Delaware Valley Tackle

I think he means the tip which will be stiffer if trimmed. I thinks it's common among salt water builders. Can't imagine doing that to a bass Rod blank though.

I've rewrapped several rods replacing the all double foot guides with smaller singles and the difference is amazing.

There's no real need to grease them where heat dissipation isn't needed like in salt where fish make long, hard runs. Some find them a slight bit smoother when greased. I run mine dry for the most part. If targeting good sized fish on very light line like 4-6# I might put some Cals on them.

Size 6 is the most common running guide but that pic looks more like an 8. Look at some of the rod building sites for a match. Mudhole, get bit, Jann's

It is what it is. What you're looking at is more power than action.

You'll be fine.

Guides shouldn't groove with any modern line. It's actually the grit from debris in the water that wears on guides and then only the cheapest. There are ring less guides like Recoils and Minima4's that are high grade stainless and hold up fine. Rewrapping is an option. If interested in exploring that route contact me.

IMO a beginner bait caster would be of good enough quality to offer consistent, reliable casting that you won't "outgrow" as your skills progress. I find either centrifugal or dual brakes the most forgiving. Shop among the name brands in the $100>msrp range and you'll do well

Recoil guides are plenty durable for a flipping Rod. The horror stories are over blown. I'd spiral wrap them and use a torzite tip top. The Bushido is a decent blank or an MHX standard has some good choices too.

Signature is no motivation for me to buy or not buy for that matter. Celebrity status does nothing for me. They're just people too, they just happen to have cool or non traditional jobs. As for these rods from what I've seen in stores I think you can do better.

I think silstar makes them but I'm not sure. They're cheap enough that I don't think they expect people to invest much in repairs. Grab another. If not hard up keep that one as a parts reel.

Trimming any Rod top will slow the action and raise the lower end of the lure weight range. The level to which it will be affected depends on what it was to start with. 3" off a MH or M fast action Rod may leave you with something useable but nothing like it was before.

Choose your Rod based on the baits and techniques you'll employ along with the species and cover. The reel will work on whatever you mount it.

Are you spoiled with braid? If so did you use a backer? If not the braid is slipping on the spool. This is the most common drag question I get. Otherwise cleaning and greasing the drag or ideally upgrade to Carbontex. They are strong but very smooth as well.

Pm sent.

4 inches off a fast action Rod will substantially change the action (slower) and lure weight range (raise the lower end). It may still be useable bit nothing like it was before.

Look at lure wright ratings rather than power label. I like a mod action for deep divers in open water and a mod fast for square bills and popping off weeds.

It's impossible to say without seeing it but I'd be surprised if cleaning didn't fix it right up. Service for members here is <$20. ($22-10%). Postage and parts not included.

Guide replacement here is $7 plus guide and $10 plus guide for a double foot. Shipping is an obstacle though . $20 each way est.

Bank fishing can be fun and productive for sure. You can help protect small bodies of water by taking fish off the stringer and get them back in the water. Especially the good ones.

There's some sink rate difference between straight Fluoro and straight braid but a leader won't do anything for you in that regard.

No, further away and / or higher. A closer guide makes wider billows in the line as it is choked.

Keep a short dowel in your bag wrap the line and use it as a handle to break off or straighten a hook.

Sounds like a combination of spool size, shaft angle and guide size/ height and placement. Avoiding this situation is one of the primary advantages of a custom spinning Rod. Not that you can't address the issue but it will take some trial and error.

Sometimes they're pressed into the side plate and not available separately. In those cases they don't show on the schematic.