Daiwa Catalina 4000

Saltiga Z's younger brother. I got this to replace the TDA4000 that I let go a few months back. This thing's heavy, solid, and the tolerances are so tight.

Features full metal body (frame and rotor), 10kg max tournament drag, manual return bail system, Cam driven oscillation, Water proof body and Drag, Titanium twist buster line roller, rotor brake in casting, tough air bail wire, floating pinion gear, digital cut gear from material 1.6 times stronger than duralumin, perfect double stopper (infinite roller and mechanical).

My plan is to use this reel for shore or boat casting and light jigging. I might load it with 35lb Varivas casting braid. I will probably get a Majorcraft Crostage Boat Casting 7'6" rod. PE 1.5 to 3 or PE 2-4 for shore and boat casting and if I still have the funds, I will get a boat jigging rod.

To Snap or not to Snap: Snap swivels when Lure Fishing

I regularly use snap swivels when lure fishing. Retying every time I change a lure is too much work for me. This is specially true when I am still trying to figure out what lure is getting hit. I have to try different lures after a few casts --  wtd, poppers, spinners, suspending jerkbaits, floating jerkbaits, cranks, and so on until I get that perfect lure that fishes are after. Cutting and retying means you lose time and also leaders.

This is where a snap swivel comes in handy. Just tie on a snap and switching lures is easy. I have tried a few lure snaps and the latest was this 56lb test Ten Mouth Snap swivel. A Japanese snap, as I was told. It was ok for a while. I have been using it on fresh water, saltwater, and there were no major issues as far as I can remember.

But lately, when I started using heavier main line -- 35lbs and then lately, 50lbs, it started to fail.

Last week, I fished for snakeheads up North using a slightly heavy rod. I loaded the reel with 35lbs and for a while it was ok.

Later in the day, I got bit by a biggie. Probably 1.5 kg. When I was trying to muscle the fish to the bank, it rolled and was able to escape. The frog  separated from the main line. Luckily, the frog floats and I was able to retrieve it. Upon inspection, the snap twisted and opened up.

Then just last weekend, it happened again. I went to a nearby pond to test my heavy saltwater combo. 50lb braid on a 7'6" 17-30lb Flippin Stick. At first, the snap held up ok after a decent sized fish. Then I tied on a bigger sized frog to see how far the combo can cast. Casted really far with the frog. Twitched it a bit and then something bit. I set the hook and it was a solid contact. I knew instantly that it was a Toman (Giant Snakehead). A short run then my line flew back to my face. Lost my new frog because the snap snapped.

So, with these failures, I decided to stop using snaps when lure fishing. Back to Rapala knot, improved clinch, or uni knot. Not only will I save my lures, I will also save some cash. These snaps are not cheap.

Trying out a Daiwa Ryoga 2020HL

I had been aching to try this reel for my saltwater fishing needs. After my recent tussle with a suspected Black Bass or New Guinea Bass, my desire to get this reel was even more unbearable.

Then, a few weeks back, it happened. I was finally able to get a Ryoga 2020HL. My first reaction after receiving it? Oh boy, it's a tank!

It's a no-nonsense work horse of a reel. It looks like it's built for muscle fishing, rough and tough, but when you crank it, it's unbelievably smooth and the drag is outstanding. It has a clicker so when a fish runs, you can hear an audible clicking sound similar to a spinning reel. With 12CRBB, a sealed drag, and machined frame and side plates, it's worth every penny spent. 

I immediately spooled it with 35lb varivas and tied on a puny 20lb mono for a leader. I realized I have no leader heavier than 20 and I still don't have a matching rod. Heck, even so, I went out to try a few casts and feel how this machine stacks up against my other reels. No salt spot nearby so I had to make do with an old haruan (dalag) spot. 

I love the way it casts. It's actually better casting than my Bay Casting Special or my Zillion. It's probably the RCS spool which makes it a awesome casting machine. The power is also amazing. I was able to winch a few haruans from heavy vegetation without any problems. The reel looks bulky but when you grip it, it's actually comfortable to hold, cast, and work my lures with.

Technically, it's an inshore reel and it's a no contest when used on snakeheads. Perhaps when a Toman or a Black bass is on the other end of the line, it will probably show how powerful the reel is. 

For my next project, I need to get a heavy flipping and pitching rod in the 15-30lb class, probably 7'6" and can handle up to 3 ounces of lure. I sure hope it balances well with this Ryoga 2020HL. I am not really going to do flipping and pitching for bass (well, maybe I would if I have a chance to go to Pantabangan or Lumot). Instead, I am planning to use this for light popping, heavy swimbaits, spoons/jigs, and even live bait, while on a kayak.

Then maybe a little later, a nice light jigging/madai rod that matches this reel. Something I can use while on a kayak or when a banca.