Delaware Valley Tackle

The sx mag brakes don't make noise. A deep cleaning will take care of the noise. There are a couple points on that model that can need a little special attention

I concur. Check the brakes for loose pins, worn or corroded drum. Turn around is pretty quick as of today if you want to send it.

I really think you can put the HM MHX in that same group. Each maker has certain powers and actions that you may prefer over the others. Mix and Matching is probably the way to go for the best of all worlds. Experimenting can get expensive quick though.

You'll need less braking once you get used to using less force now that the spool starts up easier. FYI for anyone reading, the same or better results can be achieved with a pro cleaning and maybe Super Tuning.

Smallies tend to be a little less affected by fronts than the largemouth. If you can figure out where they are in their seasonal movements you can likely still catch them post front.

As the toils of 5 days draw closed, Saki and Geishas abound. = T.G.I.F.

Welcome to the forum. There are so many variables that it's hard to say what the answer is. Start by reading back posts, especially the pinned topics and don't overlook the library of informative articles. As for your slow production at the pond, that could be due to population, pressure, weather, season..... The general principles regarding fish location in bigger lakes apply to ponds too. If there is a dam or inlet check there. Walk the edge of the pond scouting with polarized glasses for any cover like a weedline, stupms, rocks drop offs... Comb the bottom of the pond with a Carolina rig and feel for any bottom contour or composition changes as well as brush, weeds etc. Senkos are as close to a sure thing as there is in fishing, but sometimes they want something faster falling so try T rigs and jigs in the same spots. Good luck

Networking through clubs, tourneys, forums gatherings etc. and being helpful where you can will likely get you more invites than lurking at the ramp. I'd me more concerned about becoming fish food myself than scaring someone else.

I've used a few Batson blanks in the past and liked them. I'm not totally convinced that the new lineup is much more than renaming and branding which imo doesn't justify the price increase. I always liked their titanium color though.

Ummm, aren't you forgetting the handle length restrictions? Amateurs....

IMO being proficient with different types of tackle not only gives you more options, it enhances the overall fishing experience. Casting, spinning, fly, center pin, and even trolling have produced catches of bass and other species.

That's probably a $10 job +/-

It shouldn't really matter. The only right way to fix a guide is to replace it anyway.

Except on Casual Friday

There are too many different handle designs for a universal grip. Some are riveted and not replaceable at all.

The reel itself is worth about $50-$65. It's more a matter if the extra is worth it to you personally.

Who's on a Pro Staff is the last reason I would buy any product. I can't speak for the finished rods but Phenix makes some nice blanks.

Keep in mind that it's likely that the contamination (sand, grit etc) on the braid is what's doing the damage not the braid itself. There are also levels of SS hardness too. Assuming that all imported rods are sub standard is a stretch. I'm all for US made products, but the sad reality is that there aren't many anymore.

The ambassadors are built like tanks. They have a high line capacity making them a good choice for throwing big swim baits and musky spinners, bait fishing for catfish, all kinds of apps

Joining two lines actually requires back to back Uni-Knots. They're a strong knot but not as slim as an Albright. If the diameters are very different the double Uni can be a better choice as I've had Albrights slip if the leader is significantly smaller diameter. This was a stop gap measure though, not a normal rig that I tie.

An experiment like this^^ might give you second thoughts about swinging fish into the boat too.

The idea of a handle spliced to a blank isn't horrible. I've done it to achieve lengths and powers not readily available. The problem is the poor way it was done causing it to come apart. This could easily fall under "what you don't know won't hurt ya". If we hadn't seen this one example users of these rods would continue to recommend them. They still may.

There is no right or wrong but I'm curious what the percentage is of left handed people in the population, how many of the lefties that fish prefer right handed reels, and how many righties like me prefer left handed reels. If a company outsources manufacturing to an existing factory that has two production lines already I don't see why they wouldn't grab whatever piece of the lefty market they can. On the flip side, the cost of implementing their own second line is probably substantial enough to justify needing a minimum market share to even consider it.

The two piece blank is what I find most disturbing. The guides at least are plainly visible so you can factor them into a purchase decision.

I'll use minima4 double waged guides on a light rod and have yet to repair one of them but always use ringed tops