Delaware Valley Tackle

An automotive bumper paint is flexible as is Krylon outdoor and either can be used to paint a rod. There are topcoats of similar makeup that will protect the paint. Custom tackle and rod building suppliers also sell suitable paints.

Maybe some of the mentioned baits on a drop shot.

Wow, Those are impressive numbers and size! Looks like the trip of a lifetime. Congrats.

Consider trying some Small cranks and in-line spinners.

FWIW, concentrate on locating fish. Once you can do that consistently, you won't feel the need for "magic" lures.

Generally I fish them weightless on a EWG off-set worm hook. They also make special keel weighted hooks to fish them deeper. They can also be nose hooked on a drop-shot rig and other ways. I throw them all year over weeds around docks and wood or when I see bait being chased to the surface. If you search the topic there are lots of posts and articles on the topic.

Sorry, I got the posts confused, and it's only Monday! Gonna be a long week....

If it's a C4 it would be 5600. C3 is 5500. Is this the reel you have posted in the flea market or another one? That one is a 5500 C3 from the pic.

You can get by with Med Hvy/ Fast graphite rod for just about any bass fishing application. Check the flea market forum here for deals on better, used equipment. Get the best you can afford and upgrade when you can.

More important than brand is application. Only use an actual drag grease on the drag washers. I like Shimano's or Cal's. You don't need to be "Afraid" to use what you bought. Make sure all old lube is removed especially when changing brands. Worst case, it may need servicing a little sooner than if higher quality lubes are used. Let me know if you need a hand with anything. Mike

Yup

Don't fix what aint broke.

You might want to check out the MHX 2 piece travel blanks. I've used the one piece with great results.

Micros also improve casting accuracy. Picture a gun barrel, the better the fit, the more accurate the shot.

The Cabontex drag washers from Smoooth Drag are the real deal. In addition to making sure the spring washers are installed correctly, make sure there is no oil on the drag and only grease made specifically for that application. Also store the reel with the drag loosened.

I mainly fished out of the St Johnsville marina, but have fished quite a bit all the way down through Amsterdam.

No way! I have a 15 yr old, and if I could have my way, she wouldn't cross the street by herself nowadays. Seriously, I give her room to grow, but I'm always watching whether she knows it or not.

IMO the MH covers a broader range of baits and cover scenarios. Anything too light to handle with this can go on a spinning rod.

A full synthetic may require an adjustment in the ratio injected or mixed. That could be why you were told not to run it. If the instructions are followed, any quality outboard oil should work fine.

When I lived near the Mohawk River-Barge Canal in Upstate NY, the rip-rap lining the banks where favorite spots. I threw a deep diving crankbait and really banged it off the rocks with little pauses thrown in. I found wobble and rattle more of a factor than color in what they wanted on a particular day.

Wallenpaupack is right off I84 about 30 miles from Port Jervis NY. Only problem is gets crazy with pleasure boaters, jet skis and the like. Early or late are you best bet.

The potential gain by super tuning a reel depends completely upon the model and condition of the reel to start out. There are some quality reels that can be taken to the next level like older Curados and Ambassaeurs. If you are unsure, have the reel properly cleaned and lubed first. That makes a noticeable difference in just about any reel. Super Tuning is largely for enthusiasts that are just into high performance stuff. I use the analogy of high performance cars. Reeves Callaway super tunes Corvettes. The people that buy these aren't driving 200 mph everywhere they go, but they know they could if they wanted to. 8-)

Putting 1 drop of light oil on the races of the spool bearings should quiet your reel until you can get it serviced. Wipe them down as best you can to get the obvious crud off especially around the level wind. If you experience worsening symptoms, you may want to have a reel serviced sooner rather than later. Let me know if you have any specific questions. Mike

Heddon Tiny Torpedo in baby bass color.

Welcome Scott! I'm also from Upstate NY, about 90 miles east of Syracuse. There are several forum members from your area. I'm sure they'll chime in.