ResoKP

GUYS. I found the reason we need more than 9 lb drag! TO BOAT FLIP A 9 LBER just kidding. but that would've been cool

This is tough 1/4 oz and 1/2 oz typically require two different rods 1/4 oz is NRX 893/853 territory and 1/2 oz is NRX 894/854 territory If you fish somewhere in between, say 3/8 oz often, perhaps you should look into NRX 873C. 873C will handle 1/4 oz and 1/2 oz as well FMJ is too stout for 1/4 oz. It's perfect for 1/2 oz but I would not go below 3/8 oz on it

Got the new Daiwa morethan PE 1000XHL to put it on the Megabass Destroyer FMJ

Sorry but the SLX reel is a toy at best. I can get all the casting distance I could ever want with my cheap doyo based reels but I keep buying reels 5x that price. Probably because casting distance is just about the least important aspect of what makes a good reel these days as even the "low-end" reels have no problems bomb casting lures. If you ever get a chance to handle true enthusiast reels, you'd drop the hype/"cool" factor pretty quick on those SLX products. I'm not knocking on the SLX, they are fairly good for the price but could it replace anything in the Curado line? Not even close.

Any reason you're using a leader that long? I seem to have no problems getting a full day out of a leader just long enough that it does not need to pass through the line guide and onto the spool

Did you even read OP's post? I was talking in reference to frogging/pitching/flipping/jigs

You can see pros like Scott Martin thumb down on the spool when he's ripping them out of thick cover if you need more drag

Try giving them absolutely NO chance to play. NONE. ZERO. Your mission: get them in the boat as fast as possible!

Have you tried horsing the fish in with the drag locked down? Like... ski them in. Reeling in hard and fast, but at a constant speed For flipping/pitching/frogs with thick hooks that won't bend out and braid without any stretch.. you shouldn't be losing fish too much even with a broomstick as long as you got a good hookset on them

Can't go wrong with Sahara. Daiwa Fuego LT is another good option and can be found sub $80 new

Braid is already easier to cast/manage than mono/fluoro. 50# or higher braid is used to rip through thick grass and vegetation when frogging and/or flipping/punching which would be done on a Heavy powered rod. I would not put a Medium powered rod through that style of fishing. You would be gaining all the drawbacks (i.e. reduced casting distance) and gaining none of the benefits of using 50# braid on a Medium rod. IMHO. DYODD. GL.

50# braid is overkill for a M/F rod 30# will be more beneficial

Maybe the 65# is better but I've had break off issues with the 50# of this line... I also find it noisy through guides too. I'm going back to Sufix 832 this season. This one has never failed me.

NRX 894C - 4.3 oz FMJ - 4.58 oz I think some of us were trying to make a point that weight itself doesn't equate to how well a rod feels in the hand though

I just got the FMJ so while I can't comment on how it fishes just yet, I can say that the craftsmanship on this rod is astonishing. Had a good amount of time trying Steez SV and Steez A on the FMJ before buying and went with the A because it balanced better. The balance point is right in front of the locking nut. It's very good. Steez SV paring felt ridiculously light but a heavier 7 oz reel felt better imo. I just got the Daiwa Morethan PE 1000XHL delivered to me today, and I think this one will be the permanent reel for the FMJ (didn't get a chance to take pictures yet). Megabass makes some beautiful rods

Looks amazing! Anyone looking to get one? Looks like they are available for pre-order already.

Exprideeeeeeeeeee

Serious answer: no.

Give it a try! Can't dismiss it unless you gave it a shot first ? Generally I don't go lighter than ML but some people will use light-powered rods for DS.

I use both Trokar Flippin' Hook and Gamakatsu Heavy Cover Flippin' Hook. Both solid hooks but I tend to get better hook up ratio with the Gamakatsu. I think it's because the Trokar hook point is bent inwards a little more. But if the plastic is torn up, the Gamakatsu catches more grass because the hook point sticks out more.

Or just get the NRX 894C JWR and call it a day ?

Your second pic in your first post. Tie knot from there then spool it ?

It could be the new morethan PE 1000 8.6 on the way for me ?

Like Tom said, tie it through the hole with arbor knot. I will avoid tape if possible because the adhesive gets on the spool and can get messy. If the spool has no hole, I'd rather use mono backing than tape.. imho