Delaware Valley Tackle

Also don't take for granted that two supposedly identical rods will fish the exact same on the same reel. Each blank has it's own personality and even "identical" blanks vary slightly. This is the reason I do static guide placement on every rod build no matter how many times I've used a particular model blank.

Yup, the rod doesn't know what you're using it for and some of the light salt water rods have a little bit different power and action. I have an inshore blank that makes a nice frog rod. soft tip but fast and lots of back bone.

What price rang? The St Croix line from Avid level up is hard to beat and has a ton of models to choose from.

Cabin Creek spider grubs are HUGE here in PA

Once the water conditions have been addresssed color is important in as far as giving you confidence. If you believe in a color you will fish it longer and be more attentive which is what I think leads one color to work over another for the most part. The experiment above is interesting but probably not scientifically conclusive. There is no way to tell whether or not you'd have gotten bites at the same time and location with another color because that particular opportunity has passed. I feel color palys a role, more some days than others but it's way down on the priority list for me.

This will work anytime the bass are suspended. I've recently gotten into steelhead fishing and will be trying out a center pin float rod combo on the Delaware River smallies a little later on. I'm anticipating good things, but we'll see.

First off, welcome to the forum Wapiti. Now, please take all this as intended as it's meant to be constructive. Modern graphite rods have a level of brittleness that is the trade off for lighter weight with the same stiffness. As a result we must pay a little more attention to proper rod handling. 99% of all blank failures are the result of handling or use otherwise they would fail on the first trip out. From what you described my guess is that you are doing a snap cast with a weight near or above the rods rating. At any rate, any free replacement is good service on the part of Shimano. I know some of their higher end rods come with a replacement plan but those have been debated to death in other threads. The grip style has absolutely no bearing on hooksets, sensitivity or any other performance aspect of the rod. If you just don't like it, that's OK, but to fix your issue you need to look elsewhere. Line, hooks, baits, and mood of the fish can all affect hook up ratio. IMO you're getting a deal in a free upgrade of your rods with the help of a good local retailer. My advice is to be patient, don't look a gift horse in the mouth and consult the forum for help with hook up ratio, seasonal patterns, equipment advice etc...

Lots of people fish braid for everything, you should be fine. You can always tie on a fluoro leader if think conditions call for it.

Yes, setup is critical for the SX to work it's best

x2. If you decide to experiment with different ratio reels, look at IPT (Inches of line retrieved Per Turn of the handle) which is the most meaningful measurement.

x2 - The Avid is the best bang for the buck. As you go up the ladder in any line the differences between models narrows a bit.

Good point. The rod definetely needs to be appropriate for the weight being thrown.

A centrifugal brake comes on as the spool starts to spin and eases as the spool slows helping to prevent the line from being fed faster than it's being pulled out (backlash). The Mag brake is linear as it puts consistent pressure on the spool. This is most evedent at the end of the cast as the bait loses momentum, the spool slows preventing over-run. The mag will be most helpful casting into the wind or throwing baits with non-aerodynamic profiles like a spinner-bait because they lose momentum quickly.

The SX is a smooth and well casting reel especially after flushing and lubing the bearings correctly. I prefer centrifugal braking and feel the few $ difference for the STX is well worth it for the dual breaks and other features. If budget is a concern the S casts well and has the cent. brake only. If you can deal with the mag brakes and are a competent caster you'll like the SX

If you really want a lighter, crisper rod in the length of 7'5" I can build you what you want within your budget.

The heavier gauge hooks require a little more power to get a good set

Look's like you hit'em right, way to go!

My club experience has been just the opposite. We have 22 members with a 55/45 boater ratio. I've fished with each boater over the last couple of years and have not had a negative experience. I've had guys say " Come up here abd throw in this bed a couple times" or "I've got a good limit, let's get you a couple more bites". The point is, this particular club may not be the best fit for you. I agree that co-anglers should be appreciative of the boater's hospitality, but if the boater thinks any co-angler is just a free-loader, don't extend the invite and treat your guest poorly, stick to team or individual formats.

Anyone with a budget for a top end Gloomis would do well to consider a custom build. There are equally high performing blanks available, including from the real Gary Loomis and others.

The Avid is built on a much better blank than the GL2 IMO.

The mere number of bearings or guides don't necessarily mean better quality or performance by themselves. Both Revos are good reels. I prefer the centrifugal braking found in the S. It's much more user friendly. A flush of the bearings will make the S cast very well. Rods with micro guides sometimes use 1-2 extra guides but the over all weight savings are significant especially in the tip. I'd save a little on the reel and invest in the highest end rod you can fit into your budget to build a combo for plastics and jigs.

The features of a casting reel that make light casting easier are a light weight, low capacity spool and good bearings. The Curado 50E and Daiwa Sol are two examples.

No problem. Traveling for work or fun?

I'm seeing less of this recently though.

I emailed a quote a while back hopefully you got it. Full price on a build like you described runs $207 plus excise tax ($10) and shipping ($35 +/-). `10% off makes the members price $186.30. All the rods I build use static testing guide placement for max performance and custom fit grips and handles. PM or email me to be sure I have your right email address.