S Hovanec

Unless they're in 50' in Lake Erie! I RARELY feel the take. When i get slammed, it's a catfish or sheephead.

Domestic Market

I have one D and 4 SF's. I wouldn't trade them for any of the new ones.

Also, cut the baits in to small chunks. They re-melt easier that way.

Custom. I don't think the big manufacturers have thought the whole 'micro' thing through. they just slap micros on their rods and they'll sell, weather or not the type of rod lends itself to even have 'micro' guides on it. A custom builder will recommend if 'micros' are proper for your application and what size 'micro' would work for you. I think a lot of people's trouble with them is they aren't the proper guide cause they aren't for all applications.

your fix will work in a pinch. I've never seen a re-glued insert last more than a season or so.

I'm starting to warm up to some of the multi-piece offerings. They aren't your grandfather's 2-piecers. They no longer have those chrome plated brass ferrules. Blank technology has come a long way over the years. The ferrules are engineered into the taper and fit quite well. There is one particular model of St Croix that I prefer the 2 piece vs the one piece. The 3S76MLXF 2 piece is a touch more powerful than the one piece.

There is a BIG gap between M and MH in the Croix lineup. Their M is on the heavier side of M when compared to other's M's.

I do single foot guides for $7 + parts and double foot guides for $9 + parts. I believe those guides are some type of titanium alloy and they were a little more pricey. Think the last Veritas single foot repair i did was around $13.

I would think that any solvent would have the possibility of clouding the bill and possibly the bait, if it is clear. I'd suggest some type of citrus stripper, but I really don't know how it would react to clear plastic.

If they are floaters, I'd just scuff and repaint. If they are suspending, I'd strip the paint first. I have a couple suspenders that were repainted by a friend and he didn't remove the paint. Now they're sinkers.

Lucky Craft Man on here wraps ALL of his rods.....even his fly rods. Drives me NUTS!

Those new Avid surfs sure are pretty! I wish they offered that color on the scv blanks! Actually, that may be something you'll see from Croix in the near future.

Where are you located PABass? In PA? I'm in SW PA and would be able to replace that guide for you for way less than shipping it back. Much faster turnaround too.

I use #6 to 1/0 Owner Mosquitos depending on the bait, but I also have at least 3 dropshot rods rigged on the deck so I don't have to change hooks to change baits.

Here's a direct post for ya.

Cat.

It will be waterlogged in no time. Its an open cell insulation as far as I can remember.

Drop shot: 3S76MLXF.......Sustain 2000 5S69MLXF.......Stradic 2500Mg 5S610MLXF.....Sustain 2500 NFC DS6107 IM.......CI-4 Tube: 5S610MXF.......Sustain 2500

Pretty much all I do anymore is drop shot. If all I had to use was an Ugly Stick......I think I'd quit fishing and take up golf.

My experience with it on the 3 different occasions I've used it over the years: The only thing that Vanishes are the fish and lures.

1. Bluegill 2. Walleye (18"-21") 3. Perch 4. Crappie

L.B.F., T.W., Susquehanna Tackle and Monster Fishing Tackle get my business. They all offer free shipping on orders over $50 or $75.

I've been known to have a giant pink Poe's crank tied on when I show up for weigh-in but I've never 'told' anyone i was using it. They may have assumed it tho just by its presence on my rod. I have caught smallies over 100' of water on a Spook Jr. tho, so don't write off all goofy notions as someone pulling your chain.

Not all 5 minute epoxies are created equal. One designed for the task will remain flexible. I use ThreadMaster Ultimate Gel 5. I have globs of it all over mixing boards in my shop and it remains soft enough to dent with your fingernail.