FishTank

Tatsu. I have had it spooled on some set ups for multiple seasons (4 years was the longest, 3 on average) where most lines only last one, even Invizx which is my go to line. At about $35 (depending on which lb test) at Amazon for 200 yards and lasts 3 years as compared to around $20 for 200 yards of Invizx which last just one, you can get some value out of it. My disclaimer.....Now this meaningless if you realize that you can get 12lb Invizx in a 1000 yard spool for about $70 from Amazon or are prone to destroying or bird nesting your line.

I have had a reel make this noise after cleaning and it will function fine but check the anti-reverse paw. When I took apart a old Chronarch, I made the mistake of not getting it aligned properly and the noise it made was exactly like yours. I can't guarantee that's what it is but it is worth checking out.

The Megabass Vision 110 +1 in Pro Blue has worked well for me. I also like the 110 Magnum and the Max LBO.

What a cool idea. Looks awesome.

Manually and pull the line tight when I close it, especially when I use braid.

Jigs and T-rigged soft plastic> G. Loomis NRX 853C and a Shimano Antares A.

I have the NRX 803S and it is an awesome rod with plenty of power but I probably wouldn't use spinning gear for skipping. It can be done but just not my preference. I like casting gear for that technique with 12-15lb FC.

I set it by hand based on the line. You kind a get a feel for it over the years but its pretty light. I would say maybe 6-8 lbs on a baitcaster and 4lbs on spinning gear.

I haven't run into one of these yet but looks like a winner. Reminds me of the Fenwick HMX.

Bank fishing for panfish or a rod to take hiking.

$110. Its one of their cheapest. Makes a bluegill feel like a monster.

St. Croix panfish 5'4'' UL fast. Enjoy https://stcroixrods.com/collections/freshwater/products/panfish-series-spinning

I haven't felt the the need to this when bass fishing. Maybe fishing saltwater but not fresh water bass. The drags now are amazing. I set the drag by pulling some line out and use what feels right for my line and reel/rod.

As a general rule of thumb, I don't buy any of BPS fishing stuff or any equipment that puts an anglers name on it. It has always screamed knock off but there are of course exceptions. But in any case, I hope Huddleston wins.

I had a habit of doing it years ago but try not to do it now. I set up my reel's drag to pretty much match the pound test of the line. I try to let the drag of the reel handle the fish and for the most part the drag on my reels can handle just about any fish I am after. The problem is that I get excited and I end up putting my thumb on the reel. I then try to muscle the fish and end up breaking the line (losing the fish).

I would double down on both those statements. Armillo has been the best mono I have ever used. I rarely get mono to last a whole season and this stuff looks like it may last for two. I have fished 13lb heavily and it's still in good shape.

I have worked in printing for years and we use epoxy for various applications. To remove it, we use vinegar on delicate surfaces, hands, etc. Once it is hardened, heat maybe and goo gone or vinegar. There are other methods..... https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-remove-epoxy/

If it is epoxy, vinegar should take it off but be careful not to get it any place else and don't let it soak into the guide ring. Just a drop on a q-tip again.

Love the Kreature. I found some custom ones from GYCB at a local shop about 12 years ago. The best was the Green Pumpkin with black tail. Another one I found had yellow legs and a solid black body. I wish I would have bought them all.

On a spinning reel, 20lb works great, 40lb and up on a baitcaster.

I like the LT rods and they may be a touch more sensitive than the Avid but I think it is pretty much just as good. The Medium power rods seem to be the sweet spot with the LT rods to me. The older version seemed tip heavy in the MH line but the newer versions seem more forgiving. I think on many rods, a light weight reel is going to make the set up feel tip heavy, especially if the rod is a MH X-fast or a Heavy Fast. It's just the nature of rod and reels. If balance is what you are after, purchase a reel that fits what you are after in the complete setup. Also, on a side note most of the rods in the LT and below from St. Croix feel about a 1/2 to a whole power stouter than most other brands.

I don't have the Accurists anymore. They were all returned. The Smoke and Vapor are the only two I still have.

Sniper shouldn't cause the guides to wear like that unless you are really putting some high stress on the rod. Have you tried running a cotton swab through the guides? If it teares the cotton, then something funky may be going on. I would also clean the guides with alcohol, same swab. You can also run a cotton swab lightly wet with reel oil to smooth them out. Otherwise hopefully Loomis can work with you on it.

Just curious. What kind of line is being used?

Asian Portal Fishing has been good so far. Ordered two reels from them. Took about 2 weeks. Their prices are somewhat better on ebay. https://tr.asian-portal.shop