Delaware Valley Tackle

Ruger M77 .270Rem w/3x-9x Redfield

The Shimano site has a cool feature where you can compare specs of current reels side by side. Check that out for feature and spec differences between models. Technique wise there isn't anything you can do with one that you can't do with the other model ina similar gear ratio.

That reminds me, the other thing about spray lubes is they contain petroleum distillates to make them sprayable. These sprays actually dissolve grease so don't get them anywhere near the internals of a reel.

Reel Magic is just silicone like WD40. The way it works is that it lubricates but actually slightly degrades the line hence softening it. KVD L&L is a coating that bonds to the line. KVD works better and is safer for the environment.

Pinnacle has really stepped it up with their higher end tournament class Optimus and Performa etc. These are relatively new offerings so I think the jury is still out to some degree especially on longevity. The ones I've handled may not be quite as refined as Shimano or Daiwa for example but definetely are not what I would call inferior by any means.

If you can swing a little bigger budget the investment will payoff. I recommend sticking with the PQ if you're going for a BPS reel. They go on sale regulary and matched with a decent rod you'll be set for a long time. Second hand quality tackle is a good way to go as well. Cheaper graphite flexes under strain which can put gears out of alignment. The flex doesn't allow for as tight of tolerances resulting in an overall less refined feel.

What you are describing is referred to as over-run, which causes the backlash. The SX is a pretty free running reel and will require thumb control. The Mag brakes are only to assist. Set them up as described above. You may also want to modify your casting stroke. Don't throw the bait too hard. A good rod will load with relatively little effort. A nice smooth easy cast lets the rod do the work and usually ends up in better accuracy and distance .

Congrats on being part of a fun show. The comedic/fishing theme reminded me a little of Fish Fishbourne

Each lineup has their quirks. Shimano's Curado/Citica/Chronarch design is probably the most simple yet effective. An argument could be made for Daiwa too. The ABU/Lews/BPS/Pflueger design uses plastic yoke posts and no pinion bearing.These are small details and unnoticeable for the most part. Past generations had some levelwind and clutch kick lever issues. Quantum is a head scratcher with some good design features but poor QC.

Were the fish suspended or on the bottom? I love the Ikas but have had the most luck in 8'<. Deeper I loose contact and if there's any drift at all they seem to float up aff the bottom.

Daiwa tends to pricey when comparing apples to apples but they might be seing the light on this with the new Lexa line. The price point is in the Curado territory and it looks good on paper.

See what they go for on Ebay etc. My guess would be $40+

The Lew's and Revos are vitually the same design. You won't see much difference between the two. For a real comparison try a Daiwa or Shimano maybe even a Pinnacle.

You can get by fishing a hollow frog on what you have. Braid is what you want for fishing slop but it has no correlation to the rod length. If and when you assemble a technique specific rig for frog fishing look for a 7'6" Heavy/Fast with a little softer tip. A longer rod and soft tip will help get longer casts as well as move lots of line for long distance hooksets and getting fish up out of the tangles. Either a 6.x or 7.x:1 reel ratio is fine but I'd reccomend something a little more stout with a good drag spooled with 50 or 65# braid.

Gambler is right in that the whole setup needs to be taken into account. You can even include weights in the formula. Tungsten is heavy and hard and transmits vibration well. I do however put a little more emphasis on the rod simply because there is such a wide variety of designs and quality levels out there.

The slope of the shoreline will extend into the water. Sheer banks typically lead to steeper drop offs. Dragging a C-rig around can help you map an area and find cover on the structure. Of course a lake map if available is a big help/

KVD L&L is a coating and won't cause line to stretch any more than it already does.

Overtightening the cast control will damage the shims so back that off. If the mag brake dial feels like it's working you can look inside the side plate for any obvious problem. It's probably just how the reel is designed. Mag only brakes (ie Revo SX) can be a handful until you get used to them. Concentrate on "educating your thumb" and you should be fine.

I'm sending your names to the producer of "Hoarders" lol

There is nothing wrong with the PQ, especially on sale which is frequent. Parts are readily available and sometimes upgradeable by swapping out Revo parts. They are by no mean what I would classify as a "throw away" reel. The Citica is also a very good value reel. The Caenan and down not so much. The Lew's design amd machining in very "Revo/Pfluegerish" as is the PQ. For a sub $100 reel no need to look much further than the PQ or clearance Revo S and Citica's.

Bad bearing noise is usually described as a screech. Reels are built to varying tolerances and designs. Where ever there are moving parts some degree of sound can be expected, whether or not the sounds rise to the level of noise, indicating a problem can only be determined by personal experience or a hands on inspection.

Good idea and well executed. Looks like it was "supposed to be" just how it turned out

On a budget the good ole Ugly Stik might do what you want: http://www.shakespeare-fishing.com/index_rods.html

Also a good top water and vertical finesse/drop shot rod. I like the shorter rod for in close casting to cover with those spinners.

Each manufacturer has their own naming convention and like Dwight said it becomes more clear with time. The examples in the OP are different generations as models evolved. The one constant is that the higher the number the larger the reel and greater line capacity. A 200 size is most common and all around reel. The Curado B is a classic workhorse reel, still fishable and can be had cheap. The D series is many people's favorite and is more refined but too heavy for some. The E series is probably the biggest bang for the buck and gets lots of love. The newest G has gone back to it's roots as a quality workhorse reel at an affordable price but lacks a few small features that the E had. If you post a budget range you'll get lots of good recommendations.