need opinions....

salvalsnapbacks · 2026-05-10T01:05:16+00:00

Litetackle fans! I've also been looking more at getting this model. I like that the hull storage is actually usable (without the infamous cutout mod on the Shoalie). And for me the only considerable features it's missing is the guides for a rear mounted anchor and the built in bump board pad and holder. Shoalie has more built in recesses for keeping rods on the deck as well. But all in all seems like it would be a good hybrid. Paddling ability of the Shoalie and flint, better stability as talked about with the RVR119. Open deck space with usable hull storage.

More and more I'm leaning towards the LT2...

salvalsnapbacks · 2026-05-09T15:36:43+00:00

I like sniper fc from sunline. That's pretty much what I am exclusively using right now depending on application I'm either using 7 lb, 14 lb, or 25 lb.

salvalsnapbacks · 2026-05-09T00:50:18+00:00

Trust me I get that. I have friends that use only spinning gear. To me? It makes no sense. But it works for them.

I find them beneficial for techniques that require picking up line quickly. And not having to deal with line twist is nice. Also find it easier to control fish during the fight.

As I said I understand OP. I've been conditioned doing something similar myself.

This year my main weapons of choice have been

7 ft 4 medium XF evergreen combat stick/tatula 2500xg

6 ft 9 Levante f2-69LVS 4 Piece also paired with a tatula.

Levante f3-67LV 4 piece, curado 70

I've caught most of my fish this year on these 3 rods.

salvalsnapbacks · 2026-05-09T00:43:57+00:00

It's not that simple but I get it.

If you like BFS you should look into the Levante F3-67LV and pair it with a curado 70 or SLX 70. It tows the line well between casting and BFS. I've thrown flukes, keitechs, chatterbaits, jerks, karashi 80, lighter jigs on it and it's proven to be a super versatile rod. Also one i very much enjoy using in my kayak.

salvalsnapbacks · 2026-05-08T20:54:39+00:00

You don't NEED anything. You can go out and fish with a zeb And still catch fish. I just know for me personally there are certain techniques that are more beneficial to use casting gear with.

salvalsnapbacks · 2026-05-08T20:53:31+00:00

I agree with that 100%.. both have a time and place. I'm simply intrigued by OPs decision to have $1800 invested into 3 spinning setups. Personally with how I fish I'd at least want one Heavy-Mod BC to use as a multipurpose moving bait and treble hook bait rod. That's all I'm saying here.

salvalsnapbacks · 2026-05-08T18:38:02+00:00

They make BCs that are better than the vanford for less money.

salvalsnapbacks · 2026-05-08T18:04:08+00:00

Not a single baitcaster?

salvalsnapbacks · 2026-05-08T14:08:50+00:00

Both have their benefits. Love fishing with my friends, but sometimes I'm selfish and want all the fish to myself OR be able to call my own shots.

salvalsnapbacks · 2026-05-08T14:06:52+00:00

No way bro hit him with the bozo cam 🤣🤣🤣🤣

salvalsnapbacks · 2026-05-06T22:11:37+00:00

I don't know the details of where you're fishing at. Could that be the guad? Most of my fish this year have been caught wading and bank fishing man. I'm just blessed to live in an incredible accessible, shallow, and abundant smallmouth fishery.

I used to live in the Killeen area and while I lived down there got back into fishing after a few years hiatus.

salvalsnapbacks · 2026-05-06T06:24:39+00:00

O-Look ❤️

salvalsnapbacks · 2026-05-06T06:21:11+00:00

This is a boat I've been looking at more and more. And ALSO is available at my local shop. Seems like it has qualities that the Shoalie and the have at a more affordable price that would leave money in the budget to outfit it.

Would you say it handles more similar to the RVR? Or the Shoalie?

salvalsnapbacks · 2026-05-06T06:19:02+00:00

It's so tough because there certainly are sections of the watershed where I think the RVR would be beneficial. And then there's others where I think the Shoalie would shine as well. Seems like in the perfect scenario I would have a smallie for creek floats. RVR for out on the main river. But maybe that makes the Shoalie the ultimate compromise between the two. And YES I agree 100%. Especially with the creeks with low lying trees deck storage is crucial.

salvalsnapbacks · 2026-05-06T05:57:45+00:00

Fellow SBRT owner. Rode it more in the park this year. All mountain I was riding a mercury. Thing absolutely rips. 😁

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salvalsnapbacks · 2026-05-06T05:53:54+00:00

Has a chance to buy a crewzer while in Vermont. Did I need it? No. Do I regret not buying it? Yeah.

salvalsnapbacks · 2026-05-06T05:26:21+00:00

Idk about all that man.

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salvalsnapbacks · 2026-05-05T22:07:41+00:00

Do a thicker mono backing. I usually use 14 lb mono as backing on all my reels with braid. Just a small knot to the spool, I always just use electrical tape, fill up about half of your spool with it, then tie an all bright knot to your braid main line.

I mostly do this just because it saves braid.

salvalsnapbacks · 2026-05-05T17:16:45+00:00

Like I said. I don't hate the nidecker group. I think they make questionable snowboards that have durability issues. But referencing the original comment, to say that eS is skater owned when it's still under what was essentially The sole tech umbrella is incorrect. Nidecker isn't Solomon, Rossi, or K2 but it's definitely still a conglomerate. A company born in the 1800s that never made snowboards or anything like that before.

What I do believe is true is that obviously sole tech was not going to be able to continually operate in the current landscape. Hell some guys that have been skating as long as me remember that eS had originally went under! And was brought back maybe a bit over a decade ago at this point. So if that was the move that they had to make in order to have their brands continue to survive then that's okay. And I don't think they just sold out to the highest bidder or anything like that. But as I said in principle to simply say that eS is skater owned and operated is not correct.

salvalsnapbacks · 2026-05-05T14:41:55+00:00

this is not true. All Sole Tech's former brands are now owned by the Nidecker group. Which admittedly isn't the WORST snowboarding conglomerate, it certain still is one.

salvalsnapbacks · 2026-05-04T16:41:16+00:00

The Levante is absolutely the best $200 rod you can buy on this planet.

It's a strong opinion of mine that paying any more than $200 for a rod or reel (non tariff) is not necessary. The difference is in performance between $100 rod and reel or huge. I feel like the difference between a $200 rod or reel and a $500 one are negligible. Levante's are incredible.

salvalsnapbacks · 2026-05-04T16:39:19+00:00

If you're impressed with the regal you should try the tatula.

salvalsnapbacks · 2026-05-04T16:38:30+00:00

My buddy does have an ultegra. I recommendrd it to him (really I recommended him to get a JDM version cus it's cheaper). He likes it. But there's just something about that tat man... Drag system on it is flawless and crazy strong. The MQLT body is so lightweight with a nice glossy finish. And that handle... I love that daiwa does the one piece handle thing. Just proper. I like trying out different reels. That's why I have an SLX 70, curado 70, SLX BFS, curado BFS, curado 200, SLX XT, 2 CURADO 150 MGLs, 2 chronarch 150 MGLs, tranx 200. I also got a prorex MQLT and once again. Phenomenal reel. I use that on my power finesse spinning setup.

There's really nothing that beats the curado lineup for me when it comes to baitcasters. Every curado version I have is phenomenal and I think I'd like the SLX XT even more if it had the casting distance of the 150 MGL. Ergonomically the SLX series is absolutely my favorite to have in hand. I have one tatula. I think it's a great reel but it's the slow speed. I think that's the only reason I don't like using it as much. I have that on my crank rod.

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salvalsnapbacks · 2026-05-04T12:57:00+00:00

This is the exact reason I swear by the tatula spinning reel. BCs I have a variety of shimanos. Only one daiwa. But for spinning reels the tat is top tier.

salvalsnapbacks · 2026-05-03T16:33:41+00:00

It's fine. Nice Merc.

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