Jon G

I really like the LTBs. In fact I'm still debating if I want to replace all my Dobyns Champions with them. They are a little tip heavy but to me it really isn't that bad.

Yup. Every reel gets backing even ones with copoly. I just go to Walmart and pick up a 700 yard spool of Zebco line and use it as backing (it's like $2.25 for a 700 yard spool)

During sales. I will buy stuff here and here but the majority of my tackle buying occurs during sales.

Jig and a Fluke

I'd just contact Duckett.

Good Mono. But it usually end up being backing for me lol.

Check your line/knot every 15-20 casts regardless what line you are fishing.

It always baffles me why a fish that small could ever think it could eat something thats as large as it.

I keep it simple. I use the Pick and Pull method

Just an FYI you could also go on TW and use the "Advanced Search" option to help your search for a rod

Just take advantage of sales. I do it with all my major tackle-stocking purchases.

The setup in my profile pic is my favorite set up for flukes and it is slowly becoming my all time favorite set up 6'8" MF St. Croix LTB Shimano Chronarch 150hg 15lb Izorline XXX (will be 16lb Sniper next time I re-spool) I can cast a Fluke quite a way out

You can also use a thicker wire hook to cast just a tad father. Something like an Owner Wide Gap Plus works great

This is my philosophy with scents. You are scared that the "unnatural" smell of plastic will spook fish so you use scent to mask the "unnatural" smell. Since when is the smell of garlic, which is in almost all scents, found in nature. It is just as unnatural as is the smell of plastic. Scents really are just used to boost your confidence IMO.

I've never felt like it did anything. Just fish it as it.

Well being a die hard SF Giants fan I can say I wasn't very happy.

6'8 MF St.Croix LTB Shimano Chronarch CI4 150HG 15lb Izorline XXX (It's the rod in my profile pic)

Just buy a new rod.

Pretty easy to find a new Champion Extreme in the $290 range. A DX 744 sounds perfect for what you want

Abu's have pretty good bearings. The amount of bearings doesn't mean squat.

I wouldn't worry about a Snapping Turtle they are pretty hardy animals that can take a lot. They can live up to 150 years old.

The only thing I've noticed from one of your posts is you said you do not have issues with the rod with micro guides. Micro guides are made to prevent line from "slapping" which allows for a further cast due to the line projecting forward in a straight path Is it possible that the line is "slapping" the guides on the non micro guide rods creating a noise that you are not used to yet?

So I'm a little confused. Is it occurring with one of your spinning reels or multiple? Are you positive you spooled your line correctly?

Single SDJ for me as well. I tried a double SDJ and it wasn't as strong. Just my experience at least.

Rod:Dobyns Champ 734 or DX 744 Reel: Shimano Chronarch CI4 150hg Line: 16lb Sunline FC Sniper Trailers-Sideways rigged Pit Boss, Keitech 3.8 No trailer hook Slow steady retrieve to keep the blade slowly thumping