PhishLI

Nice. You look different from your mugshot.?

Only if he's Andre the Giant.

Freakin' TOAD! Congrats!

Not picking on you at all, sincerely, but no. Nobody would enjoy pitching with a rod that has a 2ft long handle. PS, we know he means pitching,

Yes The Jr. RT Bluegill and RT Ghost Gill. Get both. Thank me.

The Alphas Air is a true BFS capable UL reel. The Alphas SV TW 800 is a gradation above true UL BFS, but with a line cap similar to a standard 70 sized reel. You can also use it for typical baits. Not something you'd want to do with the Air.

If we're recommending something other than your original options now then take a look at this: https://japantackle.com/casting-reels/daiwa/reg0000294.html

Line cap is the same between the two, but the Custom Pro SLP's spool is significantly lighter, so it'll be better with lighter baits. Adjustment are completely external, which is another plus, but it costs $80 more.

The LFS is solid, but Lew's higher priced reels with ACB are a different thing. If you get a chance to fish with a Lew's reel using ACB Quietcast Braking you might become a fan instantly. IMO, it's what makes reels with it quite special. I prefer it in every way to the 1st tier brand that also uses friction brakes.

Cool. I'm always optimistic. You never know 'til you know.

I'll throw a T-rig anywhere. Bottom composition determines when I'll throw a shakey. Sometimes there's just no way on a slop bottom using a horizontal presentation.

Lotsa good moments with guys sliding into the cut. Fun watch all week.

Barely knew him. A courtesy for my wife. I appreciate the absolution, Padre.

MDJ calling to Howell's giant to come eat again? Poll: Is it wrong that I watched most of the last period at a funeral with my phone muted?

WOW

This theme about T-Wing hate...whatever. I'm aware of the faction elsewhere that's all twisted up about it. I'm agnostic on the subject as long as we're talking about + or - 100-ish sized reels. I don't use leaders on baitcasters and I rarely "line feel". Besides some philosophic disdain for it, I can't see where it hurts performance whatsoever. Where I definitely appreciate it is on the Tat 300 with heavy mono, and the heavier the lb test the more it shines. As nice as my Tranx 300 is, I feel 25lb mono fighting its way through the aperture, especially if the line guide isn't centered before the cast, and I'm not going to bother with that. Nope. Honestly, I can't get all wrapped up in the endless TT quibbles. I get the nostalgia thing, but drag star materiaI? I could care less, and choose to direct my energy elsewhere. That said, I don't discount what you or anyone else focuses on and broadcasts because I have my own formed opinions, and some are definitely unpopular. They're my feet, so I know exactly which shoe is comfortable for me regardless of what anyone else thinks out loud. Ya know? P.S. You're thinking of the SP. I'm getting this one: https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Lews_Custom_Pro_SLP_Casting_Reel/descpage-CPSP.html

If you're looking, TTT has all models in stock except for the 8 spd RH. I ordered a 7spd LH Friday afternoon and received it Monday morning. 10% off too.

First cut off your bait, wind in the line, then put some tape on the spool. Back off the spool tension and completely back off your brakes. Hold the thumb bar down and spin the spool with your finger. If it spins freely and continues to spin then it isn't bearing related. If it won't spin or only rotates for a revolution or two then it's probably spool bearing related. If so pull the the side plate and check the bearing. Cut half the swab off a Q-tip and insert it. Then rotate the inner race. Feel for resistance. Then pull the spool, wipe any excess grease off of the long shaft if it's present, then check its bearing by rotating it with the edge of your finger. If they're sluggish or worse, clean and lube each one.

U-40

Correct. That's usually all the time I can grab after work, dinner, listening to a story or ten from my wife, then walking the dog. When I leave is often based on a gut feeling, or might depend on how it went the previous trip, or favorable changes in the weather. I can't tell you how many times I dug in for a little bit more than my friends could manage to stay then went on a run. When my buddy Pete taps out he'll always laugh and say "send pics". I usually do. A hot wolfpack bite usually lasts about 40 minutes, then poof. We're on them, then they're gone.

You wearing a helmet?? P.S. Next up for me is the latest Custom Pro SLP

My Zillion G is going on this rod: https://www.alphaangler.com/products/clutch-power-finesse and this rod: Ark Essence Series Casting Rod 7'6" Med Hvy/Fast https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Ark_Essence_Series_Casting_Rods/descpage-ABE.html The AA Clutch is 7'5" and the ARK is 7'6". I have the same thing in mind as you. Max distance in a few clear water lakes, and I won't mind having the buffer of the Zillion's SV spool with baits that may get hung up in wind on long casts.

It wouldn't be a bad idea to throw in a few different sizes and ranges of crank down wakes. Sometimes they won't come up and will follow without biting, but will bite once you crank it down to the depth they want it.

You forgot the bowl of soup.

I just added another Zillion class Daiwa to my pile of reels which includes newer Shimanos, but I also own so-called "2nd" tier reels. I'm open minded, and actually prefer some of them to their comparably priced D&S counterparts. There's no point in speculating about something one hasn't actually fished with yet. Not everything from Daiwa or Shimano is special, and sometimes other manufacturers quietly put out surprisingly good stuff that is.