Tywithay

I have super thin 8lb Sunline Xplasma on my Stradic 2500FL. Other than the fact that it took what felt like 2,000 yards of line to fill the spool, it works perfectly.

It's a slippery slope

20lb braid works great for weightless plastics, light jigs, etc. The problem is when someone ties on a 3/4oz and try to chuck it across the pond. It can dig in during the cast if you're trying to heave something heavy out there. Also have to consider the need for abrasion resistance where you'll be fishing. Thinner the diameter, easier it gets cut. Leaders negate this to a point.

I think ML is definitely the ticket, especially if it's the St Croix. The Expride is a better blank than the Avid, in my opinion. St Croix makes a great rod, but the Avids use the same blank as the $100 cheaper Mojo, so there's not as much value for the performance. The Exprides fish well above their price point. Another to consider would be the Daiwa Tatula Elite AGS rod. The 7'6" is a dream to fish with. I just ordered a second. Never used an ALX spinning rod, but the Zolo blanks are great on the casting rods.

I think the Elite is a better caster overall. It handles light baits nearly as well, but the distance on heavier baits it's not even a competition. The SV is made to be more controlled and does a good job of that, but I haven't found the Elite to be uncontrollable at all

I use Shooter on my heavier jig rod and Tatsu on my spinning rod. Aside from those two specific ,it's a mix of invisx, sniper, or assassin; whichever I get the best deal on.

I've seen the quantum pt superlite telescopic rods before on ebay, but don't know how well they fish or how heavy they are.

Mono floats initially. Once it absorbs enough water, it will sink.

The Coastal SV has more line capacity with the 150 SV spool. It has 2 crbb, which are higher quality corrosion resistant bearings, and it has an aluminum gear sideplate for better gear alignment and rigidity. It's basically a sturdier version of the Tatula SV.

If it squeals during the cast, the brake race is probably dry. Some light oil on a qtip usually does the trick.

I don't believe so. I know the Elite spool will not fit in the Coastal.

I have the 7'6" Heavy and it's a pretty good rod. I think the tip is light enough to throw a frog and it definitely has plenty of backbone for dragging a fish in. On the Shimano website, both the 7'6" and 7'7" show 15-30lb, which says fluoro rating on the actual rod label. It also shows both rods have the same braid rating, 30-65lb. Hard to tell if the tips are different, but on paper the only difference is the extra inch. They both have alconite guides, so either will handle braid fine. With a curado 70, I'd pick the 7'6" or 7'2", just to try and balance a smidge better.

Size-wise they're pretty similar. For me, the SV cast more effortlessly and have more control in adverse conditions than the curado, especially with lighter (below 1/2oz). Haven't used the scorpion, but I've heard the mgl spool makes it a little easier to cast, but I can't say for sure. The Daiwa's have an easier external brake as well, though I rarely need it. The curado external dial is tucked away nicely, but it's a pain to move sometimes if I need a quick adjustment. I don't think you really gain anything one way or the other in regards to smoothness or power, as they're both top of the class reels in that price range. Weight savings for the Daiwa can be a good thing, but it's negligible. I really like the Shimano reels and I have a Curado DC and K that have their place, but I now own 5 (3 Elite, 1 SV, 1 Coastal SV) of the new Tatula platform and have no plans of looking back. I had issues in the past passing a double uni through the TWS with 40+15, but haven't ever had an FG get caught up. They actually seem to cast knots really well with the bigger opening, it's the retrieve that was the issue.

Born righty, but after injuries and rehab I can use both hands equally well (not sure if that's good or bad). I still cast right handed, but I'm much more comfortable working a rod with my left hand. So I reel my baitcasters and spinning reels on the right.

It's far and away my favorite line for spinning reels in 6 or 8. All told the price isn't too bad because it'll last a few seasons.

My bad. Was waiting until I finished cleaning it and got my handle installed.

Not sure about Shimano, but a 1000 Daiwa will hold almost 200 yards of 15lb Smackdown. It'd take a mighty fish to bring line capacity into the picture.

I have spinning reels from 1000-4000 and I've never seen a significant difference in distance based on size. The main distance factors are the rod, line diameter, and bait weight/profile. Line diameter seems to be the most important. Thinner goes further, regardless of spool size.

Tackle Trap

Coastal SV TW would be my suggestion. It cast better than the Curado K, but still has the controlled aspect of the DC. It's a $250 reel, but you can find it for $175-$180 without much effort

7'4" MHRB Tatula Elite. Those baits are the reason this rod exists. It'll absolutely launch a squarebill into orbit too. Versatile taper.

Black Berkley power worm

Only broken one. I was 13 and landed a 32lb grass carp at a private pond. About 30 minutes later I set the hook on another bite and the tip exploded. Probably full of stress fractures. It was some black and green rod, with a 33 Classic, my mom had gotten me.

Any budget, I like the Certate LT. For the $150 range, the Tatula LT is pretty impressive. It's one of the lightest spinning reels on the market.

I had some issues like that as well. Seems like the coating would peel off or something and it'd start to fray.