rubba bubba

Watch the videos on Mudhole for the various parts of the rod and then PM the various builders to give you pointers to watch out for ahead of time for each part of the build process, that way you can avoid some of the learning curve mistakes. Any of us would be happy to help.

Excellent. I hope you provide interim update pics so we can enjoy the build.

I only have dropshotted with my casting gear. Also, I prefer to fish the drop-shot horizontally, per the OP's original question.

Try Seaguar Red Label. It's their low end, so it should be less manageable (more stiff). Make sure you get comparable line diameters (not weights). You also need to make sure the other lines you've tried you have comparable line diameters as well.

The Zillion is a great reel at a $200 price point, but not much higher than that. Not sure why anyone would buy the Zillion-R over a Core 100 considering the price is pretty much the same.

Buy 3 and get the 4th free?

The Core and the Premier are at 2 different price points. If price isn't an issue, Core hands down.

I'll go with any of the fishergal hotties.

Yes, indulge. You only live once.

The only digging problems I've had were with Powerpro. With Suffix and others, no issues. I have gone as low as 10lb Fireline Crystal which has a 2lbs mono line diameter. It worked fine. Just my experience.

Just an FYI - Fireline Crystal is fused, so you are correct. However Fireline Braid is a true braid.

You may want to try getting some pure Silicone spray from Home Depot. KVD recommended/used it for years prior to him coming out with his line conditioner.

You could also try bending your wide-gap hook so that the point is not in-line with the eye. That should improve your hook-ups.

Let me try again: - there are those who hold the rod in their right hand for spinning gear, but the left for casting - they don't want to use a LH baitcaster because it's uncomfortable for them My question is why is it uncomfortable for a LH baitcaster, but not for a LH spinning reel? That's all. As for "why am I asking", I'm just curious as it doesn't seem logical to me.

I nominate this for Thread of the Month. Excellent work by everyone; bonus points for working "torso" into a post.

Please don't misunderstand me - I'm not saying it's wrong, I just am trying to understand why it is uncomfortable for those who say it is. I understand your point about holding the rod differently (spinning/casting), but like you said I don't even think about it. I'm focused on using the same hand to work the lure, not how that hand is holding the rod. Another way to look at it is, for those who prefer right handed casting reels, why don't they like moving the spinning crank to the right side so they use their same hand for the same things? Again, not a right or wrong thing at all, just something I've always been curious about.

Note, I am not doubting you but I have to ask - is this not an issue when you fish spinning reels with a left-hand crank? I've always wondered how it could be problematic with one reel type but not the other. i.e. setting the hook or working a lure with spinning gear - doesn't that feel awkward?

It would be cool to see Hackney win AOY.

How'd you do with it? Did you smoke them? Was it off the hook? Mind blowing? C'mon man, don't leave us hanging.

What weight line did you get? Many run fluoro leaders on here and if so I'd recommend the Alberto knot. Many don't. I would recommend you get used to it first (so no leader) and then experiment with a leader later. Braid/fusions take a bit to get used to, however it was love at first cast for me. Others can't stand the stuff.

I didn't specify any size Senko, you assumed it's a 5". I'm sure not aware of a "standard Senko". However, I did weigh a 5" with hook and it came to 9 grams (8 without the hook); and so doing the 1g to 0.0352739619 oz conversion, that puts it at .317466 oz, with 3/8 oz = .375 oz. Now since Burley asked nice, I weighed a 4" Senko with hook at 6 grams, or .211644 oz. The Zillion casts either just fine; so does my STX, S, and Bpro Extreme. Where did I say the Zillion "excels at casting weightless soft plastics"? By all means, quote my post and prove me wrong. Was I misleading in referencing Senkos only? Again your words not mine - did you miss the drop shot part? Go re-read my post again. Quote away. Now I realize spinning tackle is pretty challenging for Burley, however if he or you would like some tutelage on casting a .21164 oz Senko on a Zillion (or even a 3"), I would be more than glad to spend some quality time with you. The point never was the Zillion "excels" at casting light weights, the point is that it casts light weights just fine. If there's a difference in casting light weights between the Zillion and the Curado, it's miniscule at best. Will a Zillion "excel" at casting 6" floating worm, 4" ring worm, or a Trickworm rigged with a 2/0 offset round bend hook? No. Will a Curado? No. The hyperbole by the posse never ceases to amaze me.

Dodge - as much as I like Suffix, I finally spooled up a reel with Fireline braid. It's looking like it may be my new favorite.

The lighter the fluoro line rating (or smaller diameter), the less problems you'll have with your spinning gear. 8 lbs is on the cusp, and after that things get noticeably worse.

I highly doubt a 4" senko weighs 3/8 oz, which casts fine on a Zillion or any decent baitcaster - even my Bpro Extreme.

One other suggestion is to spool out line that will be slightly longer than your longest cast. Put some electrical tape on the spool/line right there, then go practice. It will prevent your backlashes from being any deeper than that. On the positive side your skills at clearing a backlash are about to improve substantially...