Delaware Valley Tackle

Take note : if mixing by weight the parts are not equal by weight. Mixing cup is close enough for adhesive but not finish. I prefer the measuring syringes and have no problem. Mixing time is less important than scraping thoroughly and watching the epoxy. It should be clear and streak free. Stir slowly actually folding the mix.

I have one to test tomorrow. I'll snap a pic then. In the meantime look this over: http://anglersresource.net/StaticLoadTutorial.aspx Secure the spine finder you got to a bench Mount the rod with a reel and line thru the guides Tie a paper clip to a length of twine and hook it thru the frame or ring of the top tighten the line to put a 90* bend in the rod and secure it with a weight Tie a 1/2 oz or so weight to the fishing line and let it dangle putting just enough tension on the line to take out any slack. Move the guides as necessary to achieve a line flow closely matching the curve of the rod Once satisfied, mark where each guide is and proceed with wrapping

When static testing put a 1/2 oz sinker on the line through the guides and use a second line hooked to the tip top to load the rod.

Pm Dam001. I did a shakey head rod for him on an MHX HM Mag M/L.

No shame in that. I was proud of my first until i had a half dozen under my belt. I keep it as a reminder and motivator.

It depends on the blank model as the ratings are subjective. It also depends on the weight of the jig. To me, shakes head is a finesse technique using light heads and pin tail worms, but that's not always the case (drop shot vs bubba shot).

Blank makers vary in their approach. Larger diameter / thinner wall & smaller diameter / thicker wall can produce similar power and action. Neither is right or wrong. The important point is to accept and remember that there are no standards: it's all subjective. Same goes for technique specific labels.

I understand the attraction of Made in the USA, no one's more patriotic than I am. Remember though, that even products manufactured elsewhere support American importers, designers, engineers, sales people, marketers, truck drivers, etc. St Croix Blanks are among the very best and happen to be American made to boot. But they cost.

If you can, return one bottle it goes a loooong ways

You can get a high performance custom within the budget you posted. It'll be toward the upper end but still within the range. ( depending on options and special requests )

Everyone has there favorites, but any of the name brand reels $125> are god quality and separated only by features and preference IF you compare apples to apples. Shimano has made some model name reassignments and changes in the last couple of years but the overall quality has always been there.

The guys are right. Sounds like the pinion got damaged. If the spool pin got bent, the softer brass of the pinion is undoubtedly damaged. In a wear situation definitely replace both gears. In this case you're probably safe doing just the pinion if there's no visible damage to either mating teeth.

I can take or leave split seats comfort wise due to the way I grip a reel. They are a pain to install with little advantage (a miniscule weight savings in the least critical area). I kind of like the ACS but they're a like it or hate it proposition from what I've seen. Reel seats are more prone to come loose from poor installation than to break. The MVT looks cool but they are pricey and a little overkill, but then again overkill is a big part of custom rods or custom anything for that matter.

An episode of Hook N Look showed bass having little or no response to a trolling motor but scattered at the sight of the boat. I'm not about to advocate making unnecessary noise, just offering another perspective on stealth.

I just glued one up. When I comes to seats comfort and rigidity are more important than weight imo because the seat is right where you hold the rod.

The most perplexing problems usually having a solution so simple it doesn't even occur to you. I have this often with finicky reels.

The problem with pliers is that because the work on a pivot, they don't push squarely on the pin and can damage them. What you suggest is how it was done "Back in the day" though. You need a drift to punch it through the rest of the way. They are a fairly tight fit with a few being nearly impossible to budge.

L&L is a polymer coating that doesn't degrade the line like Reel Magic / WD-40 etc. I'm sure it's fine. Not familiar with the Tangle Free brand.

You can get a longer Shimano handle for another model and swap it out. If you want to spring for an after-market one why not support a sponsor in HawgTech? I've installed a few and they are well done.

The Hedgehog and Boca tools are about as good as you'll get even though neither is perfect. It's too much of a niche market to spend a ton on R&D and tooling so I don't expect much better in the immediate future. My recommendation for DIY is to service the bearing right in place. This can be done with a spray blast of carb cleaner or a soak by standing the spool on end with the bearing in a small jar, bottle or tube of solvent.

The AT running guides that come with the Microwave kit are good quality basic guides. I doubt there's any problem. Have you tried other reels?

L, ML .... Are all subjective terms. Don't get hung up on labels. Look at the lure weight range and pick something where your favorite baits fall near the mid range. Handling the rod is good if possible but fishing is the only true test.

The BPS PQ comes in 4.7:1 and shares a lot with the Lews and Abu. Any of the suggested reels will do a good job.

Just because you found a honey hole others haven't or can't fish doesn't diminish any catches you make as far as I'm concerned. As for Bill, it costs a ton to produce a tv show and if he uses spots to help manage the cost doesn't take away from his knowledge and entertainment value.

With the exception of palm ability and comfort the weight of a casting reel actually has little affect on the balance of the rod because the reel is right at the pivot point unless you grasp the foregrip ahead of the reel. I'd go with which ever feels best in hand and has the other features you prefer( line capacity etc)