Delaware Valley Tackle

I'd use the brands that paid me the most because that's how the business works. Knowledge and decisions making catch fish not tackle brands.

There's hardly a best they're all so good. It comes down to features and personal preference.

An abec 5 SS bearing would likely be an improvement over stock in a lower end reel. Proper setup of stock ones should always be the first step. Abec 5 are all you need SS or ceramic hybrid

I'll keep that in mind when I launch my new brand. Lol

True and avoiding preconceived notions

I forget which but either the first or last two digits on the reel foot is the year. There are whole websites dedicated to ambassadeurs

Upon posting to a rod building site, the consensus seems to be that there is a number of bend and flex cycles that will fatigue a blank but it is so rediculously high it would never be reached through practical use. More likely, the resin has been compromised through heat and or UV exposure and even then not likely except over a substantial period of time. FWIW: The rod manufacturing industry considers the life span of a rod to be 3 years over which time it is likely to be broken from mis-use/ damage or simply replaced, not necessarily "worn out".

Cleaning and changing the spring washers should take of it.

Have you considered YoZuri or other hybrid line? I really believe if a bass is sensitive to line at all is has more to do with diameter than visibility. I like the line with the thinnest diameter/breaking strength.

If you're filling in a split seat just use an actual full reel seat. The one pictured above, and the Aero comfort are nice but a standard 18mm seat on a spinning rod is comfortable too.

I wish the E2 came in the Titanium color. I've used some in earlier generation models and the color is very sharp.

The issue is the rod power/Action not the guides. If anything the micros would help by keeping the tip as lively as possible.

http://www.quantumfishing.com/bps/zebco/tackleservice/knowledge/kvd100spta%20schematic.pdf This is the closest on their website. The exact I reel you ask about I fear may be one of their limited runs for BPS or some other big box store. Hope it helps.

IMO it shouldn't be a matter of switching, but rather adding a new tackle system that will compliment your spinning tackle. A MH/F casting rod for baits weighing 1/2-oz> is a good addition. As for a starter reel, The BPS Pro Qualifier on sale is arguably the best bang for buck in casting reels. It's affordable, adjustable, user friendly and good enough quality that you won't "out grow" it as your skill develops.

If the reel has the thick ceramic or whatever they are drag washers there is no Carbontex match. Are you running braid? If so, did you use a backing? If not the braid is undoubtedly slipping on the spool. The other things to check are the spring washers. They should be installed (). They can be easily replaced to as they can lose tension over time especially if you run the drag cranked down. Make sure the whole drag stack is intact by checking a schematic for missing washers etc. The next thing is to be sure the drag washers are free from grease and oil. These steps should bring the drag back to life. If you'd like to send it in I'll go through the whole thing.

Fishing the Ned Rig in weeds is counter to the base theory behind it. For me there are better choices in those spots. I'm a believer in the effectiveness of the rig but not drinking the tackle factory cool aid. (yet. lol)

A pack each of 4" & 5" Yum Dinger worms, Yamamoto Fat Ikas & ribbon tail worms all in green pumpkin, 03 & 04 EWG worm hooks, 1/8 & 1/4 oz worm weights some BB size shot. If these don't get some bites look for new water. Read up here and add to your box as your budget, confidence and curiosity suggest.

I guessed as much. I enjoy the reviews of the Mods, staff and members here and look forward to your impressions.

There's no should or right or wrong it 100% personal preference. I almost never hold a rod tip at 3 o'clock to fish. The tip is up, down to the side and has varying amounts of tension on the tip depending on the bait, weight, etc. "Balance" to me is a rod, reel, line and bait that allow the presentation I'm striving for and a comfortable feel that complements sensitivity.

If so, first I'd scour flea markets, garage sales etc for something I could canibalize. A scew down hood will be harder. Either replacing the whole grip & seat or taking off a few guides to allow a replacement hood to slide on from the front.

My personal preference is to not ever add extra weight anywhere, but if you decide to, adding the weight as far back as possible, limits the amount you need to get the desired effect. The reel is pretty much where you grip the rod making it the fulcrum point to some degree so adding weight there won't do much. How much depends on how you actually grip the rod. If an off the shelf rod felt that bad I'd pass and look for something else. In a custom, the thought put into grip length & material, size and number of guides and the blank itself gives you a great feel.

Capt. good to see you back. A lot of time can go into a custom grip. When you say the builder stands behind his grips you mean if something happens to it, or he eats it if the blank goes kaput?

We don't have Academy here so I'm not sure about the Mettle reel. I don't mean to be "that guy" because I know you said $60 but if you can push it a little a PQ on sale is probably the best bang for the buck. They're too good a deal to mess with any of their other models imo.

I sue the Mudhole decals sometimes. They're not bad. I order 2 in case I mess one up (it happens). Be careful rolling or rubbing the decal down. I've rubbed the letters off. CP over it to seal the edges and it will look good under the finish.

My apology. We didn't set a time and I got your voice mail. As I said in the message call me at your convenience and I'll stop whatever I'm doing.