Tywithay

Grab off a few feet and try to break it. If the line is spoiled, it will snap pretty easily.

If you call TW, everything is on sale.

If there's a knob cap on the end, it should pop off with relative ease. You can then see if the knob features a screw or a rivet. A screw is removable, and a rivet is not. The cap will pop back in without an issue after you're done. Some knobs don't have a cap, and the rivet goes all the way to the end of the knob, these aren't removable either.

T-Rigs, jigs, big spinnerbaits

I use 15lb Defier Armilo. It's a very supple line, so it's easy to cast and has no memory; at the same time it has very little stretch. I definitely suggest some form of mono. Fluoro sinks too quickly. I don't like braid because it soaks up too much water and starts to sink slowly as the day progresses.

I think it will be just fine. I have fished with people that use bright red braid straight to the lure and they've caught fish. A clear blue fluorescent line is a heck of a lot more transparent than that.

Or you can just get 832 Ghost and have a great line with no loss of color.

Daiwa Exceler EXC, they've been recently discontinued for the E model. You can basically get a $90 for around $50. They're great reels for the money. The new Exceler is nice too and can be had around $75 from the auction site.

Love the *** spinning rods. One of the most comfortable grips on the market. They're a pleasure to fish with.

I like the 7'8 Mojo Glass rod for big baits.

I use 20lb Shooter

Honestly, these polls are typically pretty useless. People will vote for what they've used. If you've only used power pro, you'll vote for that. Doesn't make it the best. Like when I see people say Big Game or Yozuri make the best mono, makes my skin crawl because both are some of the worst lines I've ever used. Most people don't spend the money to buy something like Defier though, so they don't know the difference. They just vote for what they know. I'd suggest going to Google and searching for Daiwa Samurai review, 832 review, etc. I read as many reviews as I can. Try to look for patterns. If 50 people have the same issue, it's a real thing. If one person says it's the worst ever, it's probably just a fluke.

Samurai is the best, Sunline is the best value.

Tatsu for all around loveliness, Shooter for bottom contact because it's stiffer.

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-videos/cleaning-rod-guides.html

I switched to Daiwa and Shimano after using a few Abu's. I find the level of craftsmanship better than that of the cookie cutter reels. I never planned on getting a CI4+ myself, but I saw one in Cabelas and fell in love. When the display reel is silky smooth and freespools like no tomorrow, you've got a good reel. I'm anxious to see how this new Curado compares.

The location of the hook keeper being behind or in front of the reel is of little consequence. If the BALANCE POINT is forward or behind the reel, that tells you whether or not you need a lighter/heavier reel.

That's correct. That doesn't concern the hook keeper though.

*** feels slightly more sensitive to me. Avid is a cleaner build. Much prefer the full cork and reel seat on the Avid. For the money, the *** is a better performing rod; the Avid is better overall.

If the hook keeper is behind the reel and it still feels tip heavy when you hold the reel...you still need more weight at the back of the rod. If the hook keeper is above the foregrip and it feels tip heavy when you hold the reel, you need more weight at the back of the rod. It changes nothing.

20lb braid will be just fine. I usually don't take too much notice of the line ratings, except maybe the lower end (wouldn't want to use 4lb line on a heavy rod, for instance). Not sure how manufacturers come up with some of those numbers. The better attribute to look at is the lure rating. You want to match the size of your lures to the lure rating. You're probably right about the 2500 vs 3000. I'd put each on a rod and turn the handle a few times, feel which one feels better in hand to you. Either would have plenty of line capacity and the frame is identical, so comfort is #1.

The placement of the hook keeper makes no difference. If a rod is noticeably tip heavy, you need more weight at the back of the rod, regardless of the hook keeper. A heavier reel, or a balancing system, will give you the added weight.

I use an improved clinch knot 99% of the time. I can't even remember the last time I had a knot failure. For some crankbaits, I'll take off the split ring and use a loop knot. That makes up the other 1%.

I think mono performs the best with micro guides, personally.

That kind of defies logic... I would recommend something like the new Curado, or a Tatula. An extra ounce makes a pretty big difference in balance.