I have been dreaming of owning a Daiwa TDZ-103L. It has a cult following among anglers in the US and in Japan. That urge to get one became more intense when I starting fishing for bass. I was only reluctant to buy one because most online stores are selling them at a high cost plus an expensive customs tax if you will ask them to ship the reels in PH.
A few months back, I saw a TDZ posted in a local online buy-and-sell store. It was not an ordinary TDZ but it was a rare IZE Custom Color TDZ-103HL. This is a JDM reel which is based on the TDZ Type R+. Back in 2004, you have to order these reels in advanced, specify your color and receive them after 4 months. It was said that there were only 1000 of these reels made. It weighs as light as a feather at only 165grams and has a 6.3:1 gear ratio. It has 11+1 bearings, a ceramic Gigas spool, and MagForce V. And, the most important part was the price. It was way affordable than most online stores abroad.
When I went to pick up the reel, another treat was also available for sale. It was a G. Loomis NRX 893c JWR Green baitcasting rod. It was a 7'5" stick. Very light and very fast (from my experience). I felt that it was made to pair with the TDZ reel. So without having second thoughts, I bought them both at a very good price.
A week later, I went to a local bass lake and tested the combo. The first time I tried them was not really a a good experience. I was having problems with the NRX. I can't seem to feel the bottom or the bites. I was using a Texas-rigged 7in Zoom Finesse Worm with 1/2oz to 3/4oz tungsten and lead sinkers. The reel was loaded with 30lb braid. At that time, I could say that I was really disappointed with the rod. It's a good thing I had my K's Labo rod as a backup. A few days later, I attempted to sell the rod. After almost a couple of weeks of no potential takers, I took the ad down and decided to give the rod another go. I asked around and did some research on how I can fix the "lack of sensitivity" of the NRX. Almost all owners of the NRX never had this issue. A lot of them are also using a TDZ paired with the rod. Their advise, reduce the total weight of the sinker, hook, and worm and use a lighter line.
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| Photo by JB Sotto |
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| Photo by JB Sotto |
Last weekend, I had the chance to test the combo again on the same lake. So, I got the reel spooled with 20lb 8-weave braid, got a new lighter sinker (around 4-5 grams). Total weight of the worm, hook, and the sinker was just 10 grams. On my first few cast, it was a big change. I can feel every bump and every tap. I can also feel the line vibrating when it cuts through the water. It was amazing. I managed to haul a lot of bass big and small. There is something about the rod and the reel that makes them fit perfectly for worm fishing. The rod was also amazing in hook sets. One quick stroke and the hooks are connected perfectly every time. I never lost a fish after a hook set. Also notable is the backbone of the rod. You can literally lift the fish out of the water. It was so powerful. I managed to catch a 2kg+ largemouth bass and the rod handled it without issues.
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| Photo by JB Sotto |
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| Photo by JB Sotto |
As for the reel, there is not much to be said other than it's a wow! All it needs is a new set of RCS cork knobs and carbontex drag and it's going to be perfect.
