J Francho

Neither of the rods you posted would make a very good frog rod. You want at least a 5 power, maybe 6.

4# InvisX.

Only east coast cures. Reel up slowly. Perfectly center the bait on the hook. Remember to troll out your line after a day of drop shotting. Line twist is inherent in all spinning reels, with any line. You get coils with mono, fluoro, coply, and wind knots with braid.

I have no idea which is the better seller, and not sure why that matters, but a hyperlift hull runs on a pad, like a glass bass boat. Jeff mentioned the advantages above. I loved my H18. Solid boats.

You'll probably want a 36v model, then.

Both. You have to ask yourself if a 7' rod or a 7'3" rod will work better for you.

Great reel. Any copies in circulation out there are at least ten years old, though.

Buy direct. Smooth Drags has the tools, grease, oil, and washers you need, and you'll talk to the owner on the phone. Dawn will hook you up.

Should just call Shimano. 877-577-0600 The warranty "window" is one year.

I use an 80# on my 1400 lb. Bullet 21XDC w/ a 2.5L Pro Max. Works fine, and plenty of charge from two Optimas.

I'm an idiot, and should read before posting - it should say, I've NEVER seen neoprene bleed. Sorry....

Same for me, but I chalk it up to me.

I generally recommend OEM lubes online, but for my own (and Mike will probably agree) I like Cam's Light Purple Grease, and Rocket Fuel Yellow or Metol Oust for performance, and Bantam Oil for gen purpose. Really, any light, clear oil will do for bearings. The lighter the oil, the more frequently it needs to be reapplied. Lastly, there's TSI 321, but unless you really know what your doing, it's hard to recommend a dry lube to anyone.

Gotcha. The trailer dolly is a good option then. Years ago, I put a trailer hitch on my riding lawn mower to move the boat around at our cottage. That worked well for the 22' Four Winns open bow. Another idea.

Fixed it for you. Those are probably two of the WORST PERFORMING lubrication I've ever used.

If your even slightly mechanically inclined, you can download the schematic, locate the spool bearings, and flush them without a full disassembly. Soak the bearings in Acetone, until it runs clean. Let them dry, and lube with a drop of fine oil. Replace and reassemble. If that seems beyond your reach, send it a pro - it'll cost you around $25, and the work should last you a whole season or more.

I've seen neoprene covers bleed.

BASS is older and higher profile. Not sure the talent base is any different, though.

Is the trailer that heavy? I Move my uncle's 14' jon around, on the trailer without too much struggle.

To me, I think I see a shift. Look at the thread with the "legendary US lakes." Many of those lakes listed have been written about for decades, and receive a ton of fishing pressure. Contrast those lakes with the lakes where the recent records Dwight cites above. I'll say this, aside from the past two years being difficult, fish seem bigger in my neck of the woods.

I liked my OG Zillions. They are heavy by today's standards. My purple Alphas were a great. So were E-series Shimano. Still live my Calcuttas.

Flush the bearings, and free spool time will go WAYYYY up.

Megastrike is a product I really like.

Not sure why anyone would replace brand new bearings with brand new bearings. My advice is to get it clean and lubed by a pro, like DVT, and while he's in there, add a Carbontex drag. That's a mod that will give you a lot return on investment than new bearings.

I've said this a million times, email is a terrible medium for discussion issues with customer service. CALL THEM. (218) 546-8195 As always, per Forum Rules and FAQs, we're not the place to air your frustrations with a company. Take it up with them. Check your Credit Card statement. These things are easily resolved.