Hogsticker

Looks to me like Trey is attempting to please the masses. Some prefer function, some prefer form. The classic has shiney winding checks, trim parts, and fancier wraps. The Klx utilizes an American made Nfc blank. The Helium kinda has both. Get in where you fit in.

Scorpion with Yumeya BFS spool. My micro jerk/crank baby.

I still like performance braid as the best bang for your buck. Smackdown is awesome but two and a half times the cost.

Nostalgia, pitching light baits, magnesium, legendary status. One of the most classic sought after reels of all time. It's like comparing a 69 camaro to a 2013. The answer to that for me is easy. They just don't make em like they use to.

I also want to pick up some Megabass wild headers. I thought they were coming state side according to Icast.

I think DVT is right. Pitch one in the bath tub.

Similar to Shikari eh? We shall see. Didn't Gary Loomis buy all the Shikari mandrels when they went out of business? Did this guy design blanks for them or just build rods? Good choice on the guides.

Even if you did shelf it, how long g do you honestly think it would sit there? Staring at it every day. I couldn't do it. Fish it!

I may be way off base here but this is my logic and what has worked for smallies. Cooler water I want a solid suspender. The warmer the water gets the faster I want the bait to rise. I catch more fish more consistently on a slow floater than anything else. I don't care for sinking jerkbaits.

I'm going to pick up some under spins. Likely swarming hornets and stick some Reaction Innovations little dippers on them. I'm pretty set on everything else. . . For now

Honestly, none. I use fluorocarbon on my dedication senko stick. I went all out and spooled up with Tatsu. I was using Sniper but figured what the heck.

I use to sample different reels and ended up selling them all off because they didn't quite do it for me. My next purchases were all reels I had full intent on keeping. They will be with me till they die. They fit my hand and style of Fishing the best, plus they're all great performers. When the new kid on the block comes around I usually wait a bit looking for some feedback before acquiring one. So in short I won't sell my current reels to get the latest and greatest, but if it's something I know I have to have its coming g home with me. Daiwa Alphas SV will be the 1st reel I buy with limited to none reviews available. I think it's gonna be a winner and I must have one to add to the collection.

Duo, yo Zuri, spro, lucky craft, river2sea, and megabass. Get a few floaters and some that suspend. A few different sizes and patterns and you should be set.

Fish em if ya got em! If you're hooking up its all good. I throw a tube a lot when I'm not slinging a jerkbait. The two probably make up a solid 75% of my time on the water.

In short, what I really dig about these spools, especially the deep version, is it will allow me to cast both relatively light and relatively heavy baits. . . Stress free! I can set my T3s on long cast with the dial at zero and let her rip. Minimal line fluff into the wind. The distance I'm getting is still quite respectable and very acceptable. No side plate to open, no tabs to move. Simple and effective. Think it's time to phase one more Shimano out (Curado 51E) for an Alphas SV.

I plugged one into all my Daiwa reels with the exception of my T3 Mx. It has a 1016 spool in it which is pretty special itself. Alphas SV is next up in the line up. Can't wait.

If you want a dropshot specific and consider a Rainshadow 610mxf. In either the Immortal or Eternity line. I did extensive research on dropshot blanks on several rod building forums and this one gets mentioned several times as being quite special. If you're after a more universal blank go with the Mhx sj842.

Regular Defier ties better knots imo. Not as slick. Armilo is great, but I still prefer the green original.

Gold, black back with an orange belly has produced for me everywhere I've been. If your local waters have perch, get a perch pattern. Smallmouth love perch!

It can matter when conditions get tough. Action and floating and suspending qualities are more important than size imo. However, I prefer that standard fair. 78s and 100s. Bottom line, if you're gonna commit to using them carry a good variety.

I don't care for the Winn grips. Heavy and sticky. I prefer a quality Eva rod grip. For reel handle knobs, Shimano septons are the best imo.

Alphas SV. Money in PayPal, just need to to click add to cart when available. The new Aldebaran looks interesting. Very interesting.

Both! Agree with Road Warrior 100%. Custom rods that match my reel and dress up parts. It makes me feel great! I wouldn't buy a rod or reel that does not perform to my expectations so that's a no brainer. Call me a nerd if you like, it won't remove the smile from my face. I've spent my money on worse things.

Unless you're on a budget, custom is the only way to go imo. Mhx and Batson offer blanks most anyone can afford that are better than most off the shelf stuff. The rest is up to you. Even with labor charges your still getting better than factory at or around the same expense. Plus you know it will be built clean and straight which is imperative for a particular fella such as myself. Opening a rod tube has never been so much fun!

I love it. Great stuff