Tywithay

It is. The BB1 Pro isn't really a light weight caster either, it's made for bombing heavier stuff like 1/2oz-3/4oz cranks out there a mile.

Very small selection, but they're good people. They don't have nearly as big an operation as TW, so they get swamped a little during these sales. You'll get your stuff eventually, just might take a couple extra days typically.

Not if you buy from a reputable seller.

I use a Phenix Recon2 766H for what you're doing. I think the 796 would be ideal.

Have both and both are fine reels. I prefer the CI4+. The lighter rotor makes handle rotation much lighter. Best under $300 is the Shimano Sustain. It retails a little higher, but they can be found under $300 very easily.

KLX and Tatula, for sure.

Electric. Have used the Mr Twister and Rapala, both work. Just don't get a cordless one.

Magnetic braking systems are far more forgiving for the way I cast. I hated baitcasters at ome time because I had only used Shimano's with centrifugal systems. I've since gotten better with both, but still prefer magnetic. I set the tension to remove side to side movement in the spool, just a hair past that point. Then I start at full magnets, and work my way down until it starts to flare up; click it back up one and you're good.

BB1 Pro does not have dual brakes.

ALX Deputy is probably my most versatile.

I take the plastic off immediately.

Believe I picked it up at Cabelas. It was a fairly cheap Berkley one. Doesn't work well under 8lb diameter if you use thin braids, otherwise it's good for me.

Best investment I made for spooling is a clip-on line counter. I know exactly how much backing, and line, that I'm putting on; so I can be pretty exact. I like to get 4 fills out of a 300yd spool. I don't intend to cast over 50-60 yards, so 70+ is plenty. I typically have very little wasted line on a spool.

I'd spend another $10 and get the T3 Ballistic from TW right now on sale. Very palmable form and one of the easiest baitcasters to cast that I have ever used. The Mag3d system gives a large number of adjustments to get it dialed in to make casting effortless.

I like fluoro for the slack line sensitivity as well. However, I often use mono with my senkos for the slightly slower sink rate. I think it gives them a little different action on the drop, as opposed to fluoro. I will usually have one rod with each tied on if I am senko fishing, so I can change back and forth if I think one way is working better or worse.

I typically use Sunline Defier or Defier Armilo for mono, and for fluoro it's either Tatsu or Shooter.

I have a 7'4" custom ALX "Dragger," it's super versatile and sensitive. Works for frogs, c-rigs, jigs, and small swimbaits.

Should start on or around April 15.

It's the only knot I use. Can't remember the last time I had a knot fail. I believe it has more to do with who's tying it. You can have faith in a good knot. A loose knot will slip.

According to the usage instructions on the bottle and website, you're supposed to put it on a cloth when spooling and apply it to the line. http://www.lineandlure.com/info/instructions/

I heard KVD Line and Lure is made from Chuck Norris' tears.

I always thought they were the same. XT is just relabeled with an improper breaking strength to make it appear stronger. Get some 12lb XT and 17lb XL...same diameter, likely close to the same abrasion resistance and memory as well.

Academy sells Superfly line conditioner. I think it's pretty decent too. I haven't found any that blew me away yet.

The same can be done with a spinning reel. A good caster can be just as accurate with a spinning reel. You just feather the spool to slow it down. I've caught 20lb catfish regularly on a 2500 sized spinner. There's no lack of power. I use both and enjoy both. I keep my spinning reels for windy days mostly. No fear of backlash at all. Don't know about the twist stuff, haven't had a wind knot in years; since I've started using better equipment.

How much are you looking to spend? There's a lot of options anywhere from $30-$40, all the way up to more than a house payment.