cottny27

The LFS. You can find them for on EBay for about $82.

My head is spinning we never worried about this type of stuff 15yrs ago. Now there is a rod for every technique. The rod will tell you what's it's able to handle. Any Texas rigging should be on your MH rods and lures under 1/4oz on your spinning gear imo. That's simplifying it. 12# test on casting gear and 6-8# on the spinning.

Its not a problem I agree..just a personal preference. The original Mojo Bass rods had a balance point way up the rod above the badge. Sure, I could fish with it, but it wasn't pleasant.

I'd bump up your line test with a "M" powered rod. You won't be fishing texas rigs with bullet weights on 6# line.

I'm sure that's fine. That's a monster heavy duty rod. You're not gonna find a punching/frog rod that weighs 4oz.

Rods I own that are light are a Quantum Smoke at 3.4oz. The Duckett Ghost seems light probably under 4oz. Quantum Exo PT makes a 6'8"M model that weighs in at only 2.9oz. That's the lightest 6'8" "off the shelf" rod that I am aware of. I think most of your 7' rods will be around the 5oz mark unless you spend over $200.

Yeah I doubt you will find anything on that. That's going to be a heavier rod for sure with cheaper material used in the blank. I wish the tackle companies would list their rod weights.

Did Carrot Sticks have the inserts in the butts where you could add weight? I thought the original ones did. 5.7oz can "feel" light if the weight is distributed evenly near the reel seat. I have plenty of sub 4oz rods with an extra ounce of weight in the butt. I pick to fish with those over the factory rods I own simply because of the feel.

If that's accurate I believe all rod companies need to start doing this. Balance is more important than weight imo.

My next cheap rod will be an Ethos from Academy. I would recommend one of those on clearance online for $50. A 7'MH for deep cranking on a 5:something reel. I looked them over last night and was shocked how light and balanced they were.

Look at your reel's schematic, you can find it on line if you don't have the sheet that came with the reel. Do you really want to get into taking all that apart and putting it back together? You don't have to, and I certainly am not going to. I've used many reels for many years, and except for dunking one for a few days, (I sent that to an expert for major clean and lube) I've serviced only as you suggest, take it down the first level only, lube from there. Maybe the level wind needs a little cleaning, but don't take a chance on a major dis-assembly. Light grease for gears, good oil like DVT suggested for everything else. Not that red stuff-it's inferior in quality, stick with clear oil like DVT suggests. I add a drop or two of oil to all moving parts, especially the level wind worm, a couple times a year max. And my reels work fine. Don't get too obsessive, keep it simple. If the reels are somewhat new then you'll be fine. I did just that much for many years and never had a problem.

Sounds like all you need is oil then. Maybe lube just for the worm gear.

15# AbrazX is thin and would work good in that situation. I would use that over the InvizX. It handles well for me with KVD L&L.

Not unless you have a bunch of disposable income or you tournament fish for a living. A Tourney Pro G is all you'd ever need imo. Upgrade your rod over your reel.

Lews/Duckett Ghost is my vote.

Hey the 10# comes in 250yd spools. I'm cheap so I know

Good stuff, but not very abrasion resistant. Does fine for me in 10# in open water. I like it much better than Sunline's budget fluoro

That post was funny, I laughed out loud. You guys are all commenting on super high dollar reels and he throws that post in there

I have no experience with them other than holding them in a tackle shop. I do think if you are buying and "off brand" reel then $100 is quite steep. I hope you get years of use out of that. It sure looks solid. I bought Kastking Stealth just for the heck of it and like it for beating up. It been good so far. $47..so who cares.

1st pic looks just like an Ardent reel.

Bunch o' Shishamo snobs

I am seriously looking at the new Fate Chrome model. They look nice. All I've read are good things about those rods, but have never owned one.

Yo-Zuri thumbs up too.

Not sure what you mean. The rod difference? Open hooks compared to a thick hook with a weed guard that you need to bury on the hookset.

Might be a bit underpowered for jig fishing. Definitely wouldn't throw a jig over 1/2oz with a 6'8" MH. Great rod for spinnerbaits and light wire swim jigs on 12# fluoro imo.