roadwarrior

Nice fish, great pics!

A higher quality reel reduces the "learning curve" dramatically. Buy a "better" reel and it will last for years, maybe decades. On sale or gently used you can buy an outstanding reel for under $100.

Trash them.

There are many choices at every pricing point. Maybe you should focus on Shimano, Diawa, Pinnacle and Okuma.

Nice fish, Great pic!

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/DHC7-761-CAHFS-primmus-review.html

Rage Tail Recon...Good call!

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/okuma-tcs-rod.html

This was Catt's response for Toledo Bend March 15-20 Expect pre-spawn - spawn Fin & Feather located on Housen' Bayou which is centrally located on some of the best waters of the lake. Do some map study of Housen', Indian Mounds, & Six Mile. I would target bank shallow out to 10-12' Structure/cover: personal favorites creek channel coves & buck brush Spinnerbaits, Rat-L-Traps, Texas Rigs, Jigs, Carolina Rigs, Crankbaits, pretty much any & everything! Finding the bass is paramount! Spinnerbaits; white skirt double gold willowleaf Lipless crankbaits; crawfish color

The only question I have is beer, whiskey or wine?

In the spring of 2008, Bull Shoals reached its highest water level since 1957. The lake crested at 695.02 feet above sea level, prompting the Army Corps of Engineers to open the floodgates to relieve the lake from further flooding. I was there for 3 days around June 5. We fished Big and Little Sister for the most part. We never went 15 minutes without "Fish On!" all three days. The majority of the fish were smallmouth, but we did have a mix of largemouth, spots and white bass. All of the fish were caught on a Gitzit, Baby Diaper Yellow.

That works, but I have switched to tthr Rage Swimmer.

I just acquired a couple, but have not fished them yet. The Junior with willow blades had been killer: http://www.yumbaits.com/yumbrella-r-flash-mob-jr-willow-blade

MegaStrike

Payout would have to be 100% http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/guidelines/ -Kent a.k.a. roadwarrior Global Moderator

No, you may get a specific suggestion. The post I referenced contains reviews and comments of many rods at various pricing points.

$100 or Less Spinning Reel Shootout Abu Veritas Shimano Casitas Vs. Diawa Tatula Diawa Exceller The New Shimano NASCI reel Advice on Vintage Spinning Reels? Can we talk about finesse Casting rigs? Shimano curado green reel This thing is insane...! Best bang for the buck Baitcaster around $50? New vs Old Budget reels http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/185930-new-bait-caster/ $200 or Less Best baitcast reels? Curado I vs Chronarch E which is the better reel? New Shimano Ultegra HG FB Spinning Reel -- Bass Pro Tatula SV? CI4 VS 70 Shimano Curado 200I Question My CT Type-R is here, but... High End Shimano Metanium DC Reel Initial Review Impressions Diawa SV103 Metanium MGL vs the Field Tatula SV TW 'sneak peak' Abu Garcia Morrum ZX 3600

Currently it's Sunline Shooter Armilo, but I am testing the new Seaguar Rippin' http://seaguar.com/freshwater/monofilament.html

Curado E 50 & 100, Core 50 & 100 and most recently, Aldebaran 50. I had also added the Okuma Helios and Pinnacle Optimus LTE and Optimal XiHS http://www.tackletour.com/reviewokumaheliospg2.html http://www.pinnaclefishing.com/shop/s-5-Tournament-Class-Reels.aspx#.WJHmYvArJdg

As a general rule of thumb you should fish the reel through the warranty period before having it services. However, some of us like cleaning and re-lubing ourselves or having it done up front.