jimmyjoe

Then: I try to get the fish to come to me. Now: I go to the fish. Difference: understanding where they live and when they eat. Thank you, @Catt ? jj

Thank you! I've found out that if you just live long enough, you can find answers to all sorts of things. ? jj

Fascinating. I had a Penn 716Z, but had never handled a 716 Greenie. I sold the Z and bought a 430SS in the early Eighties. Just sold that reel here about 5 years ago. The Pfluegers are interesting to me because my Dad had a Pflueger knuckle-buster on a TrueTemper stainless rod. I tried to learn how to cast with it, but I got frustrated. My older brother (17 years my senior) had a green Heddon reel on a yellow fiberglass rod, and it was easier to control. So he taught me to cast. First bass I caught was on a black Arbogast Hula Popper. My brother used black braided nylon line, but my Dad had line that looked like small-diameter cotton cord. I never thought to ask what it really was. One thing I'd like to ask you that's been bugging me for many years, and I know there was a person that asked the same question on the forum here, but in a way that I think no one understood what he was asking: In the old cartoons, you'll see characters casting a rod and reel. The reel is a rotating spool reel, but it's slung underneath the rod, not atop it. The rod is also inverted, with guides on the bottom. Cartoons are a simplified caricature, I understand that. But the person who drew those frames had to have a reason for doing it that way. So I figure that there had to have been a fishing setup that involved a reel that looked like a casting reel that we use today, but which was slung below the rod instead of above. Art, after all, imitates reality. How the heck they controlled overrun, I have no idea. Do you have any idea what that cartoon caricature represents in real life? I know .... this is a long shot. Thanks anyway. jj

Y'know, between this thread and @A-Jay's dog farts, I think I now know FAR more than I ever wanted to know! ?? ?? jj

Recoil guides are extremely low mass compared to most other guides that have ceramic inserts. I say "most" because I haven't compared them (directly or indirectly) to Torzites. The difference in mass changes sensitivity ...... a lot. jj

Wow. Sounds like someone is full of hatred and vitriol. I re-read the posts. No one was advising that these reels be used instead of equipment we see for sale on the market every day. Yes, they do have capabilities that we don't see nowadays, but so do steam tractors. I don't see how that classifies as BS. I, for one, love to see the old stuff. I love to remember (or reminisce). It's enjoyable. As for "sparing" you ..... no one is forcing you to use this equipment or even read these posts. If you don't like this thread, just pass on by. jj

In all seriousness, a good rod for close quarters is not easy to find. If you have a retailer near you who stocks St. Croix, look at the Premier 6' MH/F casting rod. Many people look askance at a six foot rod, but that particular one is the gnat's patootie in brush and under trees. Just a thought. jj

Join ...... the ...... club! ??? jj

All it takes is one hit on a branch to ruin a rod. I'd take the 7', and actually I'd take a 6'-06" in trees and brush if I could. But ........ it's your decision. Naturally, I'd take the longer rod in the wide open. jj

I know people who would try this. Never describe a reel as "bulletproof".

I have the same problem. Most durable sq-bill I have is the Storm Arashi sq-bill; both 1/2 and 5/8 oz. are equally durable. jj

Yes, your voice counts twice! ? jj

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I beg to differ. No, no ..... please don't differ. Not at all. Just leave it right there. It's OK as-is. ? jj

It's the fifth word in the quote. That's my fault; I should have used bold. jj Do either of you have any problem getting oil to last for a season on the pinion support bearing? Or do you just tear down your reels twice a year? jj

I can't believe the machining that went into Tani's greasers. That guy is crazy! Not in spinning reels. True. I used braid on two of my reels, and grease was almost mandatory, especially in the bearing that supports the main shaft. I was thinking that this vacuum method might work, but then again, I might be wrong. It's hard to check out myself, considering the reels I have. jj

Heard this today. Did NOT try it yet. "To get grease into spinning reel bearings, drill a hole slightly smaller than the O.D. of the bearing in a cardboard, plastic or metal sheet. Put the bearing over it, flat. Put grease on the side of the bearing, making sure to cover the whole side evenly. Insert a pencil into the center of the bearing and center it over the hole you drilled. Put the cardboard (or plastic or metal) over the open end of a vacuum cleaner hose and turn the vacuum cleaner on. Rotate the pencil slowly. The vacuum will pull the grease into the bearing, even a shielded bearing." Sound crazy? Or am I the only one who didn't know this already? jj

Please keep the pictures coming! This is the most enjoyable thread that I've seen in a lo-o-o-o-ng time. jj

I never use profanity unless I'm awake or talking in my sleep. ? jj

From my point of view, both of these replies are 100% accurate. jj

And that, my friend, is why I have the utmost respect for guides. I could never do that. jj

Anybody wanna guess were mine comes from? ???? James Joseph

Not if you can discipline yourself to slow down when you need to. The actual gear train is strong and reliable, no qualms there. jj

Amen! jj

I see absolutely nothing wrong with that. Nothing at all. But have you decided whether or not the 300-size reels fit your needs? jj