Delaware Valley Tackle

NFC has these new direct sale prices that their own former distributors can't match. Then stuffs backordered forever nothing but grief for me every time

Thanks Tom. Much more clearly stated

I'd rather have a good graphite frame that a pot metal cast one. The frame flexing thing is blown out of proportion. A cheap or quality reel is just that regardless of materials.

They broke from overload/misuse. I've handled hundreds of blanks and they all bend in every direction. I think you're being influenced by the outdated theory of rod spine/spline and even at that misinterpreting what it was/is.

A rod will load and bend safely in any direction. Don't worry about that.

^^ your best bet if not going custom.

Ya a rod is really just a lever plus you fish it on multiple planes. Accuracy is more affected by release point, length and action plus the hundred variables.

For raw casting distance spinning tackle is the way to go. No moving parts, braking or thumbing involved.

No blank is arrow straight. It won't affect a thing.

I focus on action and getting bites first and keeping them buttoned second. Topwater and jerkbaits I like a fast mod fast but with a soft tip. These are often labeled as popping rods. Too slow of an action can make it hard to impart more subtle movements.

If you'd like, contact me about building something with a custom grip in either spinning or casting configuration to help.

Skill

Or claim to have. ?

Verify that the mag brake adjustment is working. Pull the side plate and watch the magnet as you adjust the knob (out for more brake in for less).

The ABU has a non disengaging levelwind. The Calcutta is much more free spinning. Ease up and/or tighten the cast control cap. Their just two different animals.

The line sizes on a reel are just for capacity info. You won't hurt anything going outside the parameters. Performance may be poor if you go beyond reason.

What you're seeing is more likely the result of cleaning the excessive grease from the reel than any inadvertent damage. If you decide to go with new gears replace the set. You can get parts directly from Daiwa.

It depends on how you define "better", many variables and personal preferences. My favorite are the E series 50's. Performance, size and simplicity. However parts are already getting discontinued.

If there are obvious symptoms a cleaning is probably a good idea

A brief submersion in relatively clean water is not a crisis. Let it dry , oil what you can reach and monitor for developing symptoms. Contact me after the season to schedule a service or if problems arise in the meantime.

If you're experienced or especially skilled you can minimize the visual affect of the repair but it will not be invisible.

I can only vouch for the avid.

The same rod you fish similar weight jigs or t rigs with will work fine.

Do you cast a drop shot or just fish it vertically? I'll sometimes use a weight vertically that may overload a light rod if casted too aggressively.

It's more likely dirt in the spool race or on the lip. Swab it all and see if that helps before you start opening it up. some of the new Shimano's are finicky. I like the E series better personally.