Jrob78

I've used co-poly a lot but not for c-rigging, I mainly use fluoro for everything now. FWIW, Pline CX is my favorite of the ones I've tried.

I use basically the same thing as webertime. 20lb Tatsu mainline and 17lb Sufix Elite leader. I have also used 50lb braid mainline with the Elite leader, it worked fine but I prefer the fluoro.

I don't have a picture of my work area right now but I do have pics of my wrapper, if you're looking for ideas.

I have always used Rod Sox but have started making my own as I need more.

Yes, last year is the first year I've done that but it was pretty fun. I like picking every game for the season too, either way is cool with me.

I tried to fight the Daiwa vs Shimano fight for a short time, being a Daiwa guy from way back, but I realized that I love both brands. Now, all my reels are one or the other and I couldn't be happier. Best of both worlds. I own the Curado I and the Tatula R and really enjoy both reels.

I'm cool with that or a "last man standing" league if we don't get enough people.

Chicago seems to be the worst place to have a reel held too. They held my Conquest for 3 weeks. Be patient, it will eventually get released.

If I had $175 to spend on a baitcaster I would go to ebay and buy a Curado I, or a Tatula R.

Yes

Another vote for dental bands. Double them over as you get to the tip.

Me too.

100°+ temps do me in.

You might consider a custom if you're pretty well set on a long rod. I'm sure you could build a bare bones custom on a spin jig blank that would fit your needs. As a person who also likes longer rods, I haven't found much in the BFS world over about 6'9" or so. You could probably get a 50e and stay in your budget. Upgrade the spool later if you need to.

Man, that is a beautiful rod!

No, you weren't mentioning the benefits of longer rods. Perhaps I should have added my point without quoting you, sorry about that.

One thing you didn't mention is casting distance. A longer rod will generally cast farther than a shorter one. Accuracy will generally suffer though. Casting distance is important with some techniques and not so much with others.

Got my Deps fix today too. Not really my first choice of color but beggers can't be choosers. I'm sure it will work.

Agree

If you really want to see how a lure runs, get in the water and have someone else cast it.

You definitely need a new combo.

The SK 5xd and 6xd should cover those depths pretty well. The DD22, Bomber Fat Free Shad, 6th Sense 300DD and Norman NXS would also be good choices for not a lot of money.

Good choice. I actually have one on my Helium 3, I like it a lot. I didn't find the brakes that hard to get used to.

9" Slammer

Here's a blade bait for you.