PourMyOwn

One thing to consider is line diameter. I lost a few when I was in my Jon boat and only had a baitcaster with 10 lb line. (I was crappie fishing and under prepared). The line stretch was more than I expected and I didn't set the hook as solidly as usual.

I can still remember the smell, but I was more of an Auger tail guy.

HS teacher here-when I worked in rural schools I gave away tons of soft plastics that I poured. In lots of cases, they weren't even in my class, but word travels. Mondays were the best, kids would pop in to show me what they caught over the weekend. Those were good times.

I have about ten also. Several TD-S, a couple TD-X, and three TD Zillion Crazy Crankers. Oh, and a pair of newer Lews that I should sell but keep forgetting about. The old TD reels I got dirt cheap on eBay/marketplace. Yes, I know I have a problem.

With a little acetone you can make most plastic lures translucent. Clear baits catch fish here in gin clear water.

When you said you cranked it to shoot out the excess oil, I'm assuming you pulled the plugs? I usually do that and watch for the oil to shoot out the cylinders before there's any gas introduced. Either way, I agree you probably didn't hurt anything. Today must have been the day to get out oards going in New England, I got my boat out of the woods today too.

Timely thread, I picked up a couple last year and am finally ready to use them. I plan on using them with finesse football jigs.

I've owned the last three generations of the Regal, they are good reels. They certainly aren't the Exceler or Ballistic, but properly cared for will last a long time.

Love the crazy cranker, just a smooth and well built reel. The reasons you listed are why I use a 5.1 Team Daiwa X for bladed jigs. I have a tendency to go fast when I-havent caught a fish yet, or am excited from just catching one. I'm in trouble either way.

I'm going to say the TDZ, it disappears in my hand. That said, it's also my newest reel, so I'm sure something better has been made in the last 20 years!

@Lead Head , that was what happened to me. Prior to that one spool I liked it.

I had a not so great experience with 15 and it makes excellent backing now.

Bandit 100s are good baits, but can be a challenge to cast. They are definitely lighter than most other shallow cranks. I throw them on a ML moderate.

Norman Fat Boy

I just picked up a few spools at Scheels (online) for 10-12 bucks a spool. Once ice out happens I will give a review.