Bass Junkie

If you post the rod's model number, we can almost certainly tell you the action

If you can get somebody to help you, run a pencil/screwdriver through the spool's center hole, tie the line to your reel, and have the assistant hold the pencil/screwdriver and apply tension to the spool. Then, simply reel straight from the spool to your reel. Also, using a line manufactured with a precision winding technique such as Sufix helps more than you'd expect.

I hope someone cares enough about you to get you an Abu or Daiwa In all seriousness though, there is nothing wrong with Shimano

XCalibur Jimmy and the Lucky Craft Sammy are my personal favorites, but there's nothing wrong with a Spook, especially the One-Knockers.

Here ya go Zip Pow: http://www.hawgtech.com

They do, but only in the left hand model.

The nut under the nut retainer on the handle of the reel.The retainer is the silver object in the center of the handle bearing the Abu Garcia crest, and the nut is found under it.

Try a very slow rendition of the lift and drop retrieve using a 5'' Senko or the like, weightless rigged on an EWG hook.

Could you please elaborate? Have you ever had the handle off the reel? If so, tighten the nut down.

I personally use a 7'2" MH rod for practically all my jig and heavier plastic presentations. It also makes a nice hollowbellyl swimbait rod.

It's personal preference, but a fast action rod is usually not the best choice for rods. Most fisherman prefer a slower action, composite or fiberglass rod to allow a little forgiveness when the fish takes the bait, as well as shock absorption to prevent the hooks from tearing out one the fish is on.

Remove the spool from the reel, thread the tag end of the line coming from the spool through the level-wind eye, and tie it to the spool with an improved clinch knot.

I have never personally used them, but they are garnering a lot of positive feedback here, as well as on other forums.

The bliss of not having hard water...As opposed to us Yanks

I make the cast and let the lure fall as vertically as possible. If the water is deeper where I'm fishing I let the reel free-spool to achieve this vertical fall without having to deal with the pendulum effect. The strike usually comes as either a "tick" on the line, or the line moving sideways. I tend to follow the line with the rod tip to keep it semi-taunt, and then reel down and set the hook when I detect a strike. Just the way I do things, but it works for me.

This is true... My reels get re-lubed an average of 37 times a winter I do take all of my gear inside over the winter, mainly due more out of concern for the rods and hard-baits than reels, but why take chances?

I spoke to a gentleman that field tested a few, and he was highly impressed with them, but I personally have not had any hands-on experience with them.

I have not personally used the H2O Mettle, but if you venture south towards Texas, etc. you will find legions of users. They are a popular "budget" reel, and get good ratings from a lot of people.

You're average mono-filament will work just fine+.

I'd check out the Lucky Craft Wake Action as mentioned previously. Built like a tank and catches fish.

X3 On the Jackall I-Shad.

Jackall Cross Tail Shad is my personal favorite, and doesn't get a lot of press around here.

Sammy 85's, Pointer 78's, Spro Bronzeye Jr.'s, Live Pointer 95MR's, and 1/4oz. football jigs work well, but don't be afraid to throw bigger lures. I downsize only on the smallest of ponds.

Very good looking jig

You can spend hours fishing, catch nothing, and be happy.