kickerfish1

North star custom baits makes a nice Bullgill and Newgill colored spinnerbait. So every also makes a nice one too.

Switch to Zebco

100% agree. The new 70 sized reels are capable of about anything you need with the exception of needing alot of heavy line for big baits.

What higher end reels are you considering? May also be helpful to know what reels you are using or have used in the past. Are they worth it? IMO the differences are not proportional to the cost. For example is the Metanium MGL twice the reel the Curado is? IMO once you start moving passed the $200 price point you are generally paying for more refinement, collectability, and weight reduction plus perhaps a unique color combination.

Just the women and "No shave Novembers"

They are doing mail order brides across the board!

3/8 hands down.

Abu hasn't been relevant for Low Profile reels for sometime. Their Gen 3 reels are junk. This should be Shimano and Daiwa with Lews getting a look If you want something cheaper. I would order the Metanium MGL from Digitika for $308 and then skip going out to lunch once and then you have it.

Some good looking PBs. The only thing a big belly looks good on is a bass and there are lots of them in this thread!

Jackpot! Beautiful reel Robert!

The bigger Xpods are better than the jrs. The jrs do not stay on top of the surface veth well for me no matter the position of the bill. Another vote for the Giant Dog X

Goose52 hit on all the major points. Seems to be fans of all 3 models. There will be subtle differences but if casting distance is your on goal the MGL is the winner. Coolness and fun factor to the DC.

Find someone local or just buy the same rod used or look for one new. Builders labor and shipping aren't cheap unless you have a connection.

May also be worth noting that the JDM MGL has a slightly shallower spool than the US version. Not sure but I would venture to guess there is a slight weight difference lending the JDM MGL to cast light baits better. I have the JDM MGL and it is a superb reel though I have only gone down to 1/4 oz. The Alde will still be lighter and have a smaller frame. I think both would be worth contenders but if you can put your hands on them it may sway your decision.

I would get a ML based upon what you have noted. You also may want to consider the drop shot weights you plan using. I use a lot of 1/4 and 3/16 so ML is really all I need.

I have spent hundreds of dollars on products Mike sells. Never once have I felt like the price was out of line or unfair. He offers regular sales and I am sure he will have a Black Friday sale so that will sweaten the pot a bit more. His website is one of the few that truly allows you customize your jig or jig head to exactly what you want without having to describe it in a long drawn out email or a phone call. Any time I have had questions Mike has always been quick on the trigger for an email reply or a phone call. He has always treated me right even doing custom colors for me with no reservation. As long as Mike is making tackle I will be a buyer.

Don't forget to check for bigfoot

Same here. I sold the last of my non Daiwa and Shimano reels about a year ago and haven't looked back since. No longer in the "Lewser's" club

That has to bring a smile to your face. Imagine if it was St Croix.

Forums with "lots" of traffic

Wine is for old folks. Bring on the hard stuff

One is a Shimano and the other is a Quantum. Pick the one that starts with an "S"

A Major Craft rod would be my pick.

I think I know that fella that sold it. PVC tube, black electrical tape on the butt caps, bubble wrap and tape on the rod itself plus taped to the tube to prevent sliding. Yea, that dude is top notch and your outfit looks incredible!

I have 4 custom rods, so you aren't telling me anything I don't already know. I simply answered the original posters question.