Darren.

Since there's nothing on Shimano's site, this is when I'd give Shimano a call....

Ok, now you're talkin' In that range take your pick of Shimano, Daiwa, and Pflueger. Shimano Sahara FI (new model) has some great tech including X-ship. It makes a difference reeling. Pflueger President has a fantastic reputation. Daiwa Fuego, Exceler

That I can't answer. Those who have both reels you mention will hopefully chime in. And I didn't even check the pull-down menu for your reel, I assumed it would be there, but I don't see the CU70 anywhere in the list!

I'm curious, do you really mean spincasters like Zebco reels, or do you mean spinning reels. There's a lot of spinning reels for $60-100 but only a few spincasting reels...

I've used as low as 10# braid on a baitcaster, even caught my PB on that one (w/10# leader)...but now I use 20# PP. 15# PP Slick is on my spinning gear. So the answer is, of course you can use it, but you may find digging in to be an issue with that thin of braid...I don't have issue with the 20# digging in simply because I'm aware of the potential and if I have a snag, or fight, I always strip off line afterward before the next cast.

I do/will fish 'em on a TX rig, or smaller ribbon tails on a mojo rig. But TBH I don't fish them too often anymore. Might should get back into them this year...

Always help to be found here! Welcome aboard, @CFisherman2!

Read this morning that the threat has lessened thanks to hard work laying sand bags and so forth on the problematic spots, but the evac still stands, the danger is still clear and present. Edit: Just looked for link to that story, but can't find it... Stay safe to all there. Would be catastrophic damage if it fails.

Welcome aboard! Great reel by all reviews I've read. Got a Chronarch 50e myself, love it. I second the "contact Shimano" suggestion. You could also go online and buy direct from them. I've shopped at Shimano for upgrades. No issues and quick shipping:

Welcome aboard! Never heard of the brand, tho on the site they say the brand is costway. Apontus the upstream manufacturer? I suppose the only way to know is to try one out. Prices are quite attractive, though for me, I'd probably stick with MinnKota based on my experience...

Welcome aboard, Matt!

Welcome aboard, @spoondfed!

A quick glance at the flyer and I see no qualifications for rods. So looks like there are no exclusions.

Welcome aboard, @fish'n Jim!

No experience with it, but you'll get some good responses from those who have. I'll just welcome you to the forums!

Those are great rods you have selected, and you really can't go wrong with the prices. If you like the Croix, grab it, but personally, the Crucial is a steal. I'd take either split or full cork. But if u like split/cork more, go for the Croix. And as for the reels, if money isn't an issue grab the 2017, there's new Shimano tech in it which is a good thing.

Kudos to @Glenn, the man who made it all happen! And the many awesomely smart anglers here. Helped me a lot, too.

I'm with you. I paid attention to them pretty regularly for a few years only to come away disappointed that the bass weren't reading the charts on the web like I was, LOL. I know @WRB had his chart. Maybe he can give some more insight.

A dink is not a skunk, therefore it was a good day!

I get it, I really do. I wasn't trying to paint a pic that put all baitcaster users in a "trying to be cool" frame. It might've come across that way... I put lots of time trying to go baitcaster-only, and it still has a certain "hook" in me which is why I still use one. Yeah, down to one simply cuz I felt I got more enjoyment (being able to do more stuff that I like to do) with spinning gear.... My boys do show that "I want to do it cuz it's cool" factor. And their friends do, too. i hear them talk the "dude, you use a spinning reel?" stuff too often. I just chuckle when I hear it.

Sad about your g'pa. I agree with @deaknh03 to spend quality time with him with whatever time he has left. And I like the engraving idea.

Yes, I KNOW, and I'm NOT LISTENING!!! <fingers in ears> LA LA LA LA LA!! Edit: I should actually put in here that I did upgrade two 50e reels with the Core 7.1:1 gearing... Bait Monkey bit me back then. No more.

I sometimes do the same for my mojo rigs.

Very nice. Glad the BaitMonkey stopped bothering me about baitcasters. Phew. Like the added 8.1:1 ratio. Wish my 50e had that... speeeeeed is good.

Heh, there's something to be said for that, James. There's a coolness-factor to baitcasting which makes one look more "pro" and all that. Some of my sons are in that phase now and despite my explaining the afore mentioned cool factor is just that and using a BC does not make them a better angler Again, I'm not against using them, just being realistic.