drew4779

St. Clair > Erie... But both great.

Dual breaking systems are intended to be used in conjunction with one another, not picking one or the other (not that a well trained thumb couldn't) . I look at it as more of a "fine tuning" system. There's more increments of adjustments. That's why my friends new to casting reels prefer single breaking systems. They only have to worry about one or the other and not both working together. I still have one reel with dual breaking. It's currently set at 1 internal break / 2 mag. For what I typically use it for, I would fine tune with the mag break based on small changes, wind, etc. If I decided to drastically change the lure weight, I may have to fiddle with the centrifugal breaks as well. If this is the reel you really want, go for it. I'm sure you'll figure it out. It just might take an extra cast or two to get it set up the way you truly want it, due to there being more options.

If you're new to casting reels, I would recommend something without dual breaking. It may not be an issue for you, but my buddies who've recently switched away from strictly spinning reels always would gravitate towards borrowing my reels with single breaking systems. They claimed my dual breaking reels were harder to dial in. Again, this may not be an issue for you. With my first dual breaking reel I never thought it was big deal. Just something to think about.

My home water is also a small shallow creek and cranks can be very effective. I recommend having some options. Have some wide wobble, tight wobble, plastic, balsa, silent, and rattle cranks. Spring and fall, my go to are yozuri 3dr flat cranks. Summer I like silent xcals, lucky crafts, and sebile cranksters. Balsa cranks like some Rapalas rise through the water column a little quicker which can generate strikes and get you out of trouble in particularly snaggy areas.

Although there's been many advances since then, my favorite is still the E-Series Chronarchs. I'm really starting to enjoy the Daiwa SV's as well.

FFO is legit. Just make sure you read the descriptions as some are reconditioned and some are new.

90% of the time I use black/black. If I'm adding color, I usually just change the trailer. I tend fish jigs deep and I was once told black stands out best on the bottom, especially in the stained water in my area. I do try to match forage on swim jigs though.

That's weird? I've never had any issue with backlash on that reel. Admittedly, it took some time getting used to the feel of the sv spool but now I Iove it. I hope you find what you're looking for. The funny thing is, is that I never really liked the feel of my brother's lews reels. To each their own I guess. Good luck! If you end up with the aldebaran, let us know how like it.

Usually 10lbs. fluro.

I haven't used the aldebaran...too rich for me, as I got a good deal on the sv105. Although, I haven't heard a bad thing about that reel and it's hard to go wrong with a higher end shimano. TW used to let you try reels out before you buy. I don't know if that's still the case or not. As far as pros and cons...i don't really have anything bad to say about the sv105 (except the small handle). Performs perfect for weightless and ned rigs. I also throw micro hollow body frogs with it. The drag is smooth, it casts great, and handles heavier lures well too. I prefer it to my chronarch 50. Just make sure you pair it with a rod that is designed to accomplish what you're looking for. I've heard people complain about the sv105, expecting it to cast 1/16 oz lures 50 yards while paired with their flipping stick.

I like venom, cabin creek, and ISG tubes. BPS aren't bad.

I have the sv105 and it works great for the lures you listed. My only complaint is the small handle.

I've caught some nice fish on their hollow body frogs.

Tubes, grubs, spinners

I had it narrowed down to Phoenix and the e6x myself a few months back. I went with the e6x and am not overly impressed. Its not necessarily a bad rod, but fishes heavier than expected. Having only fished the e6x, I wish I would've tried the Phenix instead...or took a look at major craft, which offer many bfs options.

It may be over budget, but I use Fenwick methods for my travel rod. Four rods in one travel tube. Overall, I've been happy with this rod and like having the options of power and action.

I use lunar tables only when planning out of town fishing trips. I can't say for certain that it works, but since I've started doing this (about 10 years), I've only had one poor out of town trip. On that weekend, the temperature dropped 35' from when i left to when i arrived. So based on that, i would say weather supersedes the moon. If it were me, I'd fish the days indicated on your calendar if possible...why not give yourself your best chance?

I have a mix of expensive and cheap lures. As said above, it's worth trying them out and seeing what works best for you. There are some hidden gems out there. I actually catch more fish on the cheap lures, not because they out perform the top tier lures. It's because I'm more willing to throw them into the gnarliest of stuff I can't bring myself to throw a $20 lure into.

I still have the old grey model (can't speak to the newer model) and I've had it for what feels like 10 years. Its was a good reel and was my favorite to skip with. I busted the spool pin trying to remove it over the winter. I'm hoping it doesn't effect it's performance. For $24, I'd definitely go for it.

Jerk baits are #1 for me. Next would be jigs then tubes.

You can find some decent stuff on amazon but I've yet to find much on kodi.

Yum.

Awesome. Looks as though I should just toss my airbrush in the trash.

It's worked for me as well. I have never, in nearly 30 years, caught a fish on a lip-less crank or a fluke. I can't explain why I continue carry them or throw them.

I don't know what to say...I can't even imagine. Stay strong.