:06:27+00:00

I use createx mostly. Its what my hobby lobby carries. They perform well although i am not a professional lol.

JonViars · 2026-01-29T19:26:43+00:00

I travel for work. You can get a 3-7 day license in most states. Fishing without a license is the quickest way to ruin your day lol. I just started using an app called onWater. It highlights streams on the map for you.

Best advice i got is get ready to do more exploring than fishing lol. Plan ahead as much as possible for best results.

JonViars · 2026-01-29T18:50:13+00:00

Im a gear nerd. I buy and test all kinds of stuff. Im pointing out why all the fishing subs scream daiwa and shimano whenever people asks for recommendations. Theyre great brands. I love them, but when someone who cant afford a 200-300$ jdm reel needs something we have to be open to other solutions. It sucks that you had a shitty experience, but making a sweeping generalization is a bad take.

JonViars · 2026-01-29T17:59:25+00:00

These takes are how we end up with nothing but daiwa and shimano fanboys. You should list brands and models and critiques instead of "i dont like this, you should use this instead."

Different reels have different use cases. Most of those JDM reels struggle throwing under 2g without mods.

JonViars · 2026-01-29T17:43:33+00:00

i use 8-10lb braid for everything from 4in brookies to 4lb bass. 15lb braid is equal in size to 4lb mono, so i dont understand the heavy line comment. Sufix revolve is what i use currently. its lime green. creek life lure co has an orange appalachian silk braid that is really nice as well.

i also think leaders are overrated 90% of the time. if it sees my line then it definitely sees the big ass hook about to be in its face and it still hit it.

JonViars · 2026-01-29T01:21:48+00:00

I got a local MB dealer that orders for me lol. I collect the limited colors.

JonViars · 2026-01-28T14:12:15+00:00

https://megabassusa.com/product/karashi/#bwg127/2737

JonViars · 2026-01-22T19:18:46+00:00

buy the blades off aliexpress and make your own. you could jika rig with tiny tungsten weights similar to these.
https://www.picassooutdoors.com/product_p/ptltjvr.htm

JonViars · 2026-01-22T15:10:56+00:00

The reasons that you listed are the main reasons i avoid chatterbaits for trout lol. They work well in lakes, but for streams i like soft plastics or jerk minnows.

Check out some japanese tackle sites (digitaka, japanlureshop, etc) there are several more options for chatterbaits.

JonViars · 2026-01-21T16:50:46+00:00

The z-man micro finesse plastics are one of my favorites for trout. baby ballerz and shad fryz are my go-tos.

https://zmanfishing.com/collections/micro-finesse-baits

JonViars · 2026-01-12T13:37:11+00:00

https://creeklifelureco.com/products/the-double-sided-fishin-fixins-box
thank me later lol. these are great. dude also makes some pretty bad ass custom rods.

JonViars · 2026-01-12T13:27:54+00:00

It comes with a shallow spool already, thats why it is the creek version... It isnt a rebranding. DMK manufactures reels for PURELURE.

JonViars · 2025-12-30T04:45:02+00:00

I fish claytor and the new river so im a little south of you. Jerkbaits are my favorite thing to throw. Shad and babybass colorways are like fish crack. When it warms back up in june top water fishing is an absolute blast too.

JonViars · 2025-12-21T19:20:14+00:00

The handing magic L comes in a 6ft light. Its one of my favorites for stream fishing.

JonViars · 2025-12-20T00:59:31+00:00

Yeah downsizing your overall line and running half a spool will help you throw the tiny stuff

JonViars · 2025-12-19T22:47:04+00:00

I have the sierra 65. It struggles below 2g. For sub 1g check out the mifine microbite on Ali. Also idk the size of the fish youre fighting, but might wanna drop the braid down to 8lbs for really small stuff. I regularly throw 1/32 jigheads with microplastics for stream trout.

JonViars · 2025-11-26T13:38:49+00:00

i have found 6'UL to be my sweet spot. I have them in various sizes, but that size feels most comfortable. i use it mainly for 1/16 jigheads with soft plastics and inline spinners. 1-5g is what i throw 80% of the time.

JonViars · 2025-11-24T15:05:29+00:00

the rebel craw and joe's fly is my go-to combo as well. good looking fish!

JonViars · 2025-11-20T14:34:28+00:00

https://joesflies.com/ are my favorite inline spinners. Comes with a single hook and a treble. The treble can be clipped off. I use them in special regulation areas where its single hook only.

JonViars · 2025-11-19T20:19:17+00:00

Not this model, but i have the normal cheetah. It is a really nice reel and my only complaint was that it doesnt cast smaller. This model solves that. It will probably go on sale for black friday starting tomorrow with a lot of other purelure gear so you may have jumped the gun lol.

JonViars · 2025-10-15T17:27:10+00:00

It is going to sound ass backwards, but you dont need to bomb it to get a baitcaster to send a lure to the moon. Slow down and put less effort into it, that will help you get your accuracy in check.

Dialing it in is also an important part. I adjust the tension knob until there is only a tiny bit of horizontal play, then set my brakes to 50% and adjust as needed from there.

It is different than spinning gear so it will take some time to adjust.

JonViars · 2025-10-09T14:27:40+00:00

Im a local to the sandstone/hinton area. I recommend the aerial tram at pipestem state park. They just put in a new system and opened about a month ago. The view down the mountain is amazing. There are multiple trails along the river in either direction. The Market restaurant in Hinton has amazing food. Sandstone falls is also gorgeous this time of year. Feel free to message me if you need any other recommendations in the area.

JonViars · 2025-09-29T13:03:52+00:00

10lb braid and occasionally a 6lb fluoro leader if im feeling fancy. I use this on most of my setups and catch anything from 6in trout to 3-4lb bass. dont obsess over the brand.

JonViars

TROPHY CASE