Robert Riley

I have not used the lighter pound test, but I use the Palomar and wet the knot and I have had no problems. Try wetting the knot, if that doesn't change anything, try a new spool, might just be a defunct.

Yessir.

I remember made fun of our friend who bought one. Pretty sure he outfished us that day.

I'd pick a yama-senko over a trick worm any day, but the trick worm is more versatile.

Banjo Minnow anyone?

I always use rod gloves, but I found that reel covers are a big hassle.

Either the Savvy or Fury from Dobyns will work well as a flippin rod. I have an old EliteTech smallmouth spinning rod, 6'9" M/XF, works very well as a finesse/dropshot rod. They discontinued the smallmouth rods, but the remaining one works just as well from what I've learned on these forums. Also, make sure to check the flea market here to see if you can get a good deal.

While we are looking at other rods, I'd highly recommend a Savvy or a Fury, as Mlbassangler30 mentioned already.

Lew's Speed Spool LFS.

If you fish around cover and use a trailer i would recommend the MH veritas.

That's a good line. I currently have a spool of 12lb Sunline Model FC. Last year I used Abrazx FC in 14lb. As far as test goes, I generally go as light as I can, since my waters are pressured and lack heavy cover.

You may consider using braid and a FC leader, saves you a bit of money. If your saving your wallet, look at Seagaur Red Label. As far as jigs go, I'd recommend 1/4 finesse jigs. I generally fish three colors, and have a few variations. Those colors are green pumpkin, black and blue and green and brown.

Never used a calcutta, but it's a round reel, and I'm partial to low profiles. So my vote is a BB2. If you use a variety of baits, I'd recommend the Pro, since it has the dial on the side.

Red Label is my go to economy line.

Any non moving baits with single hooks is what XF is made for.

The largest of either that I throw will be 1/2oz, is that too much for the 4 power?

LFS!

I really like Sunlines Reaction FC for, well, reaction baits. It's got just a little bit of stretch to help like mono. I run that on my Spinnerbait and Chatterbait rods, and then 10lb CX on my deeper cranks.

D684CB vs D704CB. GO!

I own the same rod as OP, one of my lower end rods, and I'm terrified of breaking it since it's discontinued haha.

Howdy guys, Looking to buy my own big baits rod, finally leave my buddy in peace (i used his more than he ever did). I'm debating between an D806 or one of the Swimbait rods they have. I'd primarily be fishing 8XDs and 10XDs, then some A-rigs here and there, and some swimbaits in pinch situations.

Ah I like that reel, a friend of mine often says "Lew's biggest mistake was making there lowest end reel so good." I prefer the paddles over EVA grips any day lol

Savvys are pretty sweet. Super light, well balanced, tend to be on the softer side in my opinion, so they're good for moving baits.

I'd recommend the Lew's BB2 Pro, especially the pro part as it includes the brake dial. For the spinning rod, you might still be able to find the Team Lews for like 40% off.

I've felt they are mechanically very similar, but I like the feel and aesthetics of the Lew's,