Jrob78

The old gold Carbonlites were solid reels but they changed them, the internals are different now. I would stick with the tried and true Pro Qualifier. It performs like a much higher priced reel.

The Megabass X-Plose is a larger bait with bigger props as well.

If the mono is working well for you, keep using it. It's a good multi purpose line.

It's a clear water technique. Other companies do make larger baits that might be more suited to off color water but it's meant for clear water.

Then it was another LMB ANGLER in all caps from FL who used nothing but spinning gear. If it wasn't you, my apologies. It's dumb because people get all defensive about what gear they use and there isn't any point in arguing about it. Some people like spinning, some like casting and the vast majority use both. It doesn't really matter.

Why? You've already done that thread and it was dumb then.

If you didn't set the hook I'm sure you didn't hook it. Fish will hold on to soft plastics a lot longer than they will jigs or other hard baits. It was probably trying to swallow your bait with it's mouth clamped down. It finally realized something wasn't right and let go. It takes a good deal of pressure to get a positive hook set with a big worm hook, stretchy line and a flexible rod. You have to set the hook to drive it home.

The Zillion is an awesome reel. I have a few of them but I don't know if I would pay $319 for one, they were $289 a year ago. I got mine new for considerably less.

Why would you want to?

Skipping with a baitcaster is one of those things that takes a lot of practice. I suck at it so I'm not sure I can give you any advice, I've used mag and cent brakes. They both backlash equally. I don't think you're going to find a magic reel, you're just going to have to put the time in.

1/2oz Yellow Magic in Smoke Shad

I have to agree. Braid and hard, rough surfaces don't mix well. If the PP got torn up that bad, any other braid probably would have too. For the record, 832 is my favorite braid.

x2

You should try the Gene Larew Biffle Hardhead Jigs with your beaver baits. The Biffle Bug is essentially a hollow beaver bait with a slightly different tail section. You basically just cast and retrieve this set up, making sure to keep bottom contact. Tommy Biffle has won a lot of money doing this.

Have you checked Mike's Reel Repair for Schematics? They have pages and pages of schematics online. DVT might be able to help you out too. To the OP, not crazy at all!

I'm sure the micro spool will work, just be careful with it. I don't guess there is anything wrong with using it the way you plan, it just seems like a waste of an awesome finesse spool. If that's not your thing though, go for it. I know Avail makes some spools that aren't as shallow but I didn't see any in blue.

Yeah, I definitely didn't buy all mine at once.

48 jigs isn't nearly as crazy as it sounds. My main jig box has easy double that many jigs, I don't carry all of them with me all the time though. I use swim jigs, football heads, alien heads and arky heads, all have different purposes. Football jigs, for example, I use 4 different weights. Pick a few colors you like in each size and multiples of each for when you lose one and it adds up fast!

I can certainly appreciate the reasons for buying a micro spool but it doesn't seem very fitting to use with 1/2oz swim jigs.

You will only get 2 responses so I will save everyone some trouble. Siebert Outdoors and North Star Custom Baits. Oh, and Rage Tail plastics for trailers.

I can't wait to try these out.

Palomar

You're right, blowing a 24 point lead is clearly the quarterback's fault. lol There's the problem, you get your football opinions from the talking heads and arm chair quarterbacks. Do a little research. There's no point in arguing with people who probably haven't seen a handful of Cowboy games in the last 5 years. I'm out

I don't know if I would attribute it to the bearings but my Patriarchs are very smooth reels on the retrieve. They are packed full of bearings, so that does add to the smooth feeling the reels have. They also have dual braking which cast great when set right.

I would also take a hard look at Pflueger's revamped baitcasters. The previous generation Patriarchs are fantastic reels.