Delaware Valley Tackle

A soft mono like Trilene XL treated with line conditioner should handle as well or better than the 8#. Personally the only use I have for 10# line is on a deep cranking setup. For everything else I go heavier or lighter.

I believe that's a 3wt fiberglass fly rod. Those old lures will still catch fish.

Ya, I've had those but don't like them. They don't push straight and can bend pins that are extra tight. Dawn at Smooth Drag was selling a good tool but they're $35.

There's something else in play here but it's almost impossible to diagnose without seeing and handling the reel. The PQ does respond really well to a good cleaning and/or tuning.

I've worked on a number of JDM reels and IMO the features vary but there is no giant leap in technology or quality. Owning these models is more of an enthusiast deal than practical one.

The steez like any other reel will benefit from properly flushing and oiling the bearings. Beyond that upgrading them will gain you slightly more.

Truth be told, 5lbs of drag is plenty for bass fishing. As for the OP, there's nothing wrong with your reel. I would suggest a carbontex upgrade for the main washer down the road.

Could be few different things. Start by checking the yoke (pinion gear collar)and be sure it is right side up. Make sure the AR sleeve is seated into the top drag washer so it drives the main gear. As a reminder: 1. I extend a 10% discount to members here making the cost $19.80 for a service. 2. If you DIY, never open a reel without the schematic in front of you. 3. Remember that the schematic is really a parts list and may or may not show order of assembly and parts orientation. Feel free to email, call or pm if you have questions or need help.

1. MH/F casting for baits 1/2oz> 2. M/F spinning for baits <1/2 oz 3. MH/Mod casting for treble-hook baits 6 1/2-7 ft. ea. This will let you cover all the basic bass fishing techniques. You can add technique specific rods as budget etc allows.

Either reel is sturdy enough to hold up to the task. The rod should be doing most of the work moving fish though.

I've seen this with reels that have been taken apart but never just from being used. If the AR slides into the frame too easily a wrap of Teflon tape will snug it up.

My contact with Pinnacle has been minimal compared to the big 4, but they have always been responsive and helpful. Their reels have come a long way and it will be interesting to see what they come up with. I think part of the reason their prices are better is that from what I can see, they don't spend nearly as much on marketing as the bigger names. If Pinnacle or anyone else for that matter maneuvers into a position to compete head-on with the others you'll see more parity in pricing and on the upper end. That's just how business works.

You pay for the drag system as part of the reel, so why not let it do its job? Disengaging the clutch with the drag locked down and fish pulling can damage the pinion. IMO, lip ripping violent hook-sets, swinging fish into the boat and general man-handling of the fish is over kill and disrespectful to the creature that gives us our sport.

How prominently does bass fry figure into an adult bass' diet? Is there any instinct against cannibalism in fish?

Silva's no fool. He knew he was physically outmatched and tried to get into the younger fighter's head to force a mistake. Obviously didn't work. I don't agree with DW that clowning caused Anderson's loss, it just determined the Way he'd lose.

The issue with the Smoke is that the gears get noisy after some use. Nothing that affects performance but annoying some users. It is light and casts well though.

The new Daiwa will be competetive at the price point but nothing head and shoulders above what's already out there. Each brand has pluses and minuses but you're at the right budget for a quality reel. You'd have to try to go wrong and in the end it will boil down to personal preference. I'd go look at and handle some reels and then ask about a specific model for user feedback before purchasing.

I'll be happy to sell them to anyone here at 10%off retail but in good faith have to suggest proper flushing and lubing of stock bearings first.

I can see drag washers wearing especially that mushy stuff they call Dartanium. I upgrade them regularly with Carbontex. If you fished so hard as to wear out gears in one year the level wind, clutch and AR would likely be toast as well.

Anyone wishing to send reels can ship to: Delaware Valley Tackle 2739 Gold Key Lake Est. 124 Gap View Rd Milford, PA 18337 Enclose a work order from my website or a note with contact information and any pertinent details.

There is a point of diminishing returns but that's closer to $250> Up to that point you generally get a smoother, better casting, longer lasting reel with more features.

Daiwa makes good reels and I'm sure this is one of them. I wouldn't jump all over it just for the T wing thing. It's unique but not magic. IMO the level-wind design gets too much credit for a good casting reel.

The problem here is the rod and bait being thrown, not so much the reel. Even though a rod may be rated for 1/4oz ratings are subjective. The sweet spot usually lies near the mid-range of the rating as you approach the limits on either end you can expect some problems and needed adjustments.

I recognized the old Bantam profile immediately. I sold one to a guy to use as a crankbait reel. The idea being that the mechanical A/R's little slack would help from pulling the bait away too soon. This theory is floated by one of the old time BASS champs, I forget which one.

You're welcome. I do my best to make myself available for questions. Please don't hesitate to call or email if I'm not logged on to the forum.