Jrob78

This is my understanding as well.

I'm not a fan of Abu reels so I don't own a SX and can't make a comparison. I know AG makes good reels, they just aren't for me.

I've worn Oakley's for the last 20 years and have been completely happy with them. I've never owned a pair of Costa's but would definitely consider it.

I prefer Daiwa's magnetic brakes. They suit my casting style and the way I set up my reels very well. I like centrifugal brakes over any other magnetic brakes though.

I do a full break down and cleaning whenever they are dirty. Usually once or twice a year, depending on how much they are used and what kind of slop I fish them in. I lube my spool bearings and worm gear more often though.

I'm sure you know this but they can be found quite a bit below retail.

I checked my Tatulas, neither had any back play in the handle. Both had a very small amount of play between the handle and gear box. It took a decent amount of force to get the handle to move in and out and it doesn't move much but it does move. My reels also have a very small amount of play at the knobs, like Tywithay mentioned. Overall though, the reels feel very tight.

No problem man, I'll check them out tomorrow and post back.

I wouldn't put too much stock into the t-wing grooving some are claiming. Based on posts from another site, nobody has actually sent a reel back to Daiwa to date and Daiwa is actively looking for reels with this problem. I don't know why anyone would make up something like that but like I said, no one is stepping up to get their grooved reels fixed. I have 2 Tatula Type R's and couldn't be happier with them. I haven't noticed any back play in the handle or play between the handle and gear box. If there is any, it's very minor.

I would get the Tatula rod to go with your reel.

I wear a Buff, Outdoor Research Helios hat and Mangrove sun gloves. I like Columbia shirts but also have some from Cabela's and Dick's house brand. I wear Columbia and North Face pants.

Heavy is a power not an action. Not all heavy powered rods are created equal, different companies rate their rods differently. Only you can really answer your question, we don't know what rods you're using or how you're using them. If you feel like your mh is getting the job done, stick with it. If it isn't, get a heavier rod. Pretty simple really.

The sun doesn't beat directly down on you because you're completely covered up. It never hits your skin.

I primarily fish from a kayak in the hot Texas summers. I haven't gotten sunburned in 2 years and haven't worn sunscreen once. I wear a Buff, Outdoor Research Helios hat, UPF 30 long sleeve shirts and pants and Mangrove sun gloves. I have several shirts and pairs of pants that I wear. I like Columbia shirts but also have some from Cabela's and Dick's house brand. I wear Columbia and North Face pants. You would think that wearing that much clothing would be hotter but the opposite is true. When you sweat, good clothing uses that moisture to cool you off. I've also found that when the sun isn't directly beating down on your skin, you stay much cooler. Skin cancer runs in my family and I don't take it lightly, plus, staying covered up is much more comfortable.

Those are All Stars. They are called All Star Lite's or something like that. Academy already has them in stock. I'm anxious to see the new Daiwa reels, (just like I am every year )

I think they were discontinued a few years ago. Ebay might be your best bet.

If they're swiping at it but not getting hooked, a change of color in the same bait is sometimes all it takes. Also try speeding up your retrieve or going to a slightly smaller bait. I've never heard of anyone using a trailer hook on a crankbait.

That's one of the main reasons most people like to use a heavier braid on casting gear.

It can be done but it won't be cheap. Contact DVT (sponsor to the right>>) and ask him about it, he can probably help you or refer you to a builder who can.

Tackle Warehouse has the biggest selection, good prices and free shipping over $50. They can't be beat for general tackle. They don't carry a lot of custom stuff like Siebert but are great for brand name tackle.

Very nice jigs. I really like that Mt. Dew pattern.

I think it might be "chartreuse pearl scale". Kind of hard to tell though. Edit....it's kind of close but not the same.

Over them mountains.

I mainly fish Yellow Magics, Ricos, Splash It's, basically the baits I mentioned in my first post. To me, they aren't "blooping" baits by nature. Most of the baits with a severe overbite spit and make more of a "chh, chh, chh, swish" sound. They are great baits and usually walk really well but not what I would consider a "blooping" popper.

If you're somewhere with an Academy, check out the H20 baits too. They cannot be beaten for the price. The CRS and CRM are really good sq bills for right around $4.