Delaware Valley Tackle

If the reel is new enough to be warranteed, the pawl cap is likely loose. If the pawl and/ or wrom are worn out I'd replace the set.

If it's for "feel" type baits (jigs, worms etc) skew the budget in favor of the rod. For moving baits (cranks, spinnerbait. swimbaits etc) skew the budget toward the reel.

The line test listed on reels is for capacity. There's no harm to come from using lighter or heavier other than line management issues. If you need heavy line on spinning tackle I'd go with braid but if it must be mono go to a larger arbor reel to Sid line management.

Call me anything but Late for Dinner!

The bottle cap works well for full floating spools. On a solid spool shaft blasting with brake clean works.

Sure. With so many options to choose from on a ground up build I don't really need to though. They sand easily. Just go slow to avoid the "I cut this twice and it's still too short" scenario.

Skeleton seats are not for everyone but certainly have their fans. There's nothing to gain by shedding such a small amount of weight in the least critical spot on a rod by splitting a seat. It's totally about the feel and comfort, or lack of depending which side you're on.

The cam backing plate is required for the reel to work properly. If you'd like anything above and beyond what Shimano offers (super tune, drag upgrade etc) or just a once over I'll be glad to help. If you send reels in include your screen name and I apply a 10% member discount on labor.

The dye may not have penetrated very deeply. I'd turn a few rings to check that before doing too many.

No need for the highest modulus blank for that application. The rx7 is a good choice.

Modern high performance rods are graphite for the most part. The stiffness/weight ratio makes for light, strong, sensitive rods. The best available will run $400> however the $100 price point has a lot of good offerings.

The soft tip and fast action on those are nice for jerk baits and top water

Can't the builder recommend appropriate options? Grip and seat are very personal preferences key to a true custom. What someone else likes or not may be of little help. Split seats are a good example. They're a love or hate it proposition in large part. What are the build details?

Oswego and salmon rivers were low. Finally getting some rain and the first good push. The rivers will likely blow up for a bit but hopefully be good in two weeks. Check out the Salmon River Fishing Reports Facebook page. It gets lots of feedback.

Fuji makes a hood you put your choice of grip on. Alps makes an Eva hood. I mount a reel in the hood and mark the extra threads and trim them off. I never put a fore grip on a bass rod unless it is requested.

You're misinterpreting something. There's nowhere for the pinion to "float" to nor is it long enough to hit the frame. If anything, inserting the spool will serve to further support the pinion gear as the spool shaft is inserted. The more likely scenario is the spool is making noise as it turns. Is free spool good? Try loosening the tension cap, removing and reinstalling the spool, swab the brake drum with light oil, and readjust the spool tension to just where there is no lateral movement. If that doesn't do it, it should be exchanged or serviced. Let me know if I can help.

Sorry to state the obvious but something is misassembled or missing and the only way to know is to open it back up. If you want to send it in ill take note and let you know what you did wrong. It's only conjecture without seeing it. Fwiw never open a reel without a schematic handy and remember they are primarily a parts list and may not show order of assembly or part orientation. It's important to document during disassembly.

Which is better screw drivers or Allen wrenches? Two different tools for different jobs. There's overlap and you can get by with all one or the other. I like spinning for light line and light lures 1/4oz< and casting for 1/2> line 10#>. Being proficient with all sorts of tackle adds to the experience too.

The length, power and action will determine how the rod casts regardless of the material. There have been advances in glass rod technology too. I wouldn't rule out either based solely on base material.

It's when they start talking back that you need to be concerned. Ex: "Really Honey, I wanted to eat dinner with you but The Rod told me I had to finish wrapping first"

Before you make buying decisions look up the article here by Eddie Taylor in the equipment section. It's the best description of power and action and how to apply them.

Try applying some heat with a soldering iron. The small soft metal hardware nowadays is a pain.

Are you looking at the schematic as you go? Make sure the screw driver fits properly in any screws you attempt to remove. Some makes use lock tight here and there but shimanos usually come apart fairly easily.

Could be any number of contact points. The cent brake drum is a good guess. The spool raceway in the frame is a possibility. Email me off line for a couple other things to check.

I missed that they were travel rods. If you're seeing a pattern then I'd have to agree. Don't be scared away from travel rods altogether though. Done right , they'll do anything a one piece will.