OkobojiEagle

Adam... I share your frustration. While I use both spinning reels that tighten "down" and reels that tighten "up" (from the back) I modify all of them so there is only enough reel seat in front of the reel stem to hold the spinning reel foot securely. The fore grip and sometimes some of the seat threads are removed to allow my thumb and fore finger to hold the rod blank directly. My preference, your mileage may vary. oe

Thanks for the twist update. Does it's cross-section flatten when it twists. Flattening was one trait I found with NanoFil. Have you noticed an increase of distance casting? oe

RW... It will be most of a month before I'll see open water. If you own an in-line spinner, tie it directly to the SuperCast and fish it for 1/2 hour or so. I'd like to know if SuperCast can fish a twisting bait as well as an uncoated braid. oe

I use the entire filler spool of PE line per reel. oe

a thwart... you need it there. The one pictured has been shaped to ride more comfortably behind your neck and across your shoulders when it is carried (as has been suggested). Do a google search on "canoe thwart". oe

All of my main lines are PE on which I tie various monofilament leaders which are easy to switch on the go. oe

I believe bass have the ability to learn simple behavior changes... bass fishermen, not so much. oe

Two... on a crankbait... and they fought like a wet mop, not nearly as much fun as catching them individually. oe

Sorry I can't offer you guidance in a sub $100 vise, but if you're willing to consider a little more money or search for a used vise I'd recommend either a Regal or a HMH. Both will do a fine job tying hair jigs and streamer sized flies and both will last your lifetime. If you want to tie very small flies I'm sure there are better choices. oe

I don't call 16" crappies that take 4" grubs a problem... I call them a meal. oe

Ok... some of you have had your samples of Tuf-Line's SuperCast braid for a couple of weeks now (some of us are still waiting). After fishing it a couple of times, what do you think of it? Can you differentiate it from other coated braids or is it just another of the growing number of braided lines (yawn) filling the pegboard at your local bait shop? While we're on the topic... does anyone have any feed back on Tuf-line's HeviCore braided line? oe

How small of a grub are you using that panfish become a problem when fishing bass? oe

Your rods may have a bigger impact on casting distance than your reels. oe

I look at the grime as a pretty good cork preservative. When it starts to get sticky a little soapy water, a soft cloth and back to fishing. oe

Nebraska!??? You are a confused young man. We'll try to help... oe (GO HAWKS)

Palomar is one of the strongest PE terminal knots I know... double palomar may slip a little less. Both are very easy to tie. Leave 1/2" of tag line when you trim it. oe

Lightest weight, balanced, XF tip... you pick the brand and price point. oe

I'm hoping we can count on plenty of discretion concerning where and with whom you will share those pictures. oe

Pay the $20 oe

The problem with purchasing used rods is you purchase the rod abuse as well. Any rod damage from the previous user... even unintended damage will fall upon you and your pocket book. The manufacturer isn't going to stand the cost of a replacement rod from a second-hand purchase. oe

bearing supported line guide roller and bearing supported multi-disc drag system... metal frame and spool. oe

The Rem Oil is SO light it almost evaporates. I use that oil on bearings that I want very free and are easy to get to for frequent re-oiling, such as the bearings at either end of the line pawl on my upgraded Abu C class or the bearing in the roller guide of my spinning reels. Considering these IAR bearings are not going to be cleaned or re-oiled for at least an entire season (maybe a couple seasons) do you still think the Rem Oil a better choice than the Yellow Rocket Fuel? oe

Depends on the jerkbait, how much dressing you use and how YOU work your bait. Don't over dress the treble and it shouldn't cause a discernible difference. oe

Beast here... Foot Joy makes a golf glove designed for play during southern winter months. oe I noticed you're from Missouri... if you want a tip from the north... Duct tape a chemical heating packet to the inside of your forearm just above the wrist (where your blood vessels are closest to the skin surface). Wear a long-sleeve thin knit shirt between the heating packet and your arm. Fold the end of the duct tape back a couple of inches and fold over on itself to provide a free tab to pull the tape off quickly if it begins to burn your arm (or you taped it too tightly). If you cast with your dominant arm and reel with the other (don't change hands to cast) you only need to heat one hand and can keep the other covered with a heavy glove.

Take advantage of that new Tuf-Line offer on this site and see if a coated PE line will help. Next be certain your baits are heavy enough to be loading your rods properly. oe