FishTank

I've been using the Z-Crank Elseil for some topwater. It states that it will go up to 3/4oz but 1/2oz to me is the limit. Its just a fuzz lighter than the OneTen Stick. Great rod though. I really like it for the 110jr and 3/8oz crankbaits but it does great with the Pop-x and Showerblows. I haven't tried it with the Pop Max yet.

I throw buzzbaits on 15lb Seaguar R18 Limited and frogs on PE #3 YGK Upgrade. Two different setups for me.

Metanium 100 7.x:1.

I was given this guy as a kid, maybe at 8 years old though. Daiwa Minicast. I thought it was the coolest thing in the world because it came in a case.

I carry two, a pocket knife and my Leatherman. I recently picked up a new one. Well, we are all acquainted with the Bait Monkey and now I'm getting to know the Benchmade Bandit.

For the most part, I like a slower retrieve in a spinning reel, with the exception of wacky rigged senkos. I fish a lot of paddle tail swimbaits, drop shot baits and smaller finesse stuff. The slower retrieve reels seem to fit my style of fishing better.

The Monkey got lucky with this one. You don't hear the name Revonik in the US often but they are definitely unique and well made.

Here is the guide line chart I use for diameter and breaking strength, which has been pretty close to accurate. Some lines there, like YGK Ohdragon, are lower lb strength to diameter than other lines. They note this somehow on the box. Here is an article that explains it. https://www.jpfishingtacklenews.com/japanese-line-size/?srsltid=AfmBOoorH636aPofMyLmmjRbAuLTBQKYx-Z1v9TJ_E5VivaXOnZvhA7d

I back all my reel, except for BFS, with whatever mono I have left over. Its varies from reel to reel but I'll put about 10-25 yards.

I need to slow down for sure. I have enough to fish for the rest of my life. I don't lack for tackle. I just wish I had time to fish and enjoy it all.

I would go to a different bait. Using braid and bending out hooks is probably not the answer. Plus there is potential damage to your rod and reel. I would Texas rig a swimbait or use a weighted swimbait hook. It's cheaper. If your 100% sure your snagging the hooks and settled on using crankbaits, you can change the hooks for inline singles.

Yes but the Pocket Fisherman is.....

That's kind of what I use it for. I would keep it. It has a bit more power than the 852S and for me, I like for windy days when I want to cast a heavier bait. On the other hand, there is the Windbuster. Not as sensitive as the NRX+ rods but its definitely more versatile.

Tackle Warehouse, The Hook Up Tackle and Tackle Bros. have them. There is a down side to this one and most of the buzzbaits I like.... light wire. For whatever reason, the most successful buzzbaits for me always seem to have this lighter wire that bends. Anytime I fish one, I keep a specific pair of Rapala pliers on me so I can bend them back.

I have the 2000C in the current version and the 3000 MHG in the previous. I think between the 2500 and the 3000, it comes down to personal preference. I have the 3000 on a NRX+ 803S and the 2000C on the 821S. I like both and both balance well. I also have the 2500C Twin Power. I really like this reel as well. This has been my favorite spinning reel as of late. So if its was me, I think I would go with the 2500 size but you really can't go wrong with either the 3000 or the 2500.

I haven't replaced any hooks on the +2 but I have on the regular version and the +1. I used the #8 from Ryugi. I tried both the Pierce and the Pierce Dagger. The Dagger is a lighter wire hook but its still pretty strong. I really didn't see a whole lot of difference in diving depth. My line choice tends to influence that more.

Sort of. It has a piece of metal in the blade that causes a squeak when it retrieved. It also clacks a ball that is on top of the head. It's a pretty cool system. The loudest and squeakiest is the Master Blaster from Raid. You would think the thing is rusted. The wire is worn down in such a way that it causes the noise. It too is a great one. I caught around a 25lb catfish on it not too long ago.

Teckell Max Squeaker.

Picked up a Bento Box from The Hook Up Tackle and man what a ton of stuff for $100. I have a few packs of dice. With the way they last, I shouldn't have to buy them again. The last one I used lasted about 20-30 fish before I got it snagged and I lost it. All good stuff here except maybe the OSP Blitz Magnum EX DR. I've caught fish with them but they get down to 30 feet easy and I don't fish that deep very often. The HideUp Coike should be interesting. I saw a guy last year kill them fishing this thing as a topwater bait. There is also 20 of my favorite BSF jigs. I think i was getting these from Japan for around $5 each so there is $100 right there. Mother's Day Bento on the way as well. 🎣 🐵

Most of the time (like 99.9%) it's this and not the gears.

I fish a pond that has an intake and a spillway which can create a small current. If the water is moving, I will go big on the first pass and then small on the second. For example, a swimbait and then a senko, a full size spinnerbait and then a ned rig, big crankbait and then a BFS lure. I will clean house on the second pass. I've done this time and time again. I might get 2 or 3 on the big stuff and then 8 or 9 on the small stuff.

Zillion HD gets my vote. Solid, great all around reel. My personal favorite though for frogs, is a 2012 Shimano Antares. It's a true tank of a reel.

I tried to order a Megabass P5 from them. It showed in stock and then when it didn't ship, I emailed them. A few days later they said it would arrive from Megabass in a few weeks. I contacted Megabass and they said that is not the case and that they were out of the rod I wanted with no restock available at this time. I was ticked and cancelled my order.

That's where I'm at. I've taken my friends boat out with my truck and it's usually pretty easy but my buddy's vehicle is a front wheel drive suv. It will move the tail end of the boat with just the slightest turn of the wheel.

I might go a little over your budget and get a Daiwa Steez SV Limited Shallow Spool. I really like this reel. I have been using it for 1/2oz jigs on NRX+ 894 and it a powerhouse. I'm not sure what they did different to this reel because on the inside it looks like the regular SV. It's fun to fish and I can pitch jig really easy with it. Next would be a Metanium 100. Just an all around great reel.