Lost..

What I want to know is why the rest of the smallmouth you caught DIDN'T have one...

After I pointed out that it seemed you were being condescending, you decide to respond back in your first sentence with what seems like another questionable response. After this reply, I'm not going to continue to respond. Seems you're more intrigued debating with me rather then letting your original response back to the OP stand, allowing him to decide what works best for his situation. Nowhere have I seen a manual recommend or instruct someone to take apart a brand new reel and make sure it's properly lubed/oiled or checked over to make sure the factory didn't forget anything else... In some cases, this may actually void the warranty. It recommends being wiped down after each use and being cleaned lubed once per year to my knowledge. If a reel was missed being lubed when it was being constructed, it's possible something else could have been missed during the process. Also, OP bought both reels at the same place at the same time, they likely both sat in the same "hot warehouse" and would have suffered the same fate, leading me to believe something else was wrong with the reel in question. Your rhetorical question logic is flawed.. When you pull out of the dealership with your brand new car and the engine is knocking, you then decide to check the oil only to realize there is almost no oil at all in it.. What do you do, head to autozone for a few quarts or take it back to the dealership? I'll wait..

To be honest, your message comes off as a little condescending.. This shouldn't have to be done with a brand new reel. The reason I suggested "not messing with it" is the fact that it is brand new.. Why mess with a reel that may or may not have a bigger problem than throwing some oil on it, possibly damaging it further, then not being able to return it?

Wife probably caught on to your shenanigans and blocked TW orders on her credit card..

If this gentleman is unable to purchase it for you if you can not find it, I'd also be willing to purchase him another one. Just let me know.

Stop whatever you're doing with the one casts louder and backlashes constantly, put it back in the box and return it. Why continue to mess with it?

Tom's work is absolutely amazing and is an even better person. I wouldn't hesitate to take anything to him again in the future.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Ultimate-Line-Winding-System/1432827.uts?productVariantId=3350338&WT.tsrc=PPC&WT.mc_id=GoogleProductAds&WT.z_mc_id1=03592664&rid=20&gclid=CKacoPiywNQCFdhWDQodnkwBeA&gclsrc=aw.ds#tabsCollection This is what I use. I got mine from somewhere else for significantly cheaper but they are all basically the same thing just sold under different brand names. Its worked great for me.

Agree 100%.

Strike King finesse worms. I like something that floats and sticks up when sitting on the bottom.

Thanks for the concern. That was in a different part of town about 45 minutes away. I agree, it was crazy. First I've heard of it doing that around here.

I've lurked for awhile and decided it was time to sign up. Look forward to being part of the community. Hopefully i can learn a few things and possible spread some of the info I know. Also look forward to meeting some great people along the way.