Delaware Valley Tackle

Most of the key features have been hit on. Metal frame, good drag, strong bail wire, quality line roller. Match the reel to the rod as suggested. As for servicing, I don't like those ports at all. You're just throwing new lube on top of old which could actually do more harm than good, but not likely catastrophic. Spinning reels should be maintained the same as your baitcast reels depending upon use.

What is "Breaking the bank" to you?

You can save a lot of money on quality merchandise by not insisting on the latest & greatest model. I bought a 201E7 yesterday for $119. I do this with tackle, cars, motorcycles, computers.... Don't hesitate to negotiate a significant discount. The retailer has money tied up in the inventory and they need to turn it over. As far shelf life of rods, I see stuff that makes me cringe whenever I browse the rod section at a retail store. The chances that something has been mishandled is about the same regardless of what model year it is. If I was going to buy a rod off the rack I wouldn't worry about it anymore than usual.

Welcome, and thank you for your service!

Sounds like something may be rattling around inside the reel. Even if it's not a problem right now it may be later. Small problems tend to become big problems if ignored. After a year of use the reel could probably use servicing anyway. If you'd like to send it in I'll take care of it. Forum members get a 10% discount making a service $16.20 plus parts and shipping. You can pm, email or call me if you have any questions. Mike

Being a terminal rig, drop shot can be used in a variety of situations. If you are planning on vertical finesse fishing in relatively open water, St Croix 6'8" Avid ML/XF is hard to beat. I know they aren't on your list but you can look for similar specs. I'd scew the budget toward the rod and go with a President etc. reel.

These are one of my go to baits. As stated, skirt forward on a 4-O EWG hook. Most hits are on the fall or first twitch. If fisging all the way back I retrieve them with short drags and pauses. Green Pumpkin, Watermelon and Black are about all the plastic colors I typically use.

Yup, I rarely go above 6lb on spinning. I've also gone to braid and leaders on most of my spinning rigs.

Hvy-XHvy/Mod Fast 7'6"+ length. I don't like adding weight to any rod but will use a full grip on a flippin' stick to balance out the longer length. Strong yet light guides also help. I spiral wrap and use micros but you won't find that design over the counter.

7' Med/Fast spinning rig for light line (<10lb) and lures (<1/2 oz) 7' MH/Mod casting for cranks & other trebel hook lures After that you'll be looking at technique specific setups

Another advantage to the deep spool is that the weight of the line adds mass to the spool which adds casting distance due to the inertia. On the opposite side a shallow wiffle spool is light and will start up easier to aid casting light baits.

A well tied Albright or Alberto knot should pass through micro guides down to a size 4 no problem.

Tite Bond wood glue is water proof and will sand nicely with hardly any lines visible. The other alternative is a two part epoxy.

Spinning, bait casting and even fly fishing tackle each have their time and place in bass fishing. Each is capable of a certain level of flexibility but none can do it all. The individual has to decide if they have enough flexibility to suit there personal needs.

Tungsten has a much higher melting point than lead so you should be fine powder coating them. Baking powder coat cures it and makes it much more durable but is not a necessity.

I haven't handled any of the Villain rods but I don't see anything in the specs that would render them unusable for what you want. With rod ratings being subjective, the only way to know for sure is to try one if your budget allows for a little roll of the dice.

"....I do not like the way the reel twists on top with larger fish." A spiral wrapped rod eliminates this problem. You get the best of both worlds.

Here's a comparison that TT did. I don't take everything they say as gospel just more food for thought. http://www.tackletour.com/reviewfluorocarbontest.html

If ABU marketing about the Villain being built specially for that reel is the driving force here, don't get too hung up on that. There are a lot of choices out there for a light weight sensitive rod for finesse fishing.

There several sources for high quality blanks and many have full line-ups for a variety of techniques. One of the nice things about a custom build is working with your builder to finds the perfect blank for what you want to do. This often means crossing brand lines but not always. Email of call if you'd like to discuss in detail. Unless it's for sentimental reasons I discourage rebuilds. They are labor intensive and there's always a chance of damage being done in the process.

You've already made your purchase so make the most of it regardless of our opinions. This is a lower end reel and probably wont last more than a season or two in which case you got your money's worth. My suggestion for the future is to post prior to making a purchase. With a budget range and idea what you want to do with the reel, you'll get lots of helpful suggestions.

You're probably ok with the 844 on the 3/8 stuff but not in the sweet spot. The 853 is better choice for the light jigs. You can go even lighter for the unweighted plastics. I throw them on a M/F spinning rig. The plastics themselves vary in weight so your results depend somewhat on what actual bait you want to throw. A 5" Senko would probably be a match for the 853 where as a 4" zoom might be over powered by that rod.

We have pretty much the same format except for the draw is blind and done at the monthly meeting prior to the tx. We try not partner with the same person twice in a season. I don't usually ask for the front even though it's my "right" according to the rules but it is offered regularly. Unlike your experience I don't feel like I've been back boated at all. I've actually had partners get a limit and say stuff like, "let me turn the boat so you can hit that stump.." I think each club has it's own culture and attitude. This may be something that can be changed with time if a sincere effort to do so exists. The other option is to search for another club that's a better fit.

Modern braids are much more round and smoother so they'll lay nicely on any reel. I run 50-65lb on casting reels and 20lb on my spinning reels.

My oldest son will be 22 in a few weeks and man I just don't know where it went. As the man of the house you have to provide but that doesn't mean sacrificing everything for every last cent. Seems to me you can spend some time with the family and still meet your work obligations. As for considering the wife's feelings on the topic, that's a two way street. Hear her out but expect the same in return.