Delaware Valley Tackle

Check out the Flea Market on this forum. Some really good deals to be had and you can buy with confidence. I've made a fe deals there and haven't been disappointed. The ABU Revo S is a forgiving yet quality reel to learn on.

x2 Our UPS guy is a tournament fisherman and fishes for steelhead in the winter. He's talked me into trying it (wasn't that hard) ;D

The rod probably has as much if not more to do with casting distance. Try swapping the reel onto a rod that casts well and see if that makes a difference. Make sure to use the same line and weight. Only then will you be able to diagnose a problem.

You can certainly do this yourself just like changing your own oil in car or truck, but an annual cleaning and inspection by a professional can be had for ,<$20 in some cases. Cheap insurance.

I like a shorter rod for spinnerbaits because I like to cast them at cover and underhand for a soft entry. Generally speaking longer for distance shorter for accuracy. Mine is a one I built on a MH/Fast graphite blank. It is matched to a 6.3:1 reel spooled with 14lb XL.

Remember to clean thoroughly. Never mix brands of lubricant in any application.

I haven't experienced much difference between brands of tubes, but I definitely do better with 31/2" for Smallies.

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There is a "Rocket Fishing Rod" sold on infomercials but even that need to be pumped with air, kinda like a Nerf Gun. I think maybe SpeedBead called when he said the time out with you is the real gift. God-speed to you and your cousin. ML

The difference is gear ratio. The 100 is 7.1:1 and the 103 is 6.3:1. As far as which one to pick, that's just personal preference. I've never used anything as fast as 7:1. Good luck. ML

X2

Remember whenever oiling a bearing to be very conservative with the oil. One small drop in the races is plenty. Add the oil drop to a spinning bearing to see the effect.

I do a lot of fishing from the banks, so a shorter rod is nice for working around overhead brush and walking thru brush to get to your spots. As far as leverage goes, I'm in the camp with RoLo and them. A shorter rod gives the angler more leverage (or the fish less).

I've had good luck throwing a jitterbug or Heddon's tiny torpedo both in dark color with a silver or gray belly. Cast upstream along seams in the current. I get most hits right after it hits the water or by giving it a twitch later in the drift.

A standard black ribbon tail worm would probably work as well as anything else to mimic a leach, which ain't a bad idea.

You said your rods are medium heavy, but what kind of action do the have? (Fast/Med./Slow)

I have a BPS reel and so far it seems to be of fine quality. One problem you can encounter with any house or signature brand is that the manufacturer can change from year to year. This make repair and maintenance challenging for anyone except where you bought it.

Check out the Tackle Underground website. That's a whole forum of tackle making threads. I think at least a few of the same folks post both places.

If you think the fish are deeper than the running depth of your lure, you can use a three way rig with an appropriate sinker on the drop line. Use a lighter weight line to the sinker so it will break off if you snag it.

Welcome Fisingreen! Where are you in Vermont? I have a sister that lives near Champlain up in Swanton. Great area for all kinds of outdoor activities. Have you ever fished the Champlain Derby over Father's Day week end?

My GM at work is big into United Way. I'm building a spinning rod on a St, Croix blank to raffle off as part or our company fundraiser. Still in design phase right now.

Very nice. Prepare for a new addiction!

I fish the Delaware here in PA and I've been seeing the bite change suddenly throughout the day. Try throwing some top water poppers and jerk-baits as well as swimming grubs, spinnerbaits and tubes.