Delaware Valley Tackle

In a retail setting, inventory control/management is critical. Clearance sales in/of themselves are a common tool and nothing to be scared of. Due diligence prior to any purchase is always good practice.

Casting performance on a spinning rod relies greatly on the reduction guides (first 3-4 from the spool face). This where the coils of line coming off the spool are tamed to run efficiently through the running guides whether they are micros or not. On a custom build we choose and space the guides based partly on the reel being used so it's a good idea to bring the reel and test ANY over the counter rod you invest in.

A straight forward performance rod can be built without breaking the bank. Don't rule out custom rods if you can't find just what you want over the counter.

If you want to do true C-rigging the MH rod will suit you better. For the finesse techniques stick with a medium or even Med Light depending on the actual size of the bait and cover being fished.

x2 There is definitely something more at play here than the use of small guides. BTW The advantage of using "micro" guides is weight savings and the resulting sensitivity. Improved accuracy and casting distance is possible but IMO just icing on the cake.

The Winch has a solid spool shaft and I've had very good results tuning them. The infini-spool full floating spool design in the Toro Winch and other Revos sx/stx/premier/mgx renders super tuning ineffective. The main friction point in a solid spool shaft design is between the spool shaft and inside the pinion gear. In full floating designs that section of the spool shaft is disengaged from the spool during casting. Even though Revos come with carbon drags I still see some improvement running Carbontex and the upgrade relatively inexpensive. I'm a Smooth Drag dealer and extend a 10% off retail discount to members here.

Getting a better quality reel 2nd hand will make learning less frustrating. Look for a Shimano Citica, ABU Revo S, BPS Pro Qualifier or Pflueger. I feel centrifugal brakes are more user friendly than magnetic brakes but either way you'll need to learn to feather the spool with thumb pressure to get the best performance. There are articles and videos on the site here to help get a baitcaster setup and adjusted, check them out for more tips.

If you have a current model with the infini spool design there is no advantage in super tuning that particular reel since the friction point we would polish have been taken out of the equation.

Would you consider having one built? I have some ideas for a real light, sensitive blank and we can customize the look to match the reel.

The advantage you can gain from Super Tuning and bearing upgrades depends largely on your casting ability. I feel the biggest advantage to faster spool speeds is in accuracy since it takes much less effort to cast when free-spool is improved. On a cost/advantage basis I recommend: 1. Professional clean & lube with stock bearings. 1a. Carbontex drag upgrade. 2. Super Tune (applies only to solid spool shaft design like Shimano uses) 3. ABEC7 ceramic hybrid spool bearings. 4. Spool and/or handle replacement.

If you can't find exactly what you want I can build it for $175 TYD assuming you're not interested in running it up with a lot of bling.

Definitely not if shipping is involved. As a walk-in I'd get $24 for this type of repair. I agree, even at that the price effectiveness is a close call. My main point is that the option of repairing a blank need not be summarily dismissed.

I live in Milford (Pike County)next door to Wayne. This whole area is peppered with small electric-only lakes. Promised Land State Park for one. Email or PM me off-line and I can give more particulars. Click on my banner for contact info.

Granted it a big if, but IF done correctly a splice barely makes a perceptible difference in the action, much less than just chopping it off. The repair material must be a lower modulus (glass), proper length, etc. It's not easy but can be done with acceptable results.

Rods can be successfully spliced by a competent rod builder. 8" at the tip is an important part of the blank. As is, the rod will not load properly with the lure weights you've been using and the tip may be too stiff to be useful except with the heaviest jigs.

Same battery. That's the kind of life I was getting last year. I need to check over the motor and my charger to be sure everything is right. Thanks for the replies.

I'm getting about 4-5 hrs. of moderate to mod. hvy use of a 32 lb trolling motor with my Bass Raider. Is about average?

In a pinch you can move it that way if you have help but it's not practical for a day of fishing

If I had to hazard a guess I'd say they come from the same factory as ABU rods since it's a Pure Fishing. Don't know where the ABU stuff comes from either.

Between the two mentioned it's 6 of one half-dozen of the other. Calcutta and Ambassadeurs are the way to go if you'll reconsider round reels.

I second the assertion that you are over lubing. NEVER open a reel without the schematic in front of you and take care not to cross thread, over tighten and strip the heads of fasteners.

Even if a reel is capable I don't recommend locking down the drag. It puts undo strain on the equipment and is seldom necessary. Actually, 5lbs is sufficient in most scenarios.

A word of advice: don't get so stingy with the main line that the connecting knot becomes a hassle. They can rub the thumb on a baitcast reel or snag and shorten casts on a spinning reel.

It's nearly impossible to diagnose without seeing the reel. I'll be happy to take care of it if you'd like to send it in. Provide your screen name and I apply a 10% members discount.

I wouldn't say one is better than the other when it comes to mag vs. cent. Dual braking obviously provides more adjustment possibilities but that may or may not even be necessary. An educated thumb is required to get the best performance from any setup. My personal preference is for cent brakes. Dual are ok but not a "must have" and mag only are my least favorite even though I do fish some.