Tywithay

Sunline Shooter or Toray Superhard Upgrade. Pound for pound, they're both the most abrasion resistant lines on the market (actually tested as such, not just marketing).

All of my *** and *** rods had a guide like that, and some had excess epoxy all over them. I sent them back. It won't hurt anything, but why keep a brand new rod that you're not 100% satisfied with?

If you have a phone handy, snap pictures of things like the how the pinion sits, the washers in the drag stack, handle assembly, etc. Schematics are easy to read, if you're knowledgeable; pictures are fool proof. Work in a big enough space to lay out each part in the order you break it down. That way you can work backwards when putting it back together. Proper tools are a premium too. A stripped screw can mess up everything.

Japanese lines like Sunline use the pound rating, or actual breaking strength. Lines in the US under rate the lines so that they can lay claim to the "strongest line in its class," since 8lb is actually 12lb.

I've found that most mono lines are fairly similar in abrasion resistance, though some are slightly softer than others (they're usually marketed as such). It mostly comes down to diameter of the line. 8lb XT isn't really much more abrasion resistant than 8lb XL, it just has a much thicker diameter; it's thicker than 10lb XL.

Dobyns makes a good rod. I ultimately found some I like better, but they have a good following for a reason. If you put that reel on a DX703C, I think it'd throw what you want just fine.

6'9" ML Kistler Helium3

I had 12lb Tatsu on mine and used it for light jigs, weightless senkos, etc. It is a real joy to fish with.

The only one I'd probably change is the 30lb. I'd probably go 8-10lb mono. Braid doesn't stretch, so you'll stick those trebles better with a little give.

KLX. Probably the medium. Easily the best rod under $200.

What do you mean change it out? The whole spool?

I use the improved clinch with everything, never had any issues. The key to fluoro is to keep it wet and clinch it slowly. The resin doesn't have the same lubricity as nylon, so it gets too hot from the friction if not done properly. It's not difficult to work with at all, you just have to take the time to do it. I tie my mono knots with the same care. No need to half a$$ just because you can get away with it.

Bass Pro is too reliant on their BPS brand to bring in competition.

EMTF

They do, they just charge $200 for it.

For that price, it's probably worth it. I think the Endurance is just as sensitive, if not a little more, in my hands. Don't know if that changes anything. A short rod like that will make it tougher to get solid hooksets in cover, but it has its place.

Twisting braid has no effect on the line. Might make it thinner, as the weave will be even tighter.

They have some fantastic deals on Shimano and G. Loomis clothing.

The FJ is a fantastic reel for the money. I like the CI4+ more, but you can find the FJ for around $140, which is a steal.

You'd have the same amount of wear as two, except it'd only be on one brake shoe.

All the places that had black Friday, basically. Same as every other year.

I've found good line has made my time more enjoyable. Cheaper stuff works just fine, but I've had less hassle with good line. I like a nice reel too.

Not all fluorocarbon is created equal. There are some that will get damaged if you backlash, and there's others that are not as prone to that. Fluorocarbon is far from brittle, but it is weaker when dry.

Any particular reason you want a Dobyns?

The Calcutta B was very similar. The TE, Conquest, DC, and Calcutta D, are far different animals.