J Francho

The PX68 Type R is the current standard for throwing light baits in the Daiwa lineup. There's a few trying to well them on eBay for $1000. Or you can just order one from any domestic retailer for half that. Anyone looking at eBay for a reel, better educate themselves about real world going prices, or run the risk of overpaying. new2BC4bass, speaking of Zillions, the last time I was BPS, they were on clearance for $200, all flavors including the Type R, Cranker, and Coastal. Keep your eyes peeled, and you can find the right price. I still think a TD-Sol is a good answer. Here's one at $160, with 45 minutes to go: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Daiwa-TD-SOL-/230923109257?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35c4170389

It's been discontinued for like 3 years. Used prices have been the same since they were in production. If anything, NIB copies will all but disappear, and the condition used copies will deteriorate, with dropping prices. I've seen it happen before. You don't see anyone getting $300 for a NIB Chronarch A or B or a TD-Z, do you? Those were an awesome reels. But past their time. Not saying the Sol is there yet, but it's time will come. For now, it's nice pickup. I've bought a half dozen or more in the past couple years on the used market. Kept two, and souped up the rest for resale. Sold them all for around $200, and that's with several upgrades. A reel has to be pretty special to be considered an investment that will increase in value. Not even some Megabass versions hold their value. Take a look at Alphas ITO Ai, I bought three excellent copies for under $200. Like you said, what something is "worth" is what people will pay. Guess what, no one has any extra cash around, and they aren'tpaying premiums for this stuff. It just isn't happening.

Get that Alli right, and you will give my Bullet a run for her money. Those 2.5 Mercs are strong and light. Neat boat. I'd kill myself in one.

Not worth that much at all. Those are inflated prices. Do a search for "completed listings" on there, and you'll see what people are actually paying for the reels. BNIB, about $200. Used, with a CF handle upgrade, $150. Even JDM Alphas are selling for less than $200.

I'd use overall fishing revenue data, along with the sheer numbers of anglers and angling hours for your state to bolster your argument, than plastics sales. That factoid might backfire on you. Taxable revenue data, and angry constituents never backfires, when dealing with politicians.

The main difference between the Mustad and the Owner is the Cutting Point. Otherwise, both are VERY stout hooks. I've had great success with both.

I doubt they are that much. They were initially $229 retail. I paid a little more than $100 for like new copies. An Alphas will run you more like those prices, but it'sa JDM reel, and they always command a premium.

Danish oil has about 1/3 varnish in it, and you can certainly clear coat over it with a compatible varnish. Just an option. I just love oil on a light grained wood. I'll dig up some pics of a rustic shelf my son and I built with an oil finish.

Take note at 2:38:

Oh! Forgot about that. It's not open until the 3rd Saturday in June.

I'd be taking that rig out on Chaumont Bay, just a little south from the Islands.

They're much better when searching moderate grass beds. Creatures pick up weeds and debris, while worms slide through the grass. A creature makes a much better drop bait, when working pockets, though "swinging a worm" through a pocket may also be the ticket.

I forgot all about my Culprits when Powerworms came out.

The E is a bit lower profile than the D. The 200 size is more like a 100 size. Aside from some gear ratio changes, the Chronarch E and Curado E are virtually the same.

I use a Daiwa TD-Sol.

If it's wind or current moving the bait, that's totally natural, and ok in my book. If it's done with the trolling motor, then it's not ok. Ultimately, it's up to the tournament directors.

I like them on a weedless football head:

Really nice! I like the recesses for the castors - very smart.. Now get some Danish Oil, and protect that wood. Oil is nice on pine, because unlike stain that reverses the grain, it enhances the grain. I like Watco in Golden oak for pine.

Denny is one of my favorites, too. I'd rather be a fly on the gunwale, than actually fish with him. We'll get out soon, I got a place you should see.

5" Kalin has been a staple since the 90s for me.

That's what I was thinking. Can't imagine "lots of guys" doing it this way. Seems like it would be mentioned more often. IF (and that's a gigantically unlikely if) I use a Carolina rig, I use a straight shaft offset worm hook. No EWGs. You get the best hookset with this hook.

Braid, yes. Fluoro or copoly, no backing. Cannot stand the bump from the knot under my thumb. For some reason, you don't get a bump from the knot with braid.

LOL, he was working at a car wash. I'd return the key, and look for a legit job.