swandog

I mean, there literally is a black max spinning reel: https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/abu-garcia-black-max-spinning-reel#repChildCatid=6407338?campID=642952267&groupID=31323544038&device=m&productID=118980850&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIk62WsoW-4AIVkYZpCh2zngHTEAQYASABEgJi_fD_BwE

This was caught at a Chinook Pit. Not sure the name of it, but usually do okay there. I live in Brazil, so the pits are right down the road.

Was glad to get out today here in west central Indiana. Have had freezing temps and ice on ponds, but decided to get out and fish with it finally getting up to 44 degrees. Was not expecting much, but landing this beaut. Caught on a Rapala X Rap 7 jerkbait.

☝️

Winn Grip or cork for me. Have not tried carbon yet.

Lew’s TP1 casting rod. They specifically have one that is labeled ‘Multi-purpose” - It is a 7’ Medium-heavy with WINN grips and microwave guides. Great all around rod.

Upvote on the Tatula CT. Smooth, great casting and built solid.

Caught a good one yesterday from a local strip pit, of course didn't have my scale with me. Some weight guesses please..? Thanks in advance. (She was immediately released after video.)

Nice fish. I would say a 4 pounder.

Okay thanks. The performance is fine, but if it’s normal I won’t worry about it.

Please help me determine what needs oiled/greased to make this noise stop. I really don't wan't to tear it down. I have already greased the worm gear, both ends of the spool, and the brakes. thanks in advance. sorry for hand being over the mic a few times.

I was having the same issue with the smaller guides a lot of newer rods have. I starting adding some Loctite gel and that solved the problem. It adds enough protection to the wraps and is flexible enough it doesn't damage the guides. I have also used Loon's Knot sense and it works as well, but you need a UV light (Sunlight) to cure it. For 30lb braid, I would use atleast 7 wraps (7 up and 7 back). You might get away with less using 50lb and up.

Might want to check out the Lew's American Hero combo. I believe it retails for around $80.

I have a tournament MB lfs and I would say the the magnetic brakes are just for quick fine tune adjustments. I sometimes make brake adjustments when I change line types or when the weight of the lure changes. It's a great casting reel, imo.

There are a lot of good instructional videos on YouTube that will show you how to make a solid connection knot (Alberto, FG, double Uni). Just takes some practice. I use an alberto knot will a dab of loctite. I tend to use around a 5-7 foot length of flouro or mono and for 30# braid a would go with a 12-15# leader.

50# straight braid for frogs in heavy weeds is not overkill. But it's not the best for every lure presentation. But that is the beauty of braid, you can use the braid as the main line and just tie a Flouro/mono leader (12-15#) for other lures.

I have never heard of that causing backlashes. Could there have been a build up of gunk (weeds, moss, etc.) around one of the guides or Reel level wind? That will cause what you are describing.

For a Walmart Rod, I would suggest the Berkley Shock. Probably as quality as it going to get there.

Seriously, Trilene Big Game is not that much more $$, and is much better mono.

Yeah. For the love of humanity, please don't use that line

Palomar for all terminal ends. braid to flouro: alberto

Question: does your rod have micro guides? I have had issue with getting caught on the guides during the cast. I have changed a few things and now don't seem to have the same issues. 1. I have starting trimming the Flouro tag almost even with the braid wraps. (Maybe will leave an 1/8 inch or less) 2. I also starting using Loc-Tite gel formula to create a protective "shell" around the knot. I have also used Loon Knot Sense- it seems very flexible and protects the knot for fraying. I have not had a break off since implementing these changes. Hopefully that continues we will see I guess.

I just purchased some 8# Seaguar Invizx to put on my finesse setup. I understand that you are to place the spool on its face the same way you are reeling (clockwise in my case). Sadly the line would keep getting caught in the notches on the side of the spool. I doubt it was damaging the line, but why are those even there? Or maybe I'm not doing something right?

I also like using braid for walking lures. Just seems like you don't have to work as hard to get the correct 'walk' action going. The only down side is the occasional trebile hook entanglements. Braid is less forgiving in that department.

I have been using Seaguar Senshi 15# and have been very impressed. Thin diameter and casts great.