FishTank

That has been my thought. I have been using pretty much whatever I have had left over of 12lb line from a filler spool as leader. I have used several different lines but not Tatsu and found lines like Invizx to be too soft. Abrazx on the hand has worked great except the knots can get tricky.

I was wondering about this a few days ago and ended up ordering some Gold Label and some Tatsu. We will see how they compare when spring gets here.

I have ordered two Abu reels from them and had no issues with the overall condition but one of the reels was just not well made. I was able to return it without question. The other reel was fine and has been great to use.

I have not heard anything but they sure do look good. I hate to say it, they sort of look like Shimano's current line up. The Steez LTD SV TW will definitely be well sought after.

By the time you add an upgraded spool, bearings and/or a new handle with cool knobs, you can just get a Steez ($400 JDM) for probably less than the Tatula SV and all the upgrades. On the other hand, a fully upgraded Tatula would be awesome, especially since it is made just the way you like it.

I have tried several and this has been my favorite. I have yet to find it's equal for crankbaits.

The rod for sure. The reel cast the line and brings in the fish. If a reel can do that then the rod is what sets the hook and communicates what's going on under the water. But on the other hand if I am buying an all purpose rod and reel set up for $500 or less> St. Croix Avid MH Fast and a Shimano Curado K.

I get Senkos in my sock every year. Often they are the odd colors but they still work. I always happily thank my wife.

I have some Daiwa J-Fluoro Samurai 14lb on order. I hope it's good stuff but for jigs I like 15lb Abrazx. I have also used the Trilene FC in 15lb and 17lb. I liked it but just not as well as several other lines. I do like the 6lb Trilene XL FC and it is still my favorite for spinning gear.

Most frog rods are in the 7'+ range, Heavy and have a fast tip. I think the rod you mentioned would be too light for that purpose. Here is a link to various frog rods at Tackle Warehouse..... https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Frog_Rods/catpage-FRD.html

I used Power Pro and Suffix 832 off and on for years and have since moved on. I like Seaguar Smackdown, Sunline X-Plasma and Berkley X9.

I have the 853 and I wouldn't use it for light finesse jigs but I really like for 3/8 and 1/2 oz jigs with a trailer. Anything lighter, I would think the 852 would be a better choice.

This to me is correct. A 4/0 EWG from Gamakatsu is different from say an Owner, Trokar, or Mustad. If we knew which brand you have and a pic or two, it would help. But if I were you, I would lay them out by size from big to small and don't over think it.

If that's the case, the 6'8'' M Fast would be fine. It has a little softer tip and I think as stated above it's made for jerkbaits. I have used it for lighter jigs and it has been great but prefer it for a senkos. It is a great rod that I think can be used for just about anything.

I guessing you are looking at a casting rod......Out of the LE series I have the 6'8 M Fast and the 7'1 MH X-Fast. Both work well for jigs but I prefer the MH based on the size of jigs I through and also the X-Fast tip. The 6'8'' would better for the size jigs you are wanting to use. I use it as my primary t-rigged senko rod. On a side note, why a slightly more moderate rod for jigs? Most, if not all, jig rods have x-fast or fast tapers. Also, if you are looking for a spinning rod, the 803S G. Loomis GLX or NRX would get the job done.

I have tried a couple of my rods for chatterbaits and have found one rod that I like best.... 7' St. Croix Avid MH Fast. I use this rod for just about everything but love it for chatterbaits with a trailer and heavier spinnerbaits..

Backreeling is how I kind of started as a kid with fishing in saltwater (for much bigger fish than large mouth). The drag systems could be questionable on some reels back 35+ years ago or the reel I had was just not that great. At some point you could just forget the drag and backreel. There is no way I would do it today with how reels are made. I don't think I have ever lost a bass because I have had issues with a drag system on a spinning reel> unless I set the drag too tight and snap the line. However, I do appreciate the video and he does state his case clearly and in a nice way. Thanks for sharing...

Dark.

Been there. I broke one rod and busted up a reel pretty good (St. Croix Avid and a Shimano Curado G) in the bed of my truck. So never again. They go in the cab now. Luckily I can fit up to an 8 foot rod between the front of the dash and the back window.

It depends on the reel and the usage but as a rule I break them down in the winter and clean lube them. There are exceptions..... if it gets dunked in water or is in heavy rain. It then gets broken down, cleaned and lubed. I also will put a few drops of oil as needed throughout the year.

I have ordered from them three times now and great service and prices each time. I also had a question about a reel and they responded almost immediately. I hope to order from them again when the Bait Monkey comes calling.

Spring, especially April and May. It tend to catch my biggest fish then and the most.

I use an NRS Chinook. I have only had to fall out of my kayak once to thank the fact that I bought it. It's comfortable and stores a few necessary items. I wear an XL shirt and an XL in this fits but it can be difficult to get over a winter jacket. It is definitely great for kayaking though. The back is open and makes turning a paddle easier.

Aqua Bound Sting Ray. It retails for $150 but I found it on sale for $100 last year. I would say its a beginners to experienced paddle. I think after some use, I like it and it gets the job done effectively but it makes me want a better one after using some of the more advanced/expensive paddles.