J Francho

I have a DX744c FH. Pairs up nice with either a Chronarch E or Zillion. For anything under 3/4 oz., it's my go to. It seems best in that 3/8 to 1/2 oz. range, though I also like it for Ragetail craws on a 1/4 oz. Jika rig. Another oddball use I've found that I really like it for is 1/3 oz. spoons for browns, steelhead, and coho.

I used to think that smallies really just put up more fuss, and weren't necessarily "stronger" fighters than largemouth. Also, considering the fact that most of my biggest smallies were caught on light line/tackle, my impression has been that if you let them run, they tire out. However, after fishing an umbrella rig, with a heavy flipping stick, and 65# braid, my tune has changed. When there is no drag singing, and it's you, a stout rod, and no stretch line, it becomes pretty clear that a smallmouth can simply put the screws to your gear much harder than a comparable largemouth. The shock and power of direction changes and just head shakes is incredible. For the original question, a smallie over 4 and a largemouth over 6 are what I consider truly "big." My best smallie is 5-12, and my best largie was 7-2. I'm not sure I'd consider either "trophy" fish, but in the northeast, they are big for sure.

LOL http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRy0ONanother sitefc

Rod - any medium/fast stick with a modicum of sensitivity will do. Reel - one that holds line. It's really that simple.

If you find them, there should be many.

Yes, I love them. They are a little heavier, with the two extra idler gears, but the benefit is the handle is behind the cast control cap, and gives many rods a better balance for "tip up" presentations. I actually prefer the shape of the TD-X over the TD-Z version. I'm a "right hand pitcher" so this reel suits me perfectly. Every lefty reel I've ever owned or tried gets measured against these. They are getting harder and harder to find.

If that's what weather is, and I've planned to fish, then so be it!

I have a few Daiwa TD-X 103HSDL pitching reels that I bought from ebay for around $50 each, barely used.

Outstanding!!!!

I have rods from G.Loomis, Saint Croix, Shimano, Pinnacle, Dobyns, and Deep South, along with a couple custom builds. To me, since the rods are so technique specific, and the power and action vary greatly, it doesn't matter if they "match" so long as you are comfortable using them. I will say, I prefer a full rear grip for many moving bait presentations. Other than that, I can't really say I prefer one brand over the other for any one thing.

Log out, clear your cache/cookies, and close the browser window. Then log back in, see if that doesn't resolve the issue.

I use a 52", but I fish in some pretty rough waters.

I've seen several forums with a chat feature - usually a "shoutbox" at the bottom of the screen. It's aptly named, since it always deteriorates to arguments. It's way too difficult to moderate as well.

Ummm, an hand made in the USA rod by stay at home moms is like an Ugly Stick? I think you're thinking of another company. They look pretty nice to me, good Fuji components, micros, split grips. Price looks good, too, at under $200.

Swimming Senkos....I know they should work. Not for me. Been through several packages, on many different rigs. Nothing, lol. Now you can't bit on Texas Rig? I gotta think it's location, not the bait. Or something is seriously wrong with your presentation. There's a ton of resources, including our articles and video section that cover the basics. Remember, it's just a terminal rig! It simply solves the issue of getting the bait down to the fish, and through the weeds without collecting too much junk. There's a ton of baits out there that can be T-rigged. I'd start with a 6" straight tail worm, or slightly larger ribbontail worm.

That's a good plan. I pretty much clean out the spool support bearings two three times a year, and get to my own reels about every 18 months. Once a year is probably good for most folks for a total breakdown and deep clean.

Moderator note: Since there are a few topics with the same question, I merged them into this singular thread.

The braid damage came because the user put the reel on a spiral wrapped rod, where the 1st guide was offset from the reel. Dumb move, if you ask me.

Roll tears!

To cast, the clutch needs to work properly, as well. Nothing worse than a sticky clutch.

The brush head is probably the most versatile.

Heat the bait keeper with a lighter, and it's no issue getting Elaztech baits riged.

I don't know about other boaters, but I'm perfectly willing to teach non boaters in my club how to back a trailer down. You can read all the articles you want, know all the tricks, but really it comes down to seat time. I've hear the crushed tailgait story too many times to count. Neither of my trailers would ever do this - the side rails would hit the bumper before hitting the tailgait. Maybe it's the hitch I use, since it sticks out about 8" from the receiver. My main advice to learning how to back down is to go slow, but not so slow you can't tell how the trailer reacts to steering inputs. That, and don't make any sharp cuts. Many times, I'll line the trailer up on the ramp, then hop in, and let my partner back it straight down and park it. My girlfriend can even do this, and she won't drive my truck any other time. Non boater tips? Keep your stuff neat and tidy, out of the way, and be ready to roll at a moment's notice. Some gear that I use as a non boater: Save Phace mask, Bac Rac, packable rain gear, inflatable PFD worn all the time, belt clip for tools, and a pocket full of those tarp bungees - just in case. Tell your boater to give you an idea when he thinks he'll move, and you'll be ready for him. I generally bring 4-8 rods (the Bac Rac really lets you bring more than you need), and a 4x3700 tackle bag.

The spool on a Garcia will have a long pin on the palm side. There would be two shoes on the ends of that pin. Often times, the shoes wore out, and were lost, thrown out, and never replaced. They were not adjustable.

Are we really talking about a Calcutta D? This is a $300-350 that has barely been out a year, probably still under warranty, and has a reputation of being a Sherman tank. Something isn't adding up here.