Delaware Valley Tackle

The whippy action of the Reese W&M (which I don't care for at all) must be by design, but just because it works for Reese (VanDam.....) doesn't mean it's for everyone. Bass Pros are like NASCAR drivers in that they really work in advertising. A lot of them don't use sponsor's products exclusively, or I suspect at all in some cases. A reel seat mis-aligned by 180* getting through QC is bad enough, but to post the pic in advertising? Gotta make you wonder what's going on over there.

I'm experimenting with this product as well with similar results. I'm not sure yet if a single treatment will last a whole season or not, or if there are advantages in real world fishingn appliactions. The 301's solvent evaporates so fast I haven't seen any adverse affects as of yet. Let us know what you find and I'll do the same.

Practice with a little heavier weight, like 3/4 oz. Think of it like learning to drive. Concentrate on smooth acceleration and braking. Hitting your target will get you more bites than casting a mile.

If you're talking about the Supreme XT, the 9230 size holds 145 yards of 6lb line which is plenty for bass fishing. It is an ounce and a half lighter than the 9235. 1.5 oz doesn't sound like a lot but it's 16%. Looking at the layout of that rod, the smaller reel looks like a good match. You can always weight the butt slightly if you feel the need although my preference is to almost never add weight to a rod.

The side pocket is good sized. I've put a small tupperware type box in it with odd stuff.

Sounds like you could use something in between the two. Med or MH fast action. If the top water is the only trebel lure you throw often that's a decent compromise. Phil's right though about generally using a slower action rod for trebel hook baits, even then there is some debate.

I've used mine all last year and this year and it's held up raelly well. My wife orders regularly with no problems other than occasional back orders. You just decide to either wait or take a refund. I just talked to her and it was at Lakeside that she got mine. If they're in stock shipping is usually quick. Like I said, don't let the price scare you, these things are well built. Finally something of value for your buck! You could order 10 and sell them at $20 a piece and that's still a deal imo.

A Mag Med lies between Med and Med-Hvy all of which are subjective terms and relate only to that line of rods. I agree that the Avid is a better choice for the specific use you mentioned. As I posted in another thread recently my advice is to resist buying tackle that isn't what you want just because it's on sale at a good deal. All too often you end up with money tied up in stuff you don't use, or forcing yourself to use something just because you spent money on it.

Jitterbug is an awsome top water especially at night. I cast it and let it sit until the ripples settle. Slow steady retrieve from there. An occasional pause may help trigger bites, the fish will tell you. I get a number of strikes as soon as it hits the water, others when you start to move it and lots as it wobbles back.

You've got the budget for a couple quality rods. Email me for details or with questions. DVT Custom 7' MH/Mod Glass Crankin rod - Lami sr705 equiv - $240 (-10%) 6'9" ML/XF Drop Shot - MHX high mod - $230 (-10%) Academy - Curado E5 $119 Fishermans Factory Outlet - Pflueger Supreme $52.88 $595 plus shipping

If the bearings have been ruled out as the source of the noise, check the joint of the spool shaft sections. Make sure it is clean and put a very light grease film on the joint.

This is a good way to go if the river is open enough to work the longer rod. I'm building a 6'8" ML/F as a stream smallie rod for a member and it's going to be sweet.

Welcome eagles. I'm in NEPA as well. Milford, PA. PM or Email me anytime to compare notes on local spots.

At the $200 price point you can do better than the GL2. St Croix Avid for one.

That's the one I've got. Surpisingly well crafted for such a low price. They sold out quick and were on backorder for a while last year.

As tempting as a slip bobber is, the flies are too light to pull the line through often times. Peg the bobber with rubber stops and adjust as needed. To cast long leaders, backcast and lay the line out on the water. The drag of the water will load the rod on the forward cast and launch your rig. Days with a light chop seen to give the jig all the action it needs.

Yup, almost Identical. Mine was real cheap like $10 plus shipping. I think it was Lands End but she's not here to confirm.

I've got an awsome canvas one my got me from one those gift catalogs she gets. It holds 5 combos in sheaths on the outside plus has a deep duffle type compartment. I'll ask her again where she got it.

Absolutely. We guarantee our work 100% and IMO anyone worthy of your business would do the same. Use levels and conditions vary but for a weekend warrior a service should last the season if your reel handling practices are reasonable.

Nope just the opposite. The C4 has a 6.3:1 gaer ratio and takes up 30" LPT with more line capacity. Revo LPT is 27.8. Low profile reels are all the rage but those round reels are tanks. For an all around multispecies reel the c4 is a good way to go.

I find a palomar a little difficult to tie with braid. You're right it doesn't slip, but it's also hard to cinch down. I use a uni knot, sometimes as a snell.

Line memory is the main drawback to fluoro lines and 25# is pretty heavy making matters worse. Flipping and pitching are prime applications for baided lines. If you want to experiment further with straight fluoro try it for casting spinner baits, t-rigs or jigs. Personally, I don't care for fluoro for anything but leaders.

You'll want to make longer casts in super clear water as well. The fish will tell you what they want for retrieve speed. Make note of what you were doing when you get bit and try to duplicate.

John and I have discussed our experiences servicing Steez reels and I can second his perception. I've also seen things you wouldn't expect in a top line reel.

Bank fishing has two opposing challenges. As you mentioned the brush can limit the room you have to work with as far as casting. On the other side, casting distance is important when shore bound. Going to a 6'6" would be a good compromise especially since you have the 5'6" to compliment. You didn't mention a budget but the Pflueger spinning reels are a good bang for the buck. I use Presidents but the Trion is not bad if your budget can't cover the $60 for the President. Pair the reel in a 2500 size with a a Med power Fast action rod of the highest quality your budget can handle. As far as line, you may just need to respool or step up in quality. If you have heavy weeds and wood you might consider braid with a 10 ld leader if necessary.