Delaware Valley Tackle

I'd be comfortable with the 50/51 size reel for anything but the biggest an heaviest bass lures (swimbaits, DD cranks etc.)

I'm not sure what the reel kleen is, but all you need is Dawn, Simple Grean etc. and hot water. The drag washers consist of a nylon one between the ratchet gear and main gear and then alternating fiber and metal washers on top of that.

There's no need to grease the carbon drag unless you're fishing for hard running fish and heat dissipation is a concern. If you choose to grease the drag using anything but specific drag grease (shimano, Cal's etc) performance will be negatively affected.

Check that the spring washers are installed facing one another like so: () not (( or )).

If the drag is verified dry and braid slippage is ruled out a misassmbled drag stack is all that remains. It's too bad Lew's doesn't post their schematics like everyone else but an email has always gotten me a quick reply.

I see definite positive results with the Spinning Microwave guide set but haven't rushed to try the casting set. What's your opinion on them? The size 5 ringlock runners are a nice alternative to smaller micros or 6's for sure. I can see the stripper possibly softening the angle of the line coming off either far end of the level wind but I typicaly don't use a stripper much larger than the reels line guide, at least on a bass rod.

Sounds like the vacum pulled on the rod sleeve and bent the tip over. I'm confident they'll work out something satisfactory with you.

It's not bad to overload a drop shot rod within reason when fishing mostly vertically. Once the weight is pinned to the bottom, a light tip is nice to feel light baits and bites.

You didn't grease the drag did you?

Do you have a full length shot? Curious where along the blank the colors change.

My first order is on it's way. You have to fish a rod to know for sure. By comparing specs, the Geeks Blanks are smaller butt diameter and in most cases one size bigger tip (1/64th inch). Wall thickness is a part of the equation but is unknown. Weights seem to be close with the MHX HM .1-.3 oz lighter than C4's but again, with a larger butt dia. They should both fish well. I'm anxous to see.

Outside of the river, what else is open? This winter was brutal.

I see skipping and light weight casting as "force-feeding" baitcasting tackle and more trouble than it's worth when you can just pick up another tool to make the job easier. That said, playing with the tackle is a big part of fishing for a lot of us. I've seen and heard conflicting opinions on the best setup and technique for caster-skipping. It will probably boil down to trial and error to see what works for you.

Look at Siebert's custom Arky in the dredge series

Honestly, I don't see the benefit of membership unless you're doing their tournaments.

Minus adjustment for reel seat location a 6'6" rod swept from 9:00 to 12:00 (90*) will move the tip 10.362 feet. A 7' rod will move the tip 10.99 feet. The difference is .628' (7.5") Once the slack is removed it shouldn't matter what plane the sweep is made on, in as far as how much line (and hook) is moved. I try to be quicker on the draw with jigs than plastics as they don't seem to hold them as long. I try keeping the tip low enough as working the jig so there's always some rod avilable to set the hook without too much reeling down.

Yup, the A-rig shines when the bass are chasing schools of bait, hence the spring/fall success. This might work for summer smallies on Wallenpaupack in PA. They chase the bait all summer and it can make fishing tough. I'm sure there are other lakes where this might apply.

All these variables along with the variations in reels is a perfect example of why there is no right or wrong "Balance" for a rod or length for a butt grip. My grip varies depending on the setup and what I'm dong with it. I would definitely use a foregrip in the case like Snook fishes but don't use them on light freshwater rods as a rule. I know the OP is about spinning rods, but another example of personal preferences, I almost never fully palm a casting reel which I think puts me in the minority there.

There are lots of free videos on the net, but I have yet to see one that is more than an interim type service like Mick described. In addition each model likely has a "gotcha" somewhere. The Quatums with the side plate latch built into the nose gaurd can be tricky. Everything needs to line up exactly to get it back in place. If you're not careful, the latch and spring will take flight upon removal of the nose piece. I'm not trying to make this out to be rocket science, but it's not a no-brainer either. DIY reel cleaning is doable. But so is changing the oil in a vehicle and the vast majority of people farm that out. If you DIY, take your time, lay stuff out in sequence, snap a pic here or there for future reference and leave a big enough window of time to complete the project. First time a couple hours is not out of the question. Let me know if you get stuck or have a question. If, on the other hand, you decide to send it, be sure to include your screen name and get 10% off labor.

Drum as the brass ring inside the side case. In the new Curado the drum was replaced with a cone but the same suggestions apply.

6 of one / half-dozen of the other. It's totally about features, preference and the deal.

Brake noise is often misinterpreted as dry bearing noise. Keep the brake tabs and drum clean by swabbing with alcohol. When dry, apply a thin film of light oil to the drum and you'll be good.

There are so many versions of the Lew's it's hard to keep them straight. Generally speaking, if you've fished a Revo, Pflueger, PQ etc you have an idea what you get with Lew's. The Tatula casts pretty well and feels smooth enough. I picked one up for personal use but also have several from the other list. It comes down to personal preference. The Tat may be a little heavier,

Welcome Justin. I'm about 60 miles west of you and somewhat familiar with the area. Email or pm any time. Look forward to chatting in the forums. Mike

The clutch is likely just a little gummed up and will be rectified by a good cleaning. If inspection shows wear to the kick lever it's an easy and inexpensive fix. After a year of use is a good time to have cleaned. If you decide to send it in include your screen name to receive a 10% discount on labor.