Delaware Valley Tackle

John, What did you swap metal washers for thicker/thinner? I presume this was due to a main gear that was not as deep as the original.

Reels should be deep cleaned annually, more often for heavy use or harsh conditions. To do the job right, the reel is stripped to the frame, degreased, cleaned, inspected, bearings flushed, properly re-lubed, reassembled and bench tested.Properly lubed means grease on gear teeth, light oil on bearings and sliding parts, light oil on worm gear. Make sure to have a schematic in front of you before opening any reel. DIY is not out of the question by any means, but it's not for everyone. The cost of a service is only $16.20 for members (10% off $18). shipping is extra.

If you want a gear set installed it can be done as part of a standard clean/lube service for no extra cost. The cost of the parts I just pass along. If you want to DIY, Jfrancho posted the part numbers.

The cases appear to have room, Shimano can confirm before ordering parts. You need main and pinion gears for the same side retrieve.

Rinse it thoroughly under clear running water immediately upon return or after use. Lay them out to dry completely and you should be fine. If this is a regular thing I suggest having them deep cleaned more than once a year just to be safe

Keep the two fish and throw them in the water. We'll be way ahead in the long run. lol

A less than full spool must turn more to retrieve a set amount of line. The same holds true for line going out via the drag, which is why drag force increases as the spool shrinks. Of the three affects though, I doubt this one would be noticed in the normal course of fishing. If the spool is underfilled, it's underfilled when you start out and set the drag.

There's really no way to address this without opening the reel. Let me know what model reel it is and I'll let you know if it's worth sending in to have it looked at. A full reel service is $18 and members get a 10% discount. (shipping is extra) Mike

To the bevel or 1/8" from the rim are both good rules of thumb. Under-filled spools will hinder casting as well as IPT. As for having a noticable affect on the drag, I'm skeptical.

I'd re-tip that rod and use it. The difference will likely be imperceptible while fishing.

6'6" M/F with a softer tip. St Croix Avid for one over the counter. I may even go as short as 6'. If you're tall 7' might still be comfortable for you especially from a boat deck. What ever is comfortable and keeps you from slapping the water with the tip.

$8.06 ea (-10% off retail) ABEC5 $4.50 for ABEC1 these should suffice as a handle bearing

If a decent quality lube was used you'll be fine. Graphite rods are much less likely to take a set after being stored but they should not be stored leaning or any other way that puts a bend in them. As far as warping just from heat, no need to worry.

"I think we're gonna need a bigger boat."

When Spider Wire was really catching on they sold a reel with something similar. I think they called X-wrap or some such thing. With the rounder, smoother braid now days digging is much less of a problem. Modern braid is also much less abrasive than its predecessors.

Like lots of other folks I grew up fishing spinning tackle that I casted with my right and retrieved with my left. I added spincasters that I casted then swithed the rod to my left hand so i could crank it with my right hand. As a result, today I have many right handed baitcasters. When casting to targets and making short casts where you can get bit as soon as the bait hits the water I missed some strikes while switching hands. As a result I have acquired several "lefty" baitcasters. I cast with my right and just start reeling with my left just like I do with spinning tackle. I just think it's much more efficient to cast and handle the rod with my dominant hand and crank with the other. It's so engrained in me that I fish both ways but always advise new anglers to not start switching hands if they don't have to.

Ideally the rods are stored hanging horizontal and well supported or in a stand up rack not leaned in a corner and the reels are covered with an old sock or something. As long as your dry and out of the elements you should be fine.

Actually, a righty baitcaster is what a lefty wants. It avoids learning the bad habit of switching hands.

The stripper guide on a spinning rod should be at least 1/2 the diameter of the spool. This is even more important with the heavy line. Slightly under-filling the spool will help as well. Pull out several yards of line and tie it off giving it a good stretch then spool it back on treating it with KVD line and lure. You didn't mention which reel she's using. Something in the 4000 size or a wide arbor might be easier to manage than a smaller reel.

The handle bearings are not a size I stock,but can certainly get them in a few days if anyone's interested.

Try just nose-hooking them

BassResource.com has haters????

By closing the bail by hand you ensure that the line is on the roller when you start cranking. There can be some drag as the line slides across the bail wire. This is no magic or cure all by any means but I find that it helps some. A certain degree of line twist just comes with the territory of spinning tackle.

You called it.

I agree as well. exceeding the lure weight, especially on a heavy rod like that should not be a problem. Just take it a little easy.