J Francho

It's part of the crank side cover, and doesn't appear in any parts diagrams. At any rate, I can't say for sure why you're getting dirt in your reels. It's not normal at all. Sorry, but This is not true.

Where have I heard that before?

Quite a few UL guys have spinning rods custom made out of fly rod blanks.

The ones with the ridges stay.

Nah, drums:

This works great.

I just hook them wacky and put a nail weight in.

I had one years ago in lefty form. I like using the twitching bar to engage the spool after making a pitch and be ready to set the hook without getting to the handle. These days, I still use my TD-X 103HSDL reels for this, with the pitching thumbar..

That part is covered by the cast control knob, that is threaded onto the crank side and sealed with an O-ring. You'd know this if you took ANY Daiwa casting reel apart.

I had an old Team Daiwa that could whip 1/100 oz. jigs about 30'. You're looking for a slower, whippy style rod. You'd probably be best off trying them out in person.

There's UL rods, and then there's UL rods. Not all are equal. I would add a casting bubble or as A&S said, a small bit of split shot. Just depends where you want the lure to run. Bubble for high in the column, split shot for lower.

Good wishes to you from me, too!

I agree, Milfoil or Cobomba. It's not Coontail. Better start punching it!

The Sure Life folks have a pretty good video. I start to see issues around 30'. If immediately released, there is no problem, and no need to fizz. I've only had to do it a few times with tournament fish in a livewell.

Lizards? Phht! Big deal. We have Giant Hogweed. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/02/us/giant-hogweed-nyt.html

You're probably right. I just don't care for the format, and feel like it throws the non boater skills out the window. Fish a team format with me, and you'll likely be up front with me pitching to targets, and covering twice as much water.

The phrase "game changer" should be eliminated from all conversation. Put it on the list with "side hustle," "crushing it," and "content."

Mmm, yeah. You don't like it, buy your own boat. I'm all about the non boater getting into fish, and truly enjoy a day when we're both catching. It means I'm probably doing okay. But if you come on my boat with that cocky attitude, you'll be sure it's the last time. Again, this is why I don't do draw tournaments. An angler's attitude has little to do with boat ownership. Keep in mind, people talk. If someone gets a reputation for being difficult, they can get banned. Boater, non boater alike. I've seen it happen.

I'd ask a marine mechanic. I just don't think it's a great idea to permanently mount it. I'd want to be able to replace it easily should it break or fail.

Housing to the hull. You may need to remove it someday.

Looks like American Legacy has them.

I'd use silicone.

Wrong answer. Sorry, rules of navigation dictate you pass on the right. It also helps to show your red Port side light to them. Look for them to do the same, then you know they see you. Unless it is wide open water, and no other boats around, 45 mph is WAY too fast for night running.

Meh, that's a boater call. I think he was being petty because you caught fish. You apologized, and adjusted. You did everything right from that point on. Should be water under the bridge. Next time, you'll remember to ask. Boaters might have differing ideas about what is "unfished" waters. These situations are the exact reason I only fish team events.

I always had good luck using Rebel Deep Craws. Sometimes I'd add some weight to the line, a few feet from the bait, to get some extra depth. I definitely agree with Dwight, 1.8-2.5 mph is the sweet spot for many diving baits.