Arv

The Lews TP can be had new for that price if you search. After all the reviews that came out of the woodwork with the Daiwa T3B I'd also consider that one. Check the fleamarket as well. A couple of our members are selling some pretty killer reels for pretty cheap.

A lot has to do with personal preference and which bait you are rigging. If I had to pick one I would use a Gamakatsu EWG hook like most have mentioned.

PQ at $80 bucks is going to be hard to beat for a new reel

Best is subjective... A lot will depend on what your plan on fishing and in what conditions. I like the St. Croix Avid, Powell Endurance and Max, Phenix M1. Others that I would suggest looking into that I have not used are the Phenix Recon, Shimano Crucial and Fenwick Elite Tech Smallmouth. There are some really good deals in the fleamarket that I would check if I was you.

Personally, if you are throwing heavier jigs and texas rigs primarily, I would use another rod for weightless senkos, probably a 3 power. A 4 or 5 power Dobyns Champion or Champion extreme would be what you're looking for. I just went through the same search and wound up getting a DX 744c for jigs and trigs 1/4 to 1/2oz and a Dobyns Champ 735 for stuff 1/2oz and up. Unfortunately I haven't had a chance to fish them yet but there are other guys that have more than enough experience that will hopefully chime in.

My money would definitely go into the rod. The combo that hooligan suggested would be a nice choice

Personally, M/F spinning rod, 6'6-7ft. Whatever reel balances and looks good on the rod.

St. Croix avid, powell endurance or max, phenix recon or m1

Go for it. Worked well for me in the past.

rage craws, sk rodents, reaction innovation beavers

Are we going to start seeing Seibert cranks??

Now I'm really interested. I couldn't find much as far as comparisons though. I don't NEED a new reel, but if this one is worth it to replace one of my others I might jump on the deal. I've already done a bit of spending, so convincing my wife may be tough... so it would really need to perform THAT much better, haha. The reels I would be replacing would either be a 7:1 Gen 2 STX on a Dobyns Champ 735 (for jigs, trigs, etc., and frogs) or a 6:1 Lews Tournament on a Powell Max 683cef (mostly senkos and spinnerbaits). I realize that this is all subjective, but I find yall's opinions valuable.

I'd test drive it first if local. As long as it's not unusable I'd definitely go for it

Man, now I want one...

Swim jig and crank baits

Lews tp

I'd either go a power up or down to give you more variety. It's ultimately up to you, but a 6'6 7' m/f or xf rod would probably be a nice compliment.

x1,000,000

Comfortably Numb and A-Jay hit it. The biggest mistake I see guys make fishing a senko/stick worm is doing too much. Lift, sink, sit, repeat

I'd go heavy. Whichever length served you better, go with that.

Some are good. Some have not produced for me. At their price I'd try out whatever tickles your fancy. You may find something you like.

Probably BTD. 25% off until 12/1

I mostly support forum members.

Nice choice! Welcome to the forums!

I'll get it in on Monday. I'm hoping to be able to get out at least once this coming week before finals start, but we'll see. I know I'm going to be studying my butt off. If I do, I'll be sure to let you know