Don't have it yet. I watching the tracking number like a hawk. I'll will have the rod spinning tomorrow night just in time for the reel on Fri.![]()
Its a beast. I'll be pairing it up with my 500g JM this weekend and try it out on some AJ, and grouper. I't should be a decent test for the reel. I don't like the hanlde and am definately putting on a JM handle. I think the new handle should also help make the reel feel smoother. Its just a bit tight. Sort of like comparing a ZeeBass to a stella. Its more like a tolerance/toughness tightness. I like it, and will have more feedback after fishing in NC this Sun/Mon/Tue.
Another point on the JB 12 model. If you are using it on a jigging rod built with the PSSM Palm SUpport reel seat, you need to be very carefull putting in the reel. The reel foot barely fits in there and you will need to use the reel clamp. I would use the reel clamp reguardless but it is a necessity for this reel seat. The jigging master conv. rods come with this reel seat so beware.
Also my JB12 iss smoother than Kils. His is several months older so maybe John is lightening things up a little or has a tad bit less grease.
I hope to find an AJ that will show this reel a bit of a workout.
we had the JB 6 on the last trip the silver handle is SWEET
reel looks nice
i am not sure if i will be using one anytime soon but they do look nice
Got to use the JB12 on some nice class Ajs this weekend despite the nasty weather.
The drag was flawless and the reel seems to be able to take all the abuse I can dish it. I had up to 35lbs at one point but started to pull hooks.
THings I want to change and did call John Baker today about. I'm curious to see how is going to respond. I want to get rid of the lugs as I am never going to get strapped in on any fish, secondly is to see if he can remove the clicker as that is not neccessary for my uses. Lastly and most important is I really want to get the gear ratio lower. It is hard to crank in that type of pressure even when pumping the rod and especially if you plan to rail fish. I'm sure the 2 speed is sweet for this but that reel is too heavy for jigging. This is just about as much reel as I can japanese jig with and it does start to burn quickly. I think a 4:1 to 4.5:1 ratio is plenty high enough. Before I bought the reel he said he could put in those gears for me so we'll see.