Delaware Valley Tackle

I can’t tell from the pic. In the meantime try a drop of heavy oil put between the grip and handle so it can seep down in.

Ya right. Even then just the heel of your hand is on the grip. Not to say it’s completely irrelevant just not a high priority.

I can see not paying for name or hype but not scrimping on line after all that’s invested in rods, reels, boats and time.

To me grips are more aesthetic than functional. I’m either palming the reel or holding the seat and stem with very little contact with the grip.

Sorry but I have to disagree with this advice. As JF said, use the rod to move the fish and keep pressure on. Reel to keep slack out of the line.

Max drag is kinda like bearing count in that it’s just something for reel mfg to talk about. Has no practical application in actual fishing or overall quality.

I find myself leaning more toward ML power spinning rods. 2500 size reel is plenty, 1000 would actually work. Pflueger is probably still best bang for the buck spinning reels but the competition is closing in.

I float fish for steelhead with a 13’ rod held tip up all day long. The “balance” point is probably 2’ in front of the reel. Lol.

Good rule of thumb when it comes to heat and rod blanks, don’t apply more than you can handle bare handed. Granted it may require a touch extra on the hot melt glue but Touch is the baseline I use.

1/8-1/4 ball head jig

You got lucky. Some bails are a nightmare to get the springs in right.

If the guide came apart the first few uses you could blame defect. After a year it’s at best questionable and at worst unlikely. A tip top is <$5 part two way shipping would be 10x that or more.

Warranty it. Just take it to the store and swap it.

Yup that color is $$ Keepin that one under my hat lol

In my experience gin clear water usually means smaller profile, natural colors and long casts.

"Expect" should be 100%. Real results, I never measured, but If I miss or loose multiples in a short time I'll change something. What depends on conditions.

The only application where a 7:1 reel might have a mechanical disadvantage would be deep cranking and/or high resistance bait retrieve.

There are just too many variables and preferences for any kind of generalized concept of 'balance" to be valid. Like JF said, trial and error and decide for yourself what you like.

You should be fine. The limits of each rod will have to be determined through trial and error. "Med" etc varies from brand to brand and sometimes line to line within brands. It's all subjective.

"Micro" covers a range of guide sizes so It's hard to say for certain, but your line is really light so I wouldn't expect any problem. You also skipped an option, straight braid. I use it all the time in very clear water with no problem.

Hey man I agree 100%. That’s what I meant about it being over thought. The varying grip part applies more to spinning rods. I was generalizing about the whole balance thing. Nothing aimed at you or your post. Sorry for the misunderstanding.

This has got to be the most over-thought topic in bass fishing. There is no right or wrong, 100% personal preference. Then the variables of how you grip the rod. In the end you have a bait, wind, current all pulling at times.

Just resist the urge to lock it down. Let it do its job.

Nothing by definition. It’s all subjective so it depends on the makers. Spinning rods in the same line may run less powerful than a casting rod with similar labels.

If it rains and you get warm runoff try tight to the bank with Colorado blade spinners.