Shimano_1

The new lews tournament pro lfs is a great reel for the money. I'm not personally a fan at all of the t wing so that rules out most of daiwas offerings. Shimano chronarch mgl or curado k are also fine choices.

I'll be that guy and say I'd go nitro. Newer and the 250. I personally think nitro gets a bad rap and are way under rated. Probably cant go wrong with any of them tho so whichever appeals to u. Lots of money to spend so dont let anyone else swing u into what u may regret. I've thought for years legend made the best looking boats on the water so theres that

Snaps on everything with trebles

I'd go tournament pro. I believe they're the best bang for ur buck in the lews lineup. The speed spool or mb are fine but they're not on par with the tournament pro. I've owned several of all and have never understood how anyone can say the mb is as good as a tournament pro.

Seems like he was trying to offer sound advice for anyone that wants/needs it. Dont see how suggesting he spend more on a "better" bait has any relevance. Thanks for sharing as I too have several of the original.

Robo worms are ur friend. Only worm u use anymore for drop shot and shakey head. Dont know if jelly worms do or not

Not sure one malfunction calls for all this. Several things could factor in. Was this ur first build? Yes if u wrap them extremely tight it could damage the blank. I've had a cple rods I built break. I've also had a cple store bought rods break. Difference is I don't have to rebuild a store bought rod. Honestly why I quit building all my rods. Loved the custom thing but heart breaking too have to rebuild.

I've used snaps since I was a teen on anything with trebles. As stated above I've never noticed any difference in action. One buddy ties to split rings and another uses both together and I've never seen it affect catch rate. It's just easier to change baits.

I firmly believe there are places and times that this would be the result more often than not. I also believe highly pressured hard fisheries would be completely opposite. There aren't many times anywhere around here you could catch 25 bass in 2.5 hrs. Pretty interesting nonetheless.

My dad always loved to bass fish. I thought it was crazy that he could do it for hours on end and be so focused. I learned a lot just watching him. Never thought I'd be more into it than him lol. His buddy gave me an old daiwa baitcaster when I was 9 or 10 and I learned how to use it. My first memories of baits that actually worked were rc1 crankbaits, rebel jointed jerkbaits and pop r's. Fished out of an old 79 16 ft pro craft with an 85 Johnson that was beat to death. Fond memories for sure

Ull get different opinions on the brake thing. Some will say 1 is fine. I "prefer" to keep them in pairs or balanced I guess. I learned to pitch in my kitchen and back yard. I'd set up a coffee cup and just practice thru the winter. Once u get the feel for it it becomes more natural. Still far from an expert at it but I do it a lot and there are times when it's the only way to present the bait in the right location. Sounds like ur on the right track tho I'd just keep at it. I have found that daiwas braking system made it a lot easier for me to get distance without backlashes. Good luck

The suffix is probably the best of the ones mentioned. I've used spiderwire for years with no issues and my buddy swears by power pro. As stated they're all stiff when new. I personally like braid better after a few trips when it has faded some and become much softer.

I personally think the bearing upgrades on most quality reels is useless. I've use the boca ceramics and all I noticed was that they're considerably louder and way over priced. I dont remove the shields and have never had an issue flushing them in acetone. I've settled on as long as the bearing isnt trashed I'll flush em and oil em and let em be. The shimano oil is just fine.

If it's just to seal it and ur not worried about the looks I'd use marine tex. Super easy and cheap stuff and I've used it a bunch to fix chips and also old screw holes. Comes in white and I believe gray and maybe black. Have no experience with anything else

I personally dont care for fish and ski boats at all. I think they're unattractive and theres too much stuff in the way to fish or pleasure boat comfortably. If I were planning to do any fishing from it I'd buy a bass boat. Plus, at least locally, ur options are very limited for fish n ski boats. Probably 20 to 1 bass boat vs ski boat as far as used boats go. However, ski boats usually are far cheaper for comparable boats as theres not near the demand. Like most things tho its personal preference so if ski boats are more appealing or fit ur needs better then u should definitely go that route.

I've learned that working 6 days a week along with over 90 temps and high humidity plays hell on the chances to get on the water. I bought a new boat 3 months ago and its sat way too much already. Hoping for some cooler weather and normal work weeks in the near future so I can hopefully get back to learning how to not catch fish again lol

I think its several factors and probably different for different people. The challenge of it, the reward of out smarting a living creature, etc. I've said for years a lot of it for me is the competitive side of it. I grew up playing sports and have always been competitive. Bass fishing allows me to continue the competition thing now that my body doesnt let me be competitive at other sports. The serenity of being in nature on a beautiful day. Tons of things at play here and I'd say most of us are addicted because of one, several, or all of these reasons. Fishing is the only thing I do that truly let's me forget everything else I've got going on and enjoy myself. My wife always says as long as I'm not a drunk or on drugs she'll support my fishing addiction so that helps lol.

Sounds like ur approaching it the right way. I'd say 55 to 60 is right on the money. My new Triton 18tx has the Minn kota edge and it's a decent motor. I'll eventually upgrade but it works just fine so I may use it til I need a new one. Ranger guys are gonna say they're way better etc. I've fished outta several and I honestly dont see how they're any better. I believe most all new boats are decent quality so whatever fits ur needs and budget I'd buy. I think u would be more than satisfied with the triton.

My buddy has one. Wonderful boats. I dont think you would do much better in their price range. I'm a Triton fan and have loved all that I've owned or fished from. As for the order or buy one that's a personal decision. If they had one I really liked on the floor I'd go all in and not look back. Of course I've never been a patient guy so If I were wanting to buy one now I wouldn't wait til spring. Good luck

Myself...I'd steer clear of the older nitros. They may be awesome but I've heard enough horror stories. I have 2 buddies with older rangers that are excellent boats. Not any better than the older stratos boats tho. I'd just keep looking and I'm sure you'll find a steal of a deal

I've owned 3 older stratos boats. Had an 89 201 pro that was an awesome boat. Great hull for big rough water. I'm sure there may he better but if I were looking for an older rig for under 10k I'd consider a stratos that met what I was looking for. They seem to be everywhere both for sale and on the water. Good luck

That's unfortunate but I can assure you not all nitro owners have had this experience. My Triton had a cple minor problems but a 2 week trip to the dealership solved them. Theres gonna be bad in everything made. I'd guess if u were out of a boat for extended periods it was as much ur dealer as it was nitro. Dont blame u tho...if I'd had that experience I would probably feel the same way.

Pretty sure the product in question is a rod not a reel. By "deal" I was referring to the constant back and forth about favorite products in general.

I'm sure that sv will serve u well. The fury is a fine rod. Dicks has the Falcon lowrider rods for like 99 can be had cheaper with coupons. I personally like the omens black rods and basspro carbonlite rods as well. Plenty of good options around 100 and some for less. Good luck I know its tough making decisions. Maybe take ur reel to a store and try it on some rods.

I would ease up on the topwaters a little bit and slow down. When things get tough for me I put everything up except a finesse jig, drop shot, and yum dinger. These 3 things produce for me everywhere I've ever fished for bass. Topwaters are amazing when it's on. I dont fish em much tho, usually just morning and evening unless it's an overcast day or the fish keep eating em.