Jrob78

I use the same rods I would use any other time. I don't see too much benefit to shorter than normal rods. I've got a Ride 135 also. I use a Black Pak with 5 rod holders. I don't normally carry more than 4 rods though. I just try to plan ahead and use my best judgement as to which rods to bring.

Daiwa, Shimano, Pflueger, Abu Garcia, BPS....those are the brands I have owned or cleaned up for friends. All reels probably $90 and up. I would assume that most of the cheaper graphite framed reels from these brands have 2 bearings on the spool too but I can't say for certain.

I know the incestual nature of the fishing industry, everything is a copy of something else. I just have a hard time buying baits that are a direct knockoff of a well known, high quality bait. It's bad enough that the shape is the same but they copied the eyes and color patterns too. I'm sure I own other baits that are copies but the STX rubs me the wrong way, I will never own one. It will never be a 110.

All modern reels (that I've owned or opened up) have bearings at both end of the spool. That isn't a measure of quality, anymore at least.

I would fish a Fluke that small on a drop shot. You could also try rigging it weightless, nose hooked on a small drop shot/wacky rig hook. I like albino and natural baitfish colors.

I will change to a completely different pattern of the same bait to start with. If I'm throwing a shad pattern I will switch to a bluegill pattern, just something with a different primary color. I do try to stick with colors I know work for the water clarity I'm fishing.

I totally forgot about VMC, they make a pretty wide range of trebles.

Gamakatsu makes one too. As far as I know, these are the only 2 short shank, wide gap, 2X trebles on the market. Owner makes some nice 2X trebles in a regular round bend.

Yep, 2 brakes on and the spool tension loose enough that there is the slightest side to side wiggle in the spool is the sweet spot with my Shimanos. I move it to 3 brakes in certain circumstances.

Different lens colors work better in different lighting situations. I'm not an expert on sunglasses so I'm not sure what colors are best for what scenario. I just buy the grey polarized lenses because I wear my glasses for more than just fishing.

Oakley makes great sunglasses but you definitely want to make sure they are polarized for fishing. That price seems a little cheap for polarized Oakleys but it does say it in the description. Just make sure "Polarized" is printed on the bottom of one of lenses before you buy them.

Changing colors in the same bait is the first thing I do when I get followers and short strikers.

If you like the Caenan, move up to the Curado G or the Chronarch E.

A thumb on the spool gives you all the extra drag you need.

I'm right there with you. I've been using baitcasters almost exclusively since I was about 12 years old. There is no way in the world I would attempt a cast with no brakes and the cast control set loose. I hear people on the internet claiming this all the time, I flat out don't believe them. If someone could cast one of my reels with no brakes and light cast control, I would eat my words, I don't see it happening though.

It's a private fishing and hunting lodge, they can make whatever rules they want. I don't know their reasoning behind no braid but it is a trophy lake that people pay a lot of money to fish at.

Absolutely not true.

How do you like the Tour Star grips? I've got a set but I haven't used them yet.

I just picked up 5 NIB Megabass Vision 110 High Floaters for less than half price, I'm thinking they will be great for warm water fishing. I think the Spro McStick 115 will be very good too. I usually want a jerkbait I can fish fast that will stay up shallow for summer fishing.

Actually, a 6'6" ml spinning rod would benefit more from micro guides than most rods. The lighter the blank, the more added weight will effect it.

If everything was in good shape and I wanted or needed those specific rods, I would think somewhere around $175-200 per combo would be a fair price.

The vast majority of rod builders, that I know about at least, are building spiral wrapped rods as much as possible for customers and 100% for their personal rods. I just think it's a hard sell to the average fisherman. Big companies aren't going to build them if they don't think they'll sell. It took years for micro guides to show up on commercial rods.

I build the majority of my rods with spiral wrapped micros. I see no reason not to.

I prefer cork but I'm ok with eva too. Good cork costs around $5 an inch, that's why eva and split grips are so popular now.

Those handles look awesome! I'm going to have to get one or five.