I've been working on my 'new to me' Shoalwater boat these last several months and it's come time to install a sound system.     The issue I've run into is that I don't have very much console space to 1) cut a hole and install a receiver or 2) place the receiver on the top of the console.  So I searched the net and found this really cool stereo system - Prospecs Milennia MA-100PKG.  For roughly $100 I can get an amp, speakers and the 'Aux-In' cable that will run to my Android phone.  This is similar to plugging in your phone to the Auxiliary jack in a car.  

I mounted the amplifier under the console and ran the Aux-In wire to a small hole that was already in my center console.  Now I just plug my phone in and jam to my tunes.  

The other nice thing about this is that the amp draws the same power as a normal receiver.  So I don't have to hook up a long heavy gauge wire to my battery.  I just hook the power through the control box on my console.  Easy, easy, easy!

Keep or scrap: The reel dilemma

I get a lot of questions about when it’s time to service a reel or just replace it altogether.  I typically go with the approach of replacement cost vs. maintenance cost.  However I’ve had many people tell me they like a particular reel because they are comfortable with it or the reel might have sentimental value.  So cost alone isn’t the only answer to this question. 

I’m going to talk to the cost side of this as I don’t know whether that reel of yours caught your first 10lb bass or if it was a present from Uncle Bob.  My experience is that the average cost of having a single reel maintained is about $30-$40.  That is across the board and includes any necessary replacement parts.  The most likely parts to have replaced are the spool bearings, then the drag washers followed closely by the anti-reverse or clutch bearing.  If you have a very worn or corroded reel the cost will go up from there and could peak at over $100.

For your average reel $60 is the point where I typically begin asking customers what they want to do with the reel.  I’m here to fix reels but I also like to advise people on making good choices with their angling gear.

If you want other hints on how to keep your reel lasting longer take a look at my blog from 4/16/2012 on reel maintenance tips.

We took a trip out to the Galveston West Bay and were on the fish yesterday.  This was a 40th birthday present from my family!  Thank you all as I had an awesome time out there!

Here's a pic of our catches.  I got the largest Redfish while my sister caught the largest Speckled Trout. 

I don't normally write blogs about much besides reels but I felt the need in this case to give a heads up to my readers.  I went to a local tackle company here in Houston and found these Shimano Cocoon wraps and thought, "It's Shimano so I'll give them a try".  Well, to my surprise I think these little lure wraps are awesome.  No more do I get lures snagging everything in my vehicle or the boat.  Just tie one of these on and no more snags, tangles, tears or cursing to go along with it.  They are made of neoprene and have no trouble fitting over spinner baits, jigs, top-water baits, etc.  I'd recommend to anyone who is particular about their rod storage.

I wrote a short review on here about the Quantum EXO and I wanted to get another reel review out here.  So I went and bought Daiwa’s new T3 Ballistic reel.  I’m also going to include the link to the Tackle Tour review as I like their site and their reviews are very thorough.

I bought the T3 Ballistic ‘T-Wing’ in the 7:1:1 gear ratio.  The weight on this reel is 7.8oz, line capacity 14/120, 16/100 with a max drag of 13.2.  Mfg price: $250 but I found a new one on ebay for $190.  I put MagiBraid 20lb test and got about 200 yards on the spool. 

The main item on this reel is the ‘T-Wing’ feature that is supposed to reduce the amount of friction when making a cast.  It has a pop-up plate when you depress the thumb bar.  I didn’t find this to be a problem when casting as the TT reviewer did.  The thumb bar and the pop-up plate are all one piece so it’s all one part which is nice. 

I took the reel out over the weekend and used it to fish for Reds and Specks.  I was using 1/8oz-1/4oz jigs with plastic TTFs on a generic Castaway 7’ popping rod(Academy special).  I like the reel as it casts smooth.  Of course it’s a new reel but I keep all my reels in good casting shape.  I liked the fact that it had the micro clickers for both the drag & cast control and the spool tensioner.   Something you expect on a $250 reel.

The ‘Magforce 3D’ braking performed great and I liked the fact that you can quickly control it with 3 different settings.  I’ve always liked Daiwas magnetic braking as I feel it’s smoother than the Shimano braking system.  I got few backlashes which is the purpose of a good braking system. 

The drag system worked well.  I typically set my drag light as I was a bass fisherman and tend to set the hook hard on trout.  So I always set my drag light and tighten it up when I get the fish hooked.  But I liked the drag and Daiwa touts that they use carbon fiber drag washers which I’m a fan of.

The frame is more or less carbon fiber but Daiwa calls it ‘Zaion’.  I like a carbon fiber frame as it shouldn’t corrode or break down in saltwater.  It’s supposed to be lighter too but I didn’t find that the case with this reel as it feels a little heavy. 

The handle was mediocre as I really liked the EVA knobs that they put on the Quantum EXO so it was a bit of a let down on the Daiwa.  I think we’ll see more of these EVA knobs in the near future and I wish I could find some aftermarket to put on my other reels.  Daiwa should have thrown a set of these on this reel as it would have rounded out the reel nicely. 

As far as the casting distance and reduced friction because of the T-Wing, I couldn’t see a huge difference from my other reels.  There might be some when tested over a longer period of time.  However, the casting was smooth and the distance was as expected.  I put on a couple MirroDine’s to see if I could chunk a heavier weighted lure further and it performed as expected.  I didn’t see huge distance gains but it did well with that test. 

Was the reel worth the $$$?  My personal taste liked the Quantum EXO over the Daiwa T3.  They are at about the same price points and I’d buy another EXO before I bought the Daiwa.  The reason for this is the EXO is super-light and the handle is very comfortable.  If you’re a Daiwa fan and like a magnetic braking system then I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the reel. 

For more information on these reels take a look at the Tackle Tour review:

http://www.tackletour.com/reviewdaiwat3ballistic.html

We had a great time at the 4th Annual Slam tournament in Galveston this weekend.  I appreciate all of you who participated!  It was a great tournament even though our team only caught 2 flounder and the

From Chris Fischer:

For all your Reel Repair need please feel to contact me with any troubles
you may have. Here at Fischer Angling we take pride in the work we do to make
sure your equipment performs when called upon. So when you need reel repair work done make sure to make Fischer Angling your first source for all your needs.

Thanks so much for supporting Fischer Angling

Chris Fischer
CEO, and Avid Angler

I wanted to post a quick blog letting you know that I am now a sponsor at www.2coolfishing.com 

I'm looking forward to providing quality services to all my new customers on this site!

Click here to check out my username/information:
http://2coolfishing.com/ttmbforum/member.php?u=44593  

So I just recently bought the new Quantum EXO PT with the intention of testing it out and writing up a long review.  However I'm not going to reinvent the wheel when my friends at TackleTour already have a great review on the reel.  A couple items I will say is that this new design has definitely turned some heads in the boat.  I've also found that the reel casts very well and is extremely smooth.  One thing I don't like too much on it is the brake adjustments and the fact that the side plate can be removed completely.  I like a side plate that is affixed to the reel so when you're wading there isn't a chance of dropping it into the drink.  

Here is TackleTours review:
http://www.tackletour.com/reviewquantumexopt.html

Thanks and enjoy!

Chris