rippin-lips

Matt, that's part of the reason I sold my Volkey BLC. For me that reel seat is a no go. Plus it took a heavy reel to get any type of decent balance point. It was a heavy rod by itself. The rod was built very nice but overbuilt in a sense too. I wasn't that impressed by it in terms of sensitivity. On par with most $100-150 usdm offerings. I tried to like it, but I just couldn't.

Then you have the fact that their is no industry standard for rating a rods power, or action. It can differ company to company. I remember using a $40 spinning combo from Walmart as a kid, and throwing every bait in my box with it.

I figured if it said it fit the T3 and the 1000SV spool fits, then it should work.

Yes, it's the 1012 SV I have the Alphas SV 105 spool in my Zonda 68. It woke that reel up a lot.

New spool arrived this morning. Then I figured why stop there.

Kvd l&l works well. I fish #16 myself, but don't treat it with anything. I usually forget about it.

Yes, the SS SV has one per knob. It has one supporting the worm drive also.

Steez SV = aluminum main gear - 8:1 is brass Steez SV = 4 bearing 90mm handle SS SV = 2 bearing 80mm handle

Dobyns rod powers run a bit light. Their 3 power or medium heavy is softer than most other companies medium heavy. Their 4 power is labeled as a heavy but more along the lines of other companies medium heavy. I have the 704dx and it's a very versatile rod. If I'm taking 1 rod that would be the one that I grab. It also happens to be for sale in the classifieds.

The tournament pro is the best choice of the 3. I'm a Daiwa guy myself, but I've owned all 3 of these reels. It's a good choice for a beginner, and will last you for years. Just take care of it. Weighs 6.7 ounces Has a smaller frame 95mm carbon handle - mainly cosmetic Dual braking - very user friendly Clicking drag star and tension knob - it's just a nice feature. Not a deal breaker at all. The BB1 holds a lot of line and you really don't need that much line capacity for bass fishing. Suited more for heavier baits. The tatula is a great reel for $100 It's a good caster and pretty smooth. It's a bit heavy by today's standards. Not a big deal really, but to some it is. It's a larger framed reel. Wasn't an issue to me, but some people have had complaints about it being uncomfortable to palm. The T Wing System is take it or leave it. It really doesn't cast any further than other Daiwas with a standard line guide. Daiwas magforce braking system is simple to adjust and just works very well. Either of them would be fine reels. It's basically which one grabs your attention.

I'll check into the rep samples. I missed the last batch. Also what I'm looking for wasn't on the list. I was on the list for pre order on the Levante, but changed my mind. I've been dead set on trying out an xx for awhile now. So I figured why settle for the Levante.

Message me with what xx rods you have if you're serious about selling them. I'm in the market for a couple of them right now.

Yeah, he makes nice baits. I follow him on IG.

This guy makes a very nice baby duck wakebait.

Wait, they're different...

Those work fine, but you do have to expose the hook point to use it. Sounds like you're referring to a drop shot style hook keeper. Which is my preference also since it's simple to use for every type of bait. I wish all rods had them on it. If you search for a rod builder near you they could add one to any rod and it wouldn't be that much.

Dobyns Fury or ***are both good $100 rods. The Daiwa Tatula is another one to take into consideration.

50 degrees a bit of wind and a cold drizzle here today, but the first bite was a good one. A handful of dinks after that over the next 2hrs. I should of went home after the first fish knowing I wasn't going to catch anything better. She was a chunk though.

Define longevity. After a down to the frame cleaning it shouldn't need it again for a good while. I'm not meaning just pulling the gear stack and wiping off the old grease. The entire reel is torn down. Every clip,bearing,retainer,ect. I do it over the winter to my whole lineup. Then I fish them for the next 6-8 months. I'll take the handle side plate off about 1/2 way through and just take a look inside. I add oil to the spool bearings when needed.

You can run gas motors on Jennings Randolph and the Yough. Both aren't any further than Deep Creek. Jennings isn't that great, but the Yough is nice.

As far as Dobyns rods go their 3 power is a medium. 703/733 is what you'd wanna look at.

He's just static testing it.

8lbs is plenty for bass fishing.

I like my pop x and pop max baits, BUT I do just as well with the River2Sea bubble popper. The 65 and 88 sizes are about the same as the MB ones. More than enough great colors to pick from too. You can get 2-3 to 1 if look around.

No, not when I use 2 pieces. It's a nice tight fit when the lid is closed. There's enough of a gap to let the dividers move when you close the lid without using the mat. I experienced the same thing myself. Using 1 piece works ok, but every once in awhile I'd have something move. I use the thin boxes so I'm not sure on the regular ones. Just start with 2 and see if you need more.