rippin-lips

Adding weight to a rod is counter productive.

Yeah, I gotta get the plastic off and wipe it down so I can seal it. It'll also darken it up a bit and bring out the grain in the cork.

All partnered up on a XX DSR

It's easy to find a 6.5-7oz reel and a 4oz rod these days so making a 10-11oz combo is easy. Anything 9oz and below is what I'd call dang light. As mentioned it's more about balance though. You can have a heavier combo feel lighter than it really is due to how it balances. A tip heavy combo sucks. I've sold so many good rods because they didn't balance out how I like them. Also longer rods will generally require a tad heavier reel. It's all preference.

Possibly just look into a medium power fast action rod then. Even maybe a medium light depending on how light of stuff you're throwing. The Bucoo series does run 1 power lighter than rated so it could be a good choice with the mod/fast action.

It's tough to beat the xx for the money. Contact The Tackle Trap for any questions on Megabass rods. Brian can help you out. The also sell off demos and rep samples from time to time and they might have one that's a bit discounted.

New toy came today. It's partner should arrive on Thursday. Had to swap that stock zaion drag star and handle.

I don't own a Levante but I have other rods from Megabass. I'm a huge fan of the Endurance series. I've owned a handful of them and I still have 1 that I won't get rid of. They're some of the best balanced rods I've ever owned. Fish ranger used to sell them for $150 and that was a steal for those rods. It fishes well above its price point. I've heard mixed reviews on the Levante. I'd take a look at the Shimano Zodias also in the $200 range.

Yes, it's a tattoo studio, and that's where I work.

New kayak spinning combo for next season. Balance is perfect!

Search on bassresource or google and look up magnetic verse centrifugal brakes. There should be enough reading material to last you until spring. Here's one to get you started. https://japantackle.com/tackle_topics/brake_system.htm

If it's not it will be for something else. It's a win/win really. I use a med or mh both fast action. Cover and what size/weight I'm using dictates the rod choice for me.

Exactly! Alphas sv for under $200 from Japan or pay over $300 from TW. Hmm tough one.

I doubt it will actually be available to the public. I think its too much for me. Latest on the Steez http://www.daiwa.com/us/contents/products/steez/index.html

Custom slp works Steez sv tw

I've tried some of those no name orange seals and they were not as good as boca orange seals. Not saying some of them aren't the same bearing boca uses but the ones I tried were not the same quality. My boca's are free so it doesn't matter to me anyhow. You can email them and ask where they are made and they will tell you in China. They aren't really hiding it. As for the original question I'd be looking at Zpi sic or the air BFS. Both are great!

Only downside is you can't hold a lot of line. That's pretty much it.

The smaller 1/4oz pop x

Mike @Delaware Valley Tackle

Today's mail call from Japan.

Bent paper clip

Most reels that are built with finesse in mind have a light and shallow spool. Since what you are casting might only weigh 1/8oz you don't need much line. They usually only hold a fair amount of 4-8lb test. The lack of line helps keep the overall weight of the spool down. A light spool paired with good bearings allows for easy startup when throwing light baits. The rod plays a very large role in it all. Perhaps a bit more than the reel does.

All the top reel painters use a automotive grade base and clear. Prep work is the most important thing. If your prep stinks then the finish of the paint will stink too. I painted a Steez using auto paint that was put into a rattle can. It's held up very well for 2yrs now. I just recently stripped it down to have it done a chameleon color. Top pic is 12-13 right after reassembly. Bottom pic is 4-15 after a year of use.

I need ibuprofen now.

Braid and leader for me. Braid is a great mainline but it does have some downfalls. If you fish waters with toothy fish they'll cut it like nothing. If you have zebra mussels or sharp rocks. It'll cut through it too. When fishing things like poppers or spooks it can easily foul up your hooks. On a totally slack line its sensitivity is less than a quality fluorocarbon. It's also nice to have some shock resistance when using treble hook baits.