Packard

I have only used the Shimano Sahara 1000FD but I like it!

Nice! 9.0625/10.5=0.863 So I believe that is a score of 86.3

Norman DLN is the bomb!

For a spinning rod I will use 20# Suffix 832 Ghost For a baitcaster I will use 14# Sunline FC Sniper

You sure?

Sure, a litte stretch won't hurt. But you won't see me fishing with a rubber band.

Solid 8 pounder. Nice fish!

Not sure if you are fishing from shore or not but you don't need to get a whole lot of distance with wacky worms. Just pitch them to targets. I haven't had problems with any type of weights tearing my line. If your brother needs to get a longer cast because you are fishing from shore, then you can buy wacky jigheads made for wacky rigging. In fact one of our sponsors here, Northstar, makes some nice ones.

Very manageable line if you can deal with the stretch.

I think your scale is closer than the online chart. The fish looks like he needs to start eating because he looks skinny for his length. Nice fish none the less.

I tend to look at the line diameter instead of the break strength. Your 17lb vicious has a thinner diameter than your 15lb yo-zuri. 10-13lb breakage really isn't that bad for a leader. If you don't already do this, wet your line before clinching your knot. Check out this knot from Aaron Martens, . It is great for tying leaders.

Did you keep tension on the line while reeling in? Is it braided line without backing? Is your cast control knob really loose?

You can slow roll them and I for one think they are much easier to control than billed cranks.

Sounds like a lipless crankbait would work best in your situation.

14lb Fluoro or 12lb C21

Finesse

Great choice! Good luck fishing!

Looks like the HD has better screen clarity and a few more features like switchfire sonar.

You can trust it for sure. It isn't like you will be using Elmer's glue or something, you are supposed to use marine-grade glue. I don't think there is a better option anyway.

I'd look for a used swimbait rod and reel if you want to stay under $100.

The BPS Crankin' Stick is a GREAT value. I own a 6'6" M/M Falcon BuCoo and it is a bit overrated and is very noodle like. I have the St Croix Mojo Glass "Big Crankster" and it is a nice rod as well. The Abu garcia Veritas and Vendetta seemed to stiff for cranking to me. The Lamiglas Excel 7' Med-Heavy Glass rod looks like it would fit your needs well. They are known for their great glass blanks and it is priced well at $130.

I'm glad Cabela's is stepping up into the higher end market. Unfortunately, I don't think they can compete with the other big companies in that field. It sure sounds good from the specs though!

http://www.scotty.com/fishing-gear-equipment/rod-holders/glue-onmount.htm

5-6 pounder. Nice fish!

Switch to a kayak.