J Francho

Take a Soldier Fishing Oneida Lake 2013.

The closest option for OP for monster browns is minutes from where I live.

Also make sure your shoes and belt match your purse.

2009 a good year? Sorry, couldn't resist. There's nothing wrong about picking out things you like. I probably have more Alphas/Sol reels than anyone should have. None are particularly fancy, but I like them.

Collector reels? Revos? Lol. Good reels, but nothing distinctive or special about them. Gen 2 had issues with the kick back plate, so much so that replacements were an improved part. If you're looking for collector ABU reels, look to Swiss made round reels. There's some investment in that department.

Yes, call Dawn at Smooth Drags. Good people that actually fish with their products.

Carbon drag washers are on every one of the reels that are not part of my review arsenal. I consider them a must have upgrade. I generally set them up dry.

A few years ago, a very successful "catcherman" and fellow kayak angler that happened to be a broke college student posted an eye opening admission: He had only one lure, and fished with it exclusively all season long. What lure? Lucky Craft Sammy 115. I was like, "huh?" So, I started throwing a topwater, specifically a Megabass PopMax almost exclusively. All times of day, all depths, all conditions. Much success. That one bait accounted for more fish in the past two years than all others combined. Something to chew on, considering I feel like I'm a stronger jig/worm, crankbait, spinnerbait kind guy. Some topwater footage for you:

With Daiwa, you can assume that most handles will interchange. You have to know whet the knob and knob stem arrangement is, so not all interchange there. Same with spool tensions. I know of no parts catalogs. I look up the parts diagram for the reels, get the part numbers, and call them direct. Same for other companies, like Shimano. I was able to put a longer E series handle with the bigger knobs on a Calcutta 200. In another situation, I put a Revo Winch handle and knobs on an Ambassdeuer Wiffle spool, along with 3.7:1 gears for cranking for a customer. You can do similar with Daiwa as well. If you have questions about interchanging parts, just post up - lots of people have the knowledge.

Handles and knobs: Hawgtech, or Daiwa itself. Drag washers, bearings, grease, oil, tools: Smooth Drags All sorts of parts, including spools, bearings, tools, and "dress up" parts: Hedgehog Studios

Fish can't resist it's erratic action!

Check out the Savage Gear 3D Glide and the Glide Swimmer. Both baits have proven themselves to me. For just a bit more, you can get into an MS Mini Slammer. Mine has caught so many fish over the years. It's what I consider a "gateway bait."

Some are right, some aren't. I tend to prefer using google earth or maps, and see what they have for names.

Best way to get good fuel economy is go with the max HP capacity of the hull, and don't run WOT.

We have a reliable company run by a member, and a real nice guy. Why go any further? http://www.siebertoutdoors.com/

Agreed. I've had 18', and that was a little tight with my two boys, but fine on tournament day. The 21'10" bullet had an amazing front deck, but was not nimble around docks.

Is it a dog eared washer or a keyed washer?

This is exactly how I do it on Lake Ontario and Erie. I start at the 30’ line as my shoreline. Then I look for super structure elements, and then try to locate bait. Find bait, there’s fish there too. Drop shot and Hopkins Shorty spoon are my primary tools.

I put them back in the Hydroflo box they came out of, and never worry about rust again.

Gold fish don’t make a fish turn orange. It a genetic mutation. Look up xanthanism.

The app does show you where you are. Tap the arrow button on the bottom left of the screen.

I agree. I figured being from Oregon, he would be dealing with much bigger, sea run fish. That's not the case.

Good to hear from you!

Get the oil can with the built in pump. They sell the Mercury stuff at BPS, West Marine, and maybe even WalMart. Drain it opening the top screw and removing the bottom screw. The pump it until it runs out the top. Close the top, remove the pump, and replace the bottom. There's a million videos that show how it's done, if your unsure. It's totally a user job, no need to pay someone to do it. Easier than finding your winsheild wiper fluid fill tank for the first time, lol.

I think so. Good price!