kickerfish1

Can't comment on the newer models you listed but I do have the 1000xt. I love it and it is one of the best reels I have ever used. It just fishes well. Great for 90% of what I would consider normal bass sized baits. I stuck some HH bearings in mine to try but haven't casted it yet since.

+1 on 00Mods suggestion. Also keep in mind that trimming a weedguard from the top only makes it stiffer. You need to thin it out from the bottom up before trimming the top should you go this route. I fish them as is from Mike with no altercations. Matt Allen has a good video on his Tactical Bass'n blog on YouTube about trimming skirts for a textured look and altering wedguards. I would watch those videos.

Nice to see you stop by with a big gal! Can't wait to hear about some new Rage products.!

True but those reels Robert posted are about as rare as a unicorn.

There are many rod builders out there that can build you a rod. Some are members of this forum that build for fun and for their own clients, some are sponsors, and some will pop up on a Google search. To me it is kind of like finding a good, honest, and reputable mechanic. Lots of guys do it but their style and craftsmanship may not be what you are looking for either. The builder you choose should be able to execute your build idea and help with questions and fitment issues among parts you choose. Also keep in mind the hidden costs that most builders won't always tell you up front. -Labor cost to build the rod - This may vary a bit depending upon who you go with - I would figure a good $50 - 100 here -Shipping the rod - They aren't like a larger retailer who will ship a rod for free - expect $25-35 here -Shipping the rod components - All places that I am aware of will hit you with a $10 charge for all rod blanks shipped - MSC supplies - Rod epoxy, finishing products, and other supplies that they may need to use -All of your components - Blank, guides, reel seat, cork/foam grips, but caps, foregrip parts, thread wrap, etc. Pick a custom rod if you have the funds and the want to have something unique and built in specific way with certain components. Keep in mind that more bling and trim pieces you add the more the cost goes up. Choose a shelf rod if you want a lower cost, ability to recoup more of your cost should you sell it and overall better warranty support. If your custom rod fails it may only cover the blank. You still need to worry about having the rod re-done with what components could be salvaged from your failed rod. Customs and factory rods appeal to folks for different reasons. I would look into both before pulling the trigger either way...

Interesting! Really puts into perspective how handle length and gear ratios have quickly changed as of late.

What was the difference in size between the original handle and the aftermarket handle? Looks like the original handle was 75mm and aftermarket around 85mm?

And that is why Ian is the best. Being able to pull of adaptations and modifications to the highest degree.

100% Shimano and Daiwa. Sold all others reels off and couldn't be more happy. Everything else is pretty much manufactured the same and the quality isn't as good IMO.

St Croix will have the better warranty. Frankly I would probably go custom build or NRX rep sample/dealer demo.

A jig head in open water or sparse to no vegetation while a keel weigthed 3/0 or 4/0 hook (similar to what you would use for the Rage rig) for areas with more vegetation.

It could be something with the reel too. A buddy has a Lews Tournament MB that will backlash with 40# braid spooled on it without applying much casting force and brakes and tension knob tightened down more than anyone would ever need. I have heard of this happening to others with the same reel. Could also be that the reel was overfilled with line. It can only be so many things. The reel is overspooled There is some mechanical issue with the reel The breaks/tension knob aren't set correctly Maybe spray some KVD line and lure on it to help.

Looks good and when you build something yourself and catch fish on it is even better. Add in a few saved bucks and its a win/win situation.

Similar you could probably find something from Mudhole. If you want the best and best looking order from a shop called Matagi in Japan.

Nice and congrats Hootie! I was hoping we would see this spot with a fish in hand and sure enough... BOOM!

I use the ones from BPS. It may be the only thing I by from them much anymore. They also help keep the hooks from beating up the blank some along with not tangling other things in the boat or while in transport.

Thanks! I too, am glad everything worked out on this one. Will probably be putting together 2 more builds in the near future.

Hard to guess. Fish is actually held away from the camera and no length measurement. First guess would be 3.5 to 5 pounds but it could be off...

Sounds good. I just had a casting rod built on one of their blanks and the rod is quite impressive. I would build on another in a heartbeat

Awe, sign me up!

I use it on my NRX and MB rods so I would say so. Never an issue or side effect.

Biggest advantage is to help prevent the cork from pitting. I have had to add wood filler to several older rods from the 90s that had pritted pretty bad. It will help prevent or slow the pitting process down and keep cork filler sealed. Some also like the fact that it will add a slightly darker color to the cork. Another added benefit is the sealer helps add another small barrier between the cork itself and the elements like the oils from your hands, lake water, fish slime, etc. This will in turn allow for easier cleaning when it comes time to clean your cork with a magic eraser or whatever method you use.

Yes, one light coat of U40 cork sealant.

Roboworm is one of the best on the market. They have tons of colors and several styles from straight tail to fat and 4 and 6 inch varieties. Great baits for drop shots, shakey heads, and other finesse apps.

I have used a Cabelas brand bag for years. It has been a good bag but I recently took a shot at the Okuma backpack that TW sells during their Black Friday sale. Bag is good sized with plenty of storage room and compartments and the shoulder straps seem to be pretty strong as well. They come pre loaded with 4 of the 3600 series boxes. Here is a link of the bag... https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/catpage-OKUMSTORAGE.html?from=basres