BigMoneyGrip

I'd be glad to cut you a few prototypes, if you'd like, no charge. I have a full CNC shop at the University and work is kinda slow right now. As far as software, I have AutoCAD, FeatureCAM, Solidworks, Espriit, ProE.... and more. Shoot me an email or PM me for a phone # and we'll talk.

You can cut CF with coated tooling, bit it is abrasive and will wear it over time. We're looking into getting a laser to cut with. I would go talk to a local machine shop and see what they say. You can buy CNC stuff relatively cheap, but not all CNC is good for production. If you do get you own equipment, you will need to thing about the CAD/CAM software to support the machines. This is another learning curve if you've never fooled with it. A couple of years ago, I made a specialized tool for guns and ended up making and selling about 70 of them. It was a pain in the butt to do all of the work (machining, anodizing, TIG welding and assembly) but it was nice getting an email from paypal that had "You have money" in the subject line. If I did it again, I would job all of it out. The profit margin would be about 1/3 of what I was making, but the headache would be in somebody elses skull. Good luck!

Is this rod still available? I've been looking and can't find one.

That is a caplug. You could probably find something that would work at a local hardware store. I just stole a hook from my wife and used it. They sell them at WalMart. I'd go there and just pick out a size that you think will work. I used a .6mm I think. I drilled the hole to fit the caplug. Overall length is 6".

Here is the winch handle.

I'll take a pic tonight and post tomorrow.

I carry my "winch handle" when I fish. It is a piece of 3/4 oak dowel about 8" long. If (when) I get snagged, I wrap the line around the dowel several times and then try to pull free. With 65lbs braid, I usually get my lure back. With a straight hook. I have the center of the winch handle drilled out and keep a crochet hook in it for picking out back lashes. I can post a picture tomorrow, if you like.

If I was getting a "terrible" backlash, I'd crank the brake up more than a little bit. I always start with too much, then back down.

Is your tackle box a 5 gallon bucket???

I got a Pro Qualifier just to try southpaw. I got a cheaper reel thinking that if I didn't like it, I could sale the reel and not be out a lot of money. The reel ain't for sale. In fact, I'm saving for a Core 51. I like the southpaw setup and it just seems to flow easy and naturally.

Yep! I'd have never believed it but it's true. The smallest one was about 1.5lbs and the biggest was about 3.5lbs. This happened early in the spring before spawn. I had 3 new beds in the pond and now there a bunch of little ones running around, so it is fishy!

Wrong. I have a small holding pen in my pond where I can raise small bluegill and other fish until they get some size. I do this to ensure they're big enough to make it on their own. The size of the fencing (1/4") is big enough to allow minnows in, but not the bigger fish. In the deep part, it's about 3' deep. I kept the fish in here for a week to monitor them. The first couple of days, they were sluggish but perked up after that. As I said, all but three of them made it.

My brother in law had 15 that he caught from another pond. They were laying in the back of his truck for more than an hour and I put them in my pond. All but 3 of them made it.

It's like a long wheel base crawfish.

I like my PQ just as much as my Citica E. Maybe even a little more since I caught it on sale. I do have it in my hand more than the Citica.

I have a few of the H2O lures that MonteSS mentions. I've had good lu with them and have no complaints. I also have a few of the TruTungstens also. Tackle Warehouse had them on closeout not that long ago, so you might check that out.

Were there any bodies on the bottom? Hitting a wall of rock head on ain't good.

I have a Jr. in baby bass and I like it, probably my favorite top water also.

The fatal shad is more like a shotgun blast, looks great!

I wasn't talking about DVT. In fact, he has hooked me up on a few reels. The "cheap shot" was in reference to the wicked reelz site, the one the original post was talking about.

Maybe his reel service is better than the grammar on the website.

I'd wait until the Pro Qualifier goes on sale for $80. That is a heck of a reel at that price. I have a couple of Citica 200E's and I'd rate the PQ's with them and the PQ is about $40 cheaper when it's on sale.

I was wondering if they would help my 50E. I'll look into getting a set. Thanks John.

Did the Orange seals make a big difference?

Can you post some pics? I can't imagine how a spool would break. I would think the aluminum would bend before it would break.