PGA Dropout

The JDM T3 max would be a good option if you want another t-wing reel. The Steez is not modifiable in that way to my knowledge.

More like Shatter Rap!

In my experience, the Avids are not as tip heavy as the new LTB's. You should definitely try to handle one though, as tip-heaviness is sort of subjective.

This is a slippery slope, my friend. I think Daiwa cork knobs would be a nice touch.

Hypothetically, I'd drop the extra ~$40 and get the Legend Xtreme 6'8" MXF.

Reel is only half the battle. You're going to need a rod that can handle finesse as well. Coming from a guy who is about to have a Sol in pieces on his kitchen table, buy spinning and save money, time, and worry.

I would start with a couple $100 rods from different brands and maybe a nice $150 that's on sale or a discounted rep sample. I wouldn't jump to spending a few grand based on the opinions of internet fisherman.

I have never been that happy while holding a Northern Lurestealer.

I would certainly get it checked out professionally or return it if you have any concerns. That said, it is my experience that Smokes are a little gear-y and a little noisy.

You know, if you're interested in buying used, I'd make you a pretty good deal on a setup considering that you might not be too far from me.

The Cumara A rods have a surprisingly long handle. I don't believe the butt cap on the rod is factored into the specified length, as my 6'8" Cumara is more like 6'10" total. The Cumara rods might not be ideal for topwater action if you prefer a short handle section.That said, if 1/4 oz poppers and torpedoes are your aim, the 6'8" M Cumara JWR is dreamy aside from the long handle. Dobyns Champion 683C is worth a look, as is Fenwick Elite Tech Smallmouth casting 6'9" MXF (it has an especially short handle). I have a 703 Savvy and while it's amazing for 1/4-3/8 oz spinnerbaits, I find it to be quite moderate in action and I don't like walking topwaters with it.

I keep a Leatherman Micra on my keychain and a couple full-size multitools around. They all cut braided line nicely. I haven't found a need for dedicated "fishing scissors".

ML St. Croix rods are a good place to look. I have a 7' ML Triumph spinning rod and it's definitely more like a Medium. It doesn't feel overpowered by 1/2 oz walking baits and still handles 1/8 oz Rapala F7's well with the right reel. I'll have to try the 3/4 oz football heads on it.

I too heard something about the Chronarch going on the Crucial and the Core going on the Cumara, etc. Probably just a ploy or something to get you to buy more rods. What's your dedicated Worm/Jig combo that you mentioned?

Correct, there is no standard. A Legalis 2000 is a little lower capacity-wise than a President 6930, 8lb/110yd vs. 8lb/130yd. For reference, a Shimano 2500 is 8lb/140yd, putting it between a Daiwa 2000 and 2500 and slightly above a President 30 in capacity.

BPS should definitely have them on display. It's where my girlfriend got hers. I usually hate spinning reels but I dig whatever Daiwa has done with their spools.

So I don't know a heck of a lot about Dobyns rods, but I have a Savvy 703 and I like it. I like it so much that I would like to upgrade it to a Champ or Champ Extreme 3-power. I'd like opinions on the differences between the Champ 683, Champ Extreme 683, Champ 703, Champ Extreme 703, and Champ 733. Champ Extreme 743 is out because of small Toyota; 733 might be pushing it as is. Primary techniques would be Senkos, 1/4 jig + trailer, small Texas rigs, and open water swim jigging. Secondary techniques would be the occasional 3/8 oz spinnerbait, jerkbait, soft plastic swimbait, and topwater. The rod will most likely be paired with a Chronarch 51E. I'm really leaning toward the Champ Extreme 683 because 1. full handle and 2. small car, but I appreciate all the input I can get. Dobyns is currently the only brand I am considering for this rod upgrade. Thanks! Bonus question 1: Anyone have a Champ Extreme 701C? How do you like it? I'm still dreaming about casting 3/16 oz Shap Raps. Bonus question 2: I'm looking at a Champ 682SF to learn to drop shot and shakeyhead with. Any circumstances where you'd go to a 3 power rod? Okay, that should do it for now. Thanks again!

If you can get your hands on one to try, the Daiwa Legalis spinning reel is a heck of a reel for $60. Valley Sports might have them. I'd look at the 2000 size, though the 2500 is also an option. I have a President and a Sedona and my girlfriend's Legalis seems to be a step up performance-wise at the same price point. The line lay and management on the Legalis is also very good for a $60 reel. If you're looking to branch out brand-wise, Daiwa is a good choice. If you want to stay Pflueger, the 30 size is pretty good for bass fishing. I have the 25 and as others have said, it's on the small side. Nice trout reel though.

Pro tip: when dating a young lady of ample size, do not let her hear you refer to her as "my better three-quarters". Don't ask me how I know this.

It's hard to go wrong in the $60-$100 range. If you can catch a sale or bump the budget to $120, the Daiwa Lexa is a heck of a reel for the money.

Cumara A's are nice rods for just about anything. That 6'8" MXF is marketed as a light jig rod and it should handle 3/8 oz chatterbaits very well. It may be under powered for a 1/2 oz chatter. What does the seller want price wise? The 6'8" ones can be had for less than the 7'2"s.

I'm using a 6'8" MF Cumara A with a 51E on it for weightless. It'll throw a weightless Zoom finesse worm without too much trouble. The rod is rated for 1/8-1/4 oz but it handles 5" Senkos very well. TW has rep samples for a good price right now if you really like maroon rods with funky grips. That said, a spinning rod is your best bet for most weightless plastics. The ability to effectively cast lighter lures with a baitcasting setup comes at a price.

Argue for a four day school week. One more day for fishin'. I'm assuming this is for a high school class.

Check under the spool for a washer. If there's more than one, remove one washer and try spooling again.

Rapala Shallow Shad Rap 07 in Silver/Black. If you can find them in that Gold/Black metallic color that's been discontinued for a while, even better. Mepps Black Fury #5 in Yellow. Orange also works. Lucky Craft Sammy 105 in Crack Blue. That Chartreuse belly drives 'em wild!