ldw6559

Well this has been very interested and though I have never really become a baitcasting fisherman using spinning reels because they are just comfortable to me I am actually thinking of checking out the Lews after all of these posts. I own Shimano, Abu Garcia, Pfleuger, Mitchell, Quantum and Diawa in my spinning reels along with a few more. Like them all for the specific reasons I bought them. I am certainly not brand loyal but this Lews gives me hope I need to try baitcasting one more time. Thanks, glad I joined this forum lots of great information. The one thing I really agree with the OP on is that bearing count is becoming rediculous and don't really make that much difference at least in spining reels. I think it may be covering up some cheaper materials being used in some cases. I just bought a 32.00 reel with 10 ss bearings for my younger son and have many nicer, smoother reels with far less.

I typically don't use any line of any type rated heavier than the rod I'm fishing with and the drag weight of the reel. I don't break anything that way. JMHO but I pay way to much for gear to have a rod snap or a reel get damaged. New to this site however so would love some education if this is way off.

Made that mistake with a Diawa baitcaster and it was my first as well. Always use spinning reels and still am. I do want to try that Diawa again using a 30lb. braid next time to see if it helps with the birdsnests. Since I bought my Revo Supreme PRM30 and put 15lb. braid on it I haven't really needed anything bigger or heavier in the local Ky. waters. The drag on that Revo allows me to catch large fish after I wear them out with my Veritas 7ft. med. heavy rod. Good luck with that baitcaster and I hope mine does better after line change as well.