new2BC4bass

Can't help with rod selection. Yeah, it's nice to put a costly reel on a costly rod (and I'm currently rearranging mine to do that for the most part). However, I have a $500 reel (paid $300 on closeout) on a $200 rod (paid $75 on closeout). Absolutely love the pairing so it's one combo that I won't be changing. Plan on putting two T3 reels on two older HMG rods. Another mismatched pair (pricewise) that work good together.

This is my only spool of 25# braid. I did buy several spools of 30# X9 since moving to Florida. My first 30# braid was 832 Ghost on an Alphas Type F purchased used. Took several casts to get rid of the tight spots. No problem with it since then. I'm just afraid 25# might dig in more. Plan to use it in open water to avoid most snags. Rod's rated 1/8-1/2 oz. Seriously doubt it will handle a true 1/8 oz. Maybe 1/8 oz. plus a decent size trailer. Would be willing to bet a couple paychecks that it can handle over a true 1/2 oz. bait. newapti5: Do you use 20# on a non BFS rod?

Bought a spool of Fins 40G for chits and giggles. Figured I would spool it on my Salamandura 70XHL. Originally thought I'd use it on a crankbait rod with a leader...Sniper Grinder 6' 10" MF, Aetos 7' MM or OG Tatula 7' MLR. A previous poster said he didn't like the Aetos because it felt like a noodle. Haven't used it yet but felt the braid would help this rod. However, I have a few other rods rated anywhere from 1/8 to 5/8 oz. that I could choose from. For the most part these rods would be used for something like trick worms, small tubes, etc. Recon2 7' 1" MLF Black Envy 6' 10" ML-EF Villain 6' 10" ML-EF Cara 7' MF Smallmouth 6' 10" MF I don't think there'd be a problem on the Smallmouth or Cara casting 3/8 oz. crankbaits. I suppose I could use half of the spool on a spinning rod. My choices there are a Smallmouth 6' 9" M-EF Villain 6' 9" ML Fuego 6' 10" M-EF Doing the tip to floor test, the Villain is definitely a more powerful rod than the Fuego. Obviously all these rods are older models. The Smallmouth casting rod is the only one that's seen a fair amount of use. I like it!

Zero interest.

No and 99.999% sure I never will.

I'd go cheaper rather than more expensive. Won't be as sensitive but normally cheaper rods are made with a more forgiving blank material. Just my opinion. No facts to back it up. I think part of sensitivity comes from a stiffer blank. Again, just my uninstantiated opinion. As webertime stated line wrapped around the tip like that is a disaster waiting to happen.

Nice fish and a nice looking area.

I have the 50th, a 100SHLA, and PE 100H. I like the 50th the best and the PE the least of the three.

at the healthy price of $450. Love mine. Glad I paid much less years ago for it. I've noticed a couple other reels selling for more than the original MSRP.

Appreciate your input. Will give your method a shot. OP, I don't have a dedicated rod...except for my short range rod...but carry a rod with a spinnerbait on it at when carrying more than 2 rods with me. My two largest bass...both in Florida...were caught on a spinnerbait. No special rod needed. I use a MHF except if using a 5/16 oz. or less. EDIT: One lure that's always on a rod here is a weightless 10 or 10.5 inch ribbontail worm. Mostly Junebug but I like black too. Green pumpkin never seems to be near as good for me. I never fish the bottom for the above reason...too much trouble to clean lures on every retrieve.

Daiwa. Easier for me to dial in. VBS was also easier than SVS Infinity for me. I own all 3 and several other braking systems.

When I lived in PA 8# mono or co-polymer on Medium and ML power rods. 12# on MH rods. 17# on Heavy. For braid 40# (one or two reels). Now that I'm in Florida many of my reels will be getting braid. Mostly in 30#. A couple or so with 45#. Those not changed will continue to use what's already spooled. I see no need for changing line weight when fishing open water. Also must admit I'll never need to buy another spool of line. Have about 85 spools currently. No spreadsheet yet but plan on keeping track of line/reel combinations as I go forward.

Wahoo! Looks like a fun trip.

So I was made fun of for suggesting practice should improve your accuracy with longer rods. I prefer 7' or longer. Currently strictly a shore fisherman. Previous to 2022 I fished from a Gheenoe with my B-I-L when visiting Florida. Even then at least 97% of my casts were for distance as he often cast in front of me. If my target is short, I almost always cast past it and retrieve into the desired target area. As a result, my short range casting sucks. I am more accurate at distance. No way could I ever win a target competition but I can usually get reasonably close. All but 2 of my casting rods and reels were purchased while still living in PA. All were tested from shore at a local river. All were cast for distance. The newest haven't been used yet but when I do take them out, I'll be casting for distance. I try to reach places other shore fishermen may not be reaching. I honestly couldn't tell you if I'm more accurate at short distances with a 6'6" rod than a 7'3" rod because it's something I have never practiced. I take others words that I should be.

I noticed the same thing in the few reels I had the bearings upgraded in. Never the 30 yards extra some claim. (Obviously an exaggeration on my part. 30 feet more likely.) Unlike some I have never minded the sound of a DC reel or one with ceramic bearings. The set in my Curado 51E that DVT worked on for me were purchased used at a good price because the original purchaser didn't like their sound. EDIT: I'm like FloridaFishinFool...I use the sound of the bearings as a helpful guide when casting. Appreciate his post. If I upgrade any bearings again, I will go full ceramic and stay dry with them.