PGA Dropout

I have trouble biting on the Inferno when it is possible to get new Max and Endurance rods for $20 more. I'm sure I'd try one at $100, but I have a hard time believing that it's smoking any competition at $129.99.

Yes you should have no problems with soft plastic jerkbaits.

I am a big fan of the 6'3" MXF Eyecon. You might have trouble doing 1/8 oz and 5/8 oz jerkbaits on the same rod though.

3/0 EWG Gamakatsu

Both of those things are fixable with $. I like how yours looks though.

Diablo III and Hearthstone here. I'm thinking about Wildstar, but I'd rather spend the $15/month on lures for now.

I take ~1" off the legs and bend the hooks up just a little so they aren't resting on the frog. I like the tip about working a new Spro frog; they're a little stiff out of the package.

I hear that the 7'7" MH *** Green makes a heck of a frog rod. You could get that and spend $70 on Spro frogs.

I think a new Veracity for $100 would be a good purchase.

I would go Tatula based on price. Valley Sports will hook you up. Put the money you save into sexy upgrades, like a Hawgtech handle.

I don't think it's possible to manhandle someone over the internet. $20 for a bearing upgrade is a good price, but I don't think you'll see enormous gains in performance unless you're pitching. Most dudes upgrade their bearings because they like to tinker with reels. A properly cleaned and oiled bearing goes a long way.

It's hard to say anything bad about the President reels. You should check out a Daiwa Legalis as well if you're going to buy the reels from Bass Pro or somewhere. It's another $60 spinning reel that is very good. I would avoid the Shimano Sedona at retail price but if you want to spend $80, the Sahara is an excellent choice.

Tackle Warehouse has 100-packs.

Coooooooooool.

Awesome. Any updates on Daiwa knob compatibility? My Sol neeeeeds that 90mm handle.

I cut my pinky finger tightening 10 lb. Power Pro at least once a week. It happens.

I used it for a bit when I was learning braid and didn't have any issues. However I would take Scott F's advice and use another knot. The 5-7 turn Uni has served me well with all lb. tests of Power Pro.

The white Okuma Stratus that Dick's sells is actually a pretty serviceable reel for the $30.

You're going to have a hard time throwing 1/4 oz on a MH Veritas. Try tension loose enough to drop the lure freely, centrifugal brakes 3 on/3 off, and magnetic dial around 4-5 and adjust from there. The Pro Q doesn't excel at lighter lures but it can be done.

If a reel is fished heavily for a while, things can start to go wrong. Also the Smokes came out in 2010(?), so it's perfectly reasonable that your reel could require maintenance. If you do set out to take it apart yourself, get some very good (ideally new) screwdrivers. Stripping a screw is a very real danger.

I think it's worth the $20 to send it to Mike at DVT. A lot of things can go wrong when opening a reel.

Green pumpkin pearl belly is great. They are good frogs.

I would start with the 6'8" MXF Avid spinning rod.

Contact the manufacturer. They'll help you out, maybe for freeeee.

I think Ron stocks the Tatula rods at Valley Sports. If so, give him a PM and see what he can do for you. His prices are crazy good.