kickerfish1

Who did the build Ripp'?

Cajon custom rods has some sort of online process, however like most custom rod builders I think their work is ugly. Best bet would be to call a builder you like and get quotes from them. Regardless of what anyone will tell you it isn't cheap with labor and shipping involved.

I think your add is far over priced if it is the listing I think it is based upon what is in the photos.

I would email a certain someone who is handy with these kind of things. He will have some good suggestions

I have a few Speedstyles. Pretty amazing looking and built rods. Even though they are 2 piece you would never know it. I would highly recommend them for the price over a good majority of the rods you can buy in the US.

90 to 95 mm is pretty good for me on the high side as far as handle length. Really depends on what you want to spend and if it is CF or not. The swept Zillion and Tatula handles are going to be the cheapest option for a swept handle.

Two rods for me. Shimano Cumulus 6"10 MH which fishes like a true medium and the rod weighs 3 ounces which means much less fatigue. Custom MHX 842 Spinjig that was but trimmed to 6"8. Both of these rods are ideal as I never through anything bigger than 5/8 oz and both can handle down to 1/4 oz. They also aren't too long, to the point that you are slapping the water or boats edge but not so short that you may feel like you are loosing casting distance.

There must have been a lot of drinkers working there in need of replacements.

It also depends upon the internals and the reel itself. Some reels see absolutely no gains as there is very little if any to polish, while others it will make a slight difference.

Why not just treat the line with KVD line and lure and call it a day. I would never dunk any of my reels.

Casting reels generally require two spool bearings. Other bearings are found throughout the reel like the handles, worm gear, etc. You will be out the cost of bearings, whatever you are charged for a cleaning/service if you want that and shipping there and back. If you just have him install bearings I would say do the work yourself if you are handy with reels. If memory serves me correct you will need a spool pin removal tool or spool pliers to remove one of the bearings on the spool.

Great deal! A heavier but rock solid reel that will be great for resistance baits.

Alphas SV 105. Spool it up with some 8 or 10 # line and let the shakey heads start flying. It is a superb casting reel that fits the "small" reel profile in terms of frame size, weight, and ability to cast lighter to normal sized baits. Plus the reel is forgiving for a new user but able to get some really nice distance when dialed in.

For me there are Shimano and Daiwa for casting reels and then everyone else. I had a several Lews reels and while they were decent I did get more phantom backlashes than I should be seeing. I sold both and haven't looked back.

I love the SK Coffee Tubes and Zoom Tubes the best. For a smaller tube, the Gitzit is good. Some tubes are sold in bulk packs of 20+ if you feel like you need a bunch.

I use the improved clynch not for everything no matter the line type or size.

Might as well use bridge cable.

Not much of a flip and pitch guy but I do like mono! My only advice is that you may want to invest in a set of knee pads/protectors.

Congrats on the fairy wand brown bass Blue! That would be a first for me as well.

One of my favorite beaver style baits. I will second the softness and lack of great durability. I get a few fish per bait but they tend to work well and the built in scent is an added plus.

Benjamin Franklin Scholars

I would suggest Contact Cleaner. It won't damage or eat at plastic parts and is readily available and your local hardware store like Lowes or Home Depot.

Congrats and a beautiful trip recap. Hoping some day I can go back there and visit some of the places my family is from. Looks like you were still around some fish (mostly the chilled laid back kind) which is always pretty cool!

I just paired mine with a 7'2 Medium Poison Adrena that TW had on closeout during their last holiday sale. It balances and feels perfect together. It looks stellar as well.

Bacarac - just read some of the recaps of trips folks from here have had.