Delaware Valley Tackle

^^ a splice like this is how I'd do it.

He said panfish and maybe small bass that's why I suggested the 5 wt, but yes a bass dedicated rod calls for an 8 wt.

Rather than a combo pick up an inexpensive reel but one you can buy spare cartridges for, a mod fast 5wt rod and don't spare the horses on a 5wt forward taper fly line. Tapered leader and tippet.

That's the reel foot. The reel seat is on the rod. Epoxy won't hold that for long I'm afraid. Best bet would have been JB Weld even then its iffy.

X ship is just an extra pinion support bearing. This aids smoothness and arguably longevity but affect on power. 7.1 to 7.7 is an insignificant change and I've seen no evidence of the alloy gears being less durable. Save your money. Longer handle gives you more leverage to crank but doesn't change the power of the reel. Don't forget the rod in this equation. Too light of a power can feel mushy and retrieve feel harder. Ipt, a function ratio, is the best measure of s reels power.

For a quick external wipe down it's fine. Don't let it anywhere near the internals of a reel.

In a word...yes. The next step to SCIV is also noticeable but slightly less and the step from IV to V is more subtle

I use them only on request. The offerings are somewhat limited compared to others and I just don't see anything about them to justify the price. I'm sure others think the same about blanks I like.

Welcome. AJs advice is sound. The new mojo paired with the curado is a real good starting point.

The Tats are a good deal especially on the auction site deals. I'd stop short of calling them bullet proof and are not diy friendly if/when the time comes. For bullet proof look for left over Shimano e or g series. That's still a little over stated but more applicable than with the tats I think.

If that were the case it wouldn't crank smoothly. Sounds like the drag is backed off all the way. It's the only way the handle can turn without the main gear, pinion and spool turning.

IMO you're asking too much from one rod. You'll need to decide where you want to compromise. Not to be self serving but I have built on a blank that I think may be the best/least compromise. Contact me if you'd like more info.

Live with it.

What do you use for your other swimbaits? Power and line capacity would trump any ratio concerns in my mind.

Yes and no.

The medium fast rod of your choice. It's a simple presentation and doesn't require anything special.

Ya I found this out the hard way a while ago.

Carefully pop it out with razor blade or exacto knife. You're not the first or last to have this issue. Don't sweat it.

Just like the prior pq the gen2 is a good value at retail and even better on sale. Probably not going to unseat any name brand models from their current spot in the marketplace.

15" is still a mighty long handle. What kind of rod is it?

Sent pm

There's nothing sub par about the chronarch's construction. How it would respond to being dropped or mishandled I couldn't say.

I vote that the first poster to say they're tip heavy gets caned.

Sometimes replacing gears helps even though there are no visible signs. Check everything that turns: level wind, AR, crank shaft, idler gears.

I like a fast but soft tip for jerk baits. I feel like it's easier to impart subtle action.