puddlepuncher

I watched him do a tear down on a $20 Berkley spooling station and even he knew it was madness, but it's what he does. He posts fishing videos as well. I only trust reviews and feedback from experienced fishermen. I don't quite understand the obsession of casting distance and what reel casts 2 feet further than the other without regard to all around performance. Watching someone cast in a field with shifting winds, no thanks.

To each his own, but I can tell you for cold weather fishing I reach for my Chonarch and Stradic CI4 first. Love the Met's but the metal reels freeze my hands a lot quicker than carbon when it's 25 degrees out.

Youtubefishingvideos Cornell is just a good guy and he's caught everything from Tiger Muskie to Bowfin. Kind of guy I'd like to fish with Here's a sleeper that I guarantee most of you will love NDYakAngler. He doesn't use music or any crazy edits. Just fishing and the sounds that come with it. Catches smallies like no one else. Last but not least Tackle Advisors for anything equipment related. Amazing detailed videos. So much better than the other equipment clowns on You tube.

I'm trying to think of a time I've ever landed a fish and took my hands off the rod/reel.

I have Curado I's, Chronarch and Met MGL's. All of them start at 2 internal and 3-4 external and adjust according to weight, aerodynamics of lure and wind conditions. I can turn the internal brakes down to 1, external to 4 and cast a texas rigged senko no problem all day. Wacky rig that same senko and I'm turning the internal brakes up to 2. A bulkier presentation is nearly the same as casting into the wind. Only time I've turned it up to 3 internal brakes is heavy wind or under well 1/4 oz bait. Sounds like you have the right idea to brake heavy and turn down as you feel comfortable.

I bought a Curado I a few months after it came out for less than $140 back in 2014. Just saying Ebay prices have always beat retail. For those who crave instant gratification comes full retail. When the next Daiwa comes out check out Ebay a few months later and you will find the same 30% off retail all over the place.