Jrob78

I use 12 lb fluoro on casting gear, it works well for me and I have no reason to switch. That said, a lot of people do throw Flukes on spinning gear, I'm sure many of them use light braid.

I've got some from "Rod Sox" that I bought a few years ago. Since then I've started making my own. You can buy the material on Ebay and make them at whatever length you want.

I only ever touch the spool during a cast when I can tell it's getting out of control. Thumbing the spool slows it down too much to be useful on a regular cast. I always thumb the spool when the bait hits the water.

As of right now, Casey Ashley is the man to beat. Odds of winning in your home state aren't good, especially on your home lake but Ashley won the FLW tournament on Hartwell early spring last season. He doesn't seem to get rattled either. Look out for Cliff Pace too.

I bought one around Christmas. The rod is very well constructed, very clean wraps, guides are perfectly straight, the epoxy is very clean and the cork is good quality. The blank is very crisp and straight. That's about all I can say about the rod though, I haven't fished it yet. I was going to get the KLX in the same model but wanted the X-fast action of the Helium vs the mod fast of the KLX. I have very high hopes for the rod based on how it looks and feels but won't know for sure until I fish it.

The other reason you don't see them is your average fisherman isn't going to go for it, spiral wrapped rods look funny. People haven't seen them before and they won't make sense to them. There's also a large group who think it's a gimmick, same people think micro guides are a gimmick.

It depends on what it is, how serious you are and how out of date your's is. With some things, it is worth upgrading. For example, updating your electronics to models with GPS, Side and Down scan and a bigger screen is worth the money (to me.) Other things, like rods and reels, probably isn't worth it if yours are in good working condition.

If someone prices themselves out of fishing, they are fishing for the wrong reasons, or are so insecure that they feel they have to keep up with Joneses. That's their problem, not fishing's. I would love to have a new bass boat, new truck and a rod locker full of $800 combos but I can't afford that. It doesn't keep me from enjoying fishing. Like Tony said, get in where you fit in.

Gotcha, I will keep that in mind. I appreciate your help.

Just so we're clear, those line capacities are for the CQ14-100?

SK 6XD Norman DD22 Spro Little John DD LC Flat D20 6th Sense 300 DD Rapala DT 16 & 20 Bomber Fat Free Shad

No problem!

Thanks for your input, 100 it is.

Cool thanks, that's kind of what I was thinking. I am leaning toward a 100 as it won't be used for anything heavy, I just don't have anything to really compare it to.

What techniques do you guys use your 100's for? I assume it would be comparable to a 200 size low pro but I'm not really sure. I want to buy either a CQ or CT D but I don't know if I want a 100 or 200.

Top Tier Tackle has them. I think their website is the same name.

Beautiful baits/sculptures!

Oddly enough, I've broken 2 and both were on casts. I'd obviously damaged the rods previously and didn't realize it. One was about 6" from the tip and the other was about midway on the rod. Both were customs and one was a Phenix K2. I've never seen a blank wall as thin as on the K2. I will never buy another one for that reason.

Zillion TWS SS Air Calcutta Conquest 100 or 200 Tatula SV 2015 Aldebaran Alphas SV Who knows, I'm a sucker for reels. I will get a couple off that list for sure.

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/149625-if-you-could-eat-a-fishing-lure-which-one-would-you-eat/

For reel knobs??

If I'm building a rod I ALWAYS consider what reel will go on the rod and try to coordinate the colors. If I'm buying a rod or reel, the color isn't a deal breaker unless it will absolutely clash with it's mate. There is nothing at all wrong with wanting your gear to coordinate.

Yep, makes for a great grip material.

Looks like a very tough day overall. A few guys caught 'em big but most didn't. I know they were talking about a cold front/fronts throwing things off. Maybe it will pick up the next 2 days.

I build them myself, kind of makes it easy.