LCG

This year I am straight braid for everything. However yo zuri hybrid in 10lb never let me down, it will do what your looking for.

Yes, I have a 7' M-F spinning rod rated for 1/8-3/4, two piece models. Very versatile. I have a daiwa exceler 3000 on it and it balances very nicely. I also have a JDM Tatula XT in casting 6'10" MH-R, the regular action being mod fast. Rated 1/4-1pz. Love this rod for chatterbaits and spinnerbaits. The arid x is another value rod that hits way above the price tag. I have two of the 7' casting MH-F. All home runs in my opinion.

Daiwa Tatula XT

Can't compare the two but I do have the tatula xt 7' medium spinning and it's very nice, plenty sensitive, comfortable to fish with, and very versatile.

I have owned the shimano curado 200, curado 70 mgl, slx 70 mgl, and Daiwa fuego, alphas, and now have two Lews lfs speed spools gen 2, and a BPS JM Carbonlite 2.0 (black). I also really liked the lfs gen 2 reels. Something simple, consistent, and overall feel. I no longer have any Shimano reels, not because they are bad. I actually have nothing bad at all to say about Shimano. Just kind of liked the lfs that much. Amazing value for the money. I do find that the lfs is best 3/8oz and up. Shimano and Daiwa do better on the lower end, at a cost. That being said, I really want to pick up a jdm zillion. Just waiting to see if they update it this year.

I looked at the Regal LT pretty hard last year, but landed on the Exceler LT 3000. There were a few upgrades that made it worth it to me, but still what I would consider a quality budget value reel. I have been very impressed with Daiwa spinning reels. I am sure the Regal is also a quality reel.

I used to use a variety of home made solutions, and it worked. However, I wanted something a little better. I found a line spooling tool made of metal on Amazon that uses springs and little bullet shaped pieces to keep the line on the tight and clamps to the edge of a table. Works fantastic and allows me to spool solo and tightly. Also came with a tool you stick into an electric drill to despool old line.

Last year I went to BPS to buy a Tatula 100, ended up leaving with a JM carbonlite 2.0 baitcasting reels, the black ones. Very good casting reel, smooth, good distance and control. Solid reel and they go on sale frequently.

I've been there. I have ruined two reels by taking them apart, both Daiwas. Worked on a few Shimano and lews reels, with no issues. It was probably my fault as they worked well before I took them apart to clean. Not blaming Daiwa in any way. Could just be coincidence or something in their engineering that my brain just can't get. Now I don't take them apart.

Looks like you got their new hyper line spool capacity feature.

The Tatula Xt 7' M-F spinning rod is my do anything rod. It's primary use for me was senkos rigged every which way last season. Fantastic rod. She's got some power. My Rebellion 6'8 ML-F spinning rod is my preferred Ned rigs, drop shot, inline spinners rod. But the Tatula Xt can do those things with a bit more power for grassy areas. Those carbonlites are great rods too. Had the 6'8 M-XF and it was great. I do prefer dawias forward reel seats, very comfortable.

Can't help with the hooks, but can 100% recommend those little silica packs that come with various products. They absorb moisture and work great for lures. I keep one pack in with each lure.

In your experience, what weight range would a standard 34mm SV boost spool be ideal for casting? About to order a Zillion, looking for a comfortable range of 1/4-1oz. Sorry, don't mean to hijack the thread. Thanks.

Huge fan of the last generation speel spool LFS. The reviews on tackle warehouse seem rather negative. Please let us know your on the water experience with the gen 3.