Yudo1

I can't really help you, but I can't believe they bent a pvc tube. What the heck did usps do to damage that?!

Bocas are louder when casting. As far as performance, if you flush and properly lube your stock bearings you may not notice much an improvement. You may notice some improvements like ease of casting lighter lures and needing less power to cast the same distance. Of all the aftermarket bearings, I like bocas the least personally. I like hedge hog and zpi better.

Disclaimer, I don't own one, but I've always heard great things about that rod. From a length perspective, I'm 5'11" and like sub 7' rods for jerk baits. I use a 6'8" jerk bait special and it works well, but I would think 6'4" would be even better if you jerk straight down.

x2

Definitely use your medium over the ultralight. I just got my first ultralight rod for trout/panfish this year and I couldn't imagine targeting bass with it.

I'd choose the Fuego. It's basically a Tatula without t-wing.

I'd be too paranoid about reeling the barrel swivel up into the tip guide.

The tackle trap offers gear sets for some daiwa models.

I like 10lb braid with leader.

Daiwa or shimano? IMO those are the best and the only reels I own. I have no problem switching between the braking systems.

All of them are nice rods and the choice is subjective and is only a matter of opinion. Based on my opinion, I'd say the megabass daemos or loomis glx 843mbr. If I wanted to save some coin, the KLX.

Between those 2 options I'd definitely get the tatula lt.

The KLX has a more versatile taper. You'll be happy with the rod for your t-rig and spinner baits.

For under $100, the Daiwa BG and under $200, the Daiwa Tatula LT.

I like Loomis, Megabass and Kistler not in any particular order. I would be happy fishing exclusively with any one of these brands.

I use the alberto knot.

I use 12lb sniper.

I agree with the above. The action is faster on the helium 3.

The one NRX to own IMO is the 893c. I use mine for senkos, fat ikas, light t rigs and 1/4-3/8 jigs. It's arguably the most sensitive of the bunch.

I like the NRX 873 for 3/8 and 1/2.

Daiwa, but I'd wouldn't mind using shimano.

50lb braid on the first rod is fine. I was going to say 12lb fluoro for the second rod until you said topwater so I'd go with either 12 copoly or 30lb braid with leader.

You can use 65lb on that rod.

I'm sure tatsu is better, but I'm totally satisfied with sunline sniper.

I liked the concept, but the didn't like how it palmed. It felt like a big block.