Rodwork wrote:

You made a great choice.

That’s definitely reassuring to hear. Thanks for the response sir.

Iowaboy1 wrote:

Looks and sounds like to me the line levereler isn’t disengaging or reengaging,in your pic you can see where there is much more line wound on one side of the spool.

Yeah, but even when I level it out again, it still does it on its own again.

How would I fix it?

fishthumper wrote:

I hope the Lexa you ordered was the one with the TW design. I picked up one of those prior to my most recent trip to canada. That reel was great. It cast a mile. Real smooth and small enough to palm even though I have some real Small hands. I did replace the power handle it came with to a Large duel paddle style handle. That was just a personal choice as I’m sure the power handle would have worked just great. I went with the 6.3-1 gear ratio. The 33.5″ of line pickup per handle turn was more than enough and still able to slow it down when needed. if you end up getting a Tran X in the future I’d really like to hear your review on it. I can’t see how it could fish any better than the Lexa.

Sadly, I didn’t go with a TW model, but mainly because of the price spike between the two models. I also didn’t do a whole lotta research on the TWs beforehand, so I didn’t know if it was worth. I know how they work though, and they do look cool and like they work well, but the price was a little much for me. I did also get a 6.3-1 because I think it’ll be the most versatile choice for me.

Thanks very much on your input sir. You’re probably the first person that has actually given your opinion on my situation instead of questioning other things.

I actually just ordered my Lexa yesterday night. I figured that I’d never really know which reel I prefer until I use both, so why not order a Lexa now, (so I can still Muskie fish this fall) use it and test it out, then get a Tranx when they’re available again, and really compare the two in person.

Again, thanks for the super helpful advice.

What location are you set on? The website says that they’re still out of stock for me.

Hey Pat – thanks so much for the advice. I think that this is probably the most helpful comment I’ve had yet.

You touched on every question I had, and really helped me out here. The two rod concept is such an obvious, yet super helpful idea taht I just hadn’t thought of because of many reasons.

Thanks for all of the equipment recommendations as well. I was planning on getting an 8’6” if anything because something as long as 9’ just seemed like a little too much for me 😂

It’s also really good to know that the Tranx isn’t the only reel options either. I’ve been leaning towards something like a Shimano Compre 8’6” Heavy as my rod of choice. Any thoughts on that? I’ll have to do some more research on the reels though, even though the Tranx might be the way to go. (Buy once cry once).

My last thing is line. I’ve heard that 80lb PowerPro is kind of the base line that you should use for these bigger fish, but what are your thoughts on that? I’m using 17lb Fluorocarbon with heavy steel leaders and it’s been great for the pike that I’ve caught so far, but they have only been up to 24 inches or so.

That’s pretty much it though. Thanks again for reaching out. You helped more than you know!

Okay, so it seems like Thorne Brothers would be the way to go for that then. Kind of a buy once cry once deal for that setup 😂

Do you know if an 8’6” Heavy Shimano Compre would be a solid budget option at all? Of course, still pair it with a Tranx 401, but I just wanted to see if the compre is good or not.

Would it be too small of a rod for bucktails and showgirls though?

That’s absolutely awesome! Do you by chance remember what pound test he used for that catch? I only ask because if it’s something light, it just goes to show that you don’t always need the heaviest line available.

Which brands and models would you recommend then for a rod and reel?

Totally understand. I had done some research about Thorne Brothers and found their website, but wasn’t able to find a 6 foot option when customizing a rod, so it makes sense that it’s very old. I also haven’t fished with it yet, but I’m going to assume that it won’t be something I’ll be using as a main setup or anything.

I guess my other question for you would be: Would the 7’6” setup be enough for smaller pike and Muskie? (up to 35inches). Or do I need to get something that is specifically for targeting those big fish? If so, what brands and models would you recommend?