cottny27

Get some Semichrome and a dremel and polish spool shaft, pinion gear, drag washers, inside of main gear, drive shaft. I think you can make a reel smother imo

Yes, makes a reel look cheap same with a metal thumbar...well this reel is cheap :). I did do some sanding even though the paint doesn't require it. I don't trust it.

Bought this online for $45. The gray color on the front plate and thumbar was cheap looking and seems like it would tarnish with contact. I'm happy with the results. Krylon Fusion for plastic did the trick! I'll do the thumbar next. Not a perfect match, but it matches with the drag star

Faulty reel I bet. Trade it in for the Black Max combo Its a proven reel.

Berkley e-motion you can find on jet.com for around $55 after 15% first time user discount. It would match the reel nicely. Just an idea.

I tend to only bring 1 when I kayak fish due to some of the tight backwater places I fish. The hikes can tear up some equipment. I could always use another when fishing so I'm knot wasting line changing lures.

4-5 combos will do to cover most everything imo

I've been doing it in recent years, but never did for yrs. I don't think its a big deal.

Well I was throwing a big willow leaf spinnerbait yesterday on a 6.4.1 reel and was wishing I had my 5.4.1. Just easier cranking, less resistance. I can work with all the ratios it doesn't matter, but give me a low gear for bigger cranks and spinnerbaits.

I have some InvizX in 15#. It handles pretty well. I strung up a new reel yesterday with 15# Seaguar Senshi that I had leftover. Figured I'd give the stuff another try and haven't used mono in a couple years. Stuff handles much better than fluoro. It will be my topwater setup I guess.

You all about got me convinced to try Sniper. I like AbrazX, but always willing to try to find something better. A little tackle shop by my house has Sniper for $21.99. Seems like that's about as cheap as I've seen it.

Thought about trying that PP slick just to see for frog fishing only. Maybe I'll give it another shot.

Regarding braid... I've only tried Suffix and Power Pro in 30#. Do they make a quiet braid that flows thru guides smoothly without the terrible screeching sound? Both times I tried it I immediately came home and ripped it off the spool and trashed it. I fish mainly clear strip pits with little brush so don't feel the need to use it. I prefer a little stretch in my line. I was fishing with a Quantum Smoke with micros so maybe the guides aren't the best for braid.

If you haven't used KVD L & L then do yourself a favor and buy some and soak your line the night before. Turn up your brakes a bit, then come back and talk to us. Mono handles much better of course, but some fluoro is pretty manageable.

I like rods no longer than 6'9", but I do seem to miss a lot of fish. Its more just for fun when I take the kayak out and catching a fish is just a bonus.

Watched a new Roland Martin fishing show last and he was using nothing but Carrot Stiks. Since when?? I bet he's getting paid big to do that. It's hard to watch his shows, but it was late and there was absolutely nothing else on. "Oh, son!"

I like AbrazX better, but still use RL. For $12 a spool its worth it to me. I've only used it in 10# & 12#.

It changes everything.

Yeah, I only do about 60yds with no issues and get 3 reels out of a 200yd spool. I use the cheap Cajun line for backing.

For God's sake Sheldon Cooper you're killing me

This is the start of another argument..oh well There is none unless you are going with a neutral balance. Hold the rod out horizontal to the ground just like you would grip it when fishing. The tip is going to fall to the ground 99% of the time. If you are using M-MH power bass rods in the 6.5-7.5' (I should clarify) they are going to be tip heavy. Tape quarters to the butt until the rod balances horizontally in your hand. Once you find the correct weight you add it anyway you like to the butt. Semi tip heavy (at the reel nut) makes for a good cranking rod and butt heavy (at the rod trigger) works well for contact baits imo. Its all preference. Take a cheaper rod and try it and see what you think. I don't blame you guys spending $300 on a rod not wanting to do this. This is how I do it with a tungsten weight, it's clean: Sorry, my way is not scientific or calculated.

Some supple 12# mono imo.

There aren't many users of BPS reels(besides the PQ) you'll find on the forum from what I've learned. I like em..easy to fix and parts are cheap and easy to get. I've used one they seem smooth and pretty decent reels.

Raul, I've never even used it besides casting my buddies setup 20-30 times. I'm sure it will pull down a tree it was thick stuff. Always wanted to try floroclear

The CXX may as well be wire. The 8# diameter is like everyone else's 12# and handles like a spring.