zell_pop1

Had 2 of their spinning rods, 6' M I believe, broke after about 10 casts, used the warranty new one broke on the same spot after 5 casts. Never used another Berkely rod.

P Line #12 Topwater line

Or just do it the easy way-with a spinning reel.

I use the Beetle Spin saltwater 3" size or Strike King Redfish Magic.

I have 2 Coastal Aird rods a 6'6" and 7', great beater rods, i think the best at the $45-50 price range.

DT's have been like that since they debuted, they are effective at both catching fish and putting a dent in the wallet.

Haven't used that one but Big Bite Baits are great so try it out.

Didn't AMart make these popular for awhile? I know i bought some but never used em, maybe i should bust em out.

St Croix Panfish rod 6'4" is what I use and like.

Black 1/4 Oz Cavitron works great first thing in the morning, otherwise I use a Stanley buzz frog.

I would use the inshore model reels for sure, a little extra corrosion protection is a good thing. I use BPS Inshore Extremes , worked great on redfish and juvi tarpon.

Can you exchange it? While I do not have a Tatula full cork rod my Daiwa Aird Coastal $50 rod is and it's fine.

Citica 100 DSV. It was my first and second Shimano reel, preferred it to the E series.

If you are looking for alternatives to the discontinued Defier lines then maybe Suffix Siege on casting and Elite on spinning or P Line Topwater on casting and CX on spinning. YZH ya I use to like it but like any FC line you will get some breaks in the spool if you have an overrun, and it coils up bad on #12+.

Yes the Xcalibur popper Zell designed was my favorite, though now I like the Lucky Craft one better. My best jerkbait is a Lucky Craft as well. I went to my local wally world today and all the Falcon EVOs on clearance were gone. There are still 2 of each 7' MH casting and 7' M spinning as they are not marked down. I have a Falcon 6'8" Lowrider i bought 10 years ago, it is a good all purpose rod, you will like yours.

Love my TD S 6'3' for topwaters and jerkbaits.

Thoughts and Prayers go out to you @NorthernBasser

I only use the 2 hook versions, mostly LC or Yo Zuri to avoid this.

I have a few of the newer PQ reels. It has dual brakes. Best to have 2 centrifugal breaks on or 3 if windy and add a little mag breaks. No need for a SV type spool on them.

I still have some Sunline Defier around it's the best.

Just use a small grub.

I like the spinnerbaits that have the built in trailer skirt .

Like @Bigbox99 referred to, look at inshore baitcasters and you can find what you want.

Daiwa makes reels all over Asia, Shimano either in their Malaysian factory or Japan

My best jerkbait is a LC Silent Pointer so I'm going with no rattles is better.