Delaware Valley Tackle

Other kinds of treble hook baits, maybe some chunk bait like catfishing. I don't like med or slow action rods at all for spinner baits. I get better hook-sets on the heavy single hooks with a faster rod. I don't subscribe to the theory of needing a slow action of stretchy line to avoid pulling the bait away from a fish. If you're getting short strikes it's because the fish are not fully committed to the take, not because of your gun-fighter reflexes. lol

"Casting" as in bait-cast as opposed to spinning tackle.

My guess is you're tying on a really light leader and/or not going back through the loop in the same direction as you came in. If you're sure you're going in and out the loop in the right direction try an Alberto: wrap up ad back down then still through the loop in the right direction. Once you get it you'll have a stronger and slimmer knot.

They're no core weight wise but they don't feel clunky either.

That won't affect performance at all. The foot looks straight on the blank. No harm in giving it a gentle bend in the right direction just don't crank on it. In a production rod that's been through the distribution system I really don't think that's all that bad.

Happy Wife = Happy Life

Nice! Now if you know what's good ya you'll pick up something to go along with the scented candle you were giving her!

I give little to no consideration to line visibility underwater. I'm transitioning to Hi-viz braid as it's more important for me to see the line. I'll use leaders if frequent snags or abrasion are a concern. I'd leave your line alone for now and think about if/where/when to run a leader.

It took me a while to come to my conclusion. I didn't mind though because I was having fun playing with the reel.

Yes. There is nothing mechanically wrong. It performed flawlessly for over 100 casts. If the noise of the braid bothers you, running a less than full spool may alleviate the sound but will likely reduce casting distance and to some degree retrieve rate.

X100

For anyone with a Tatula or just curious: After lengthy bench tests and actual casting, it turns out the sound coming from this reel is braid zipping off the reel. As best as I could tell by eye, it looks as though at high speed the braid flutters back and forth across the gap in the T-wing guide. It doesn't appear to have any negative effect performance wise. In fact I was rather impressed with the feel easy casting of the Tat.

I got one of the prior Gen RX7 Titanium blanks. It's hard to compare sometimes. Like you said it's often not apples to apples. Each manufacturer has gems and dogs in their line. It's hard to experiment with every one. MHX makes a Mag Med Light that I haven't found anything else quite like. I've built a few and they are sweet.

Batson makes nice components. I like the Titanium finish and actually have a build underway. I still find myself going to the MHX blanks though. The fact that the price is right is icing on the cake.

There's a limited amount of floor space in any given retail environment and that space needs to be maximized to turn inventory and make the store profitable. If your certain favorite brand isn't stocked it's most likely that they haven't made their case with the retailer. Manufacturing capacity, transportation, brand awareness and of course margins are a few of the factors that may affect whether or not certain manufacturers and retailers can do business.

I'm not familiar with these to tell what blanks these are built on, but they are not true custom rods as there's no choice of components. For a similar or less price I can build you exactly what want. The right power, action, grip, color... If you'd like to send some details I'll be happy to work with you.

A urethane like Perma Gloss will dry water clear and harder than any epoxy. It is hot on some paints so test it but over cured powder paint.

All a detergent does in motor oil is help suspend particulate and combustion residue. There's nothing harsh or harmful in that. You don't need anything fancy for oil on those. Main thing is to keep them clean.

That's right. Kids see everything. We need to take every opportunity to set an example. Besides, how much can you enjoy recognition for something that wasn't actually the fact. I'm about as competitive as they come and the last thing I want is a "Participation" trophy.

Especially if you don't want to be called a tool after you leave the dock. lol

It seems to me that the lack of action in certain baits like senkos & flukes is their biggest attraction. What do you see as the advantage to imparting action into these over just picking a bait with more inherent action? Or is just one of things that just works?

Oh, OK I couldn't see the orthopedic shoes and white socks.

Show off. lol Nice fish BTW what's up with the key collection, are you a school janitor when you're not calculating, moderating, drumming or reel teching?

It depends on the reel design and condition, but by and large I agree.

A good guy. Get well soon!