swhit140

I just stick my spool of line in the couch cushion and it holds the tension or I'll use my wife for slave labor with a pencil..

Caught a 19" & 20" same day on 1/2oz Picasso Shockblade, my scale battery was dead so I didn't get a weight.

I just keep one similar to this in my tackle bag, it is always in there if I need it. Cheap, simple, compact. https://knifeworks.com/gerber-diamond-sharpener-7-4-overall-retractable/

I would add the Falcon BuCoo SR to your list for your price your looking at. The CarbonLite & Fenwick are decent rods in your price range. I won't recommend the St Croix Bass X, I tried one and it is very tip heavy so I returned back to TW.

I had 1 Quantum reel, it didn't last a season. Never buying another Quantum reel. I have a Diawa that probably has 15 years of use still going strong.

Dobyns Sierra 703C/Daiwa Tatula CT100HS CS 7:3:1 Dobyns Sierra 734C/Daiwa Fuego CT 7:3:1 Dobyns Fury 705CB/Daiwa Fuego CT 6:3:1 Lamiglas XP Bass 704C/Daiwa Fuego CT 6:3:1 Falcon BuCoo SR BRC-6-17(Lizard Dragger)/Daiwa Fuego CT 7:3:1 Daiwa Tatula Spinning TTU721MHFS/Daiwa Fuego LT 6:2:1 The most expensive rod I have was the Sierra 703C which I picked up new for $122.00 other than that all my other rods were anywhere from $59.99 to $100.00 and bought them all on sale.

I only back my drags off in winter when I'm not using my reels, whether it matters or not.

Can't wait to see overall pic of the rod. Don't make me buy another rod. It looks like it would match nicely with a Daiwa Fuego CT.

If want you are doing is working for you and catching you fish is the important part. I'd say if your equipment is doing its job and your happy with the results then stay with what your doing.

I have 5 of the Fuego CT reels and have been very happy with mine. You can go 7:3:1 or 8:1:1, take your pick.

https://www.fishkds.com/apps/webstore/products/category/917360?page=1 They have some 1.5 Crankbaits & Jerkbaits on sale.

Black/Blue is always a good color, the water in our lakes are usually 1-2' visibility sometimes at the best. I think black is a great color no matter where you go. Try some Junebug also, that is usually a good color anywhere. Pick some up and test them between each other.

I usually get cabin fever the day I put my boat away. I've been fiddling with all my tackle every month it seems like.

I'm too cheap to pay that much for a reel.

I like using the 10" Power Worms in the summer time.

Since you have a 703SF just step up 1 power would probably do it for you. I have several Dobyns Sierra bait casting rods that I've been happy with. You might call Dobyns and see if they have a refurbished rod available in a 704SF. I've purchased a few refurbished Sierra models for $100 shipped to my door.

I have a Diawa Tatula 7'2" Shakey Head rod, TTU721MHFS 7'2". I scored mine for $70.00, very nice rod. There is probably a lot of good rods in that price point your looking at.

On sale: https://www.sportsmansoutfitters.com/products/daiwa-tatula-xt-rod or Falcon BuCoo SR Hvy Cover Jig BRC-6-174 if you can find on sale.

Just my personal experience/review. Underrated Reel: Daiwa Fuego CT, now I have 5 of them Overrated Rod: St Croix Bass X, Tip heavy rod/returned it

These pliers work great, I've had mine for a very long time and hold up very well. https://www.amazon.com/Texas-Tackle-30100-Split-Ring-Plier/dp/B000N165RI Also check this out for hook/split ring sizes. https://www.jannsnetcraft.com/crankbait-bodies/341122.aspx#ItemImage You can probably get split rings in a pack of 50 under $2

I've been really happy with my (4) Fuego CT lineup, they can be found usually $65-80. I think it's the best reel out there for the price. I've used Shimano and they are also good quality reels that I have used. I've never used or owned a Lew' product so I have no experience with them.

Always on my rods ready to go, I have lipless cranks in one box and diving cranks in 2 or 3 other. Most of our lakes are under 20' depth so I use what is necessary to catch them.

I have four Fuego CT, 1 Fuego LT & 1 Tatula CT(import model different finish/knobs), all my Fuego reels I scored between $65 to $75.00. I updated all my reels last season, I had a couple older Curado reels that I sold for $110.00 each so I invested the money into some newer Daiwa reels. So I basically didn't have to invest much money switching out my old models. Now I'm rolling all Daiwa.

Falcon BuCoo SR, Fenwick, Dobyns Sierra, Daiwa Tatula, look around you can find some deals on rods. Dobyns does have some used/refurbished Dobyns Sierra series rods for $100 that I've been using for a couple seasons. Lots of brands/choices out there in your price range.

I didn't see his edit. I'd definitely agree with you on that.