Michigander

I just use the retractable razor blades you get for free or for a few cents at Harbor freight

I salute your genius! The only use i found for it so far was to duct tape a duster to the tip to clean cobwebs off the ceiling in the stairwell. I like your idea better!

I just changed from all spinning for all applications last year, so I get what spinning can do. But the OP wanted a bait caster recommendation.

If it were spinning, this would be much easier, lol.

Buying tackle on the few cheaper boat years is wonderful.

The CC80's are fine. We have a couple in regular rotation and they've held up to tournament abuse. They aren't a longer term investment like an aluminum would be but they're fine enough to work the Budget

Am also going to mention the Daiwa Aird X https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Daiwa_Aird_X_Casting_Rods/descpage-DAX.html And pairing with a Daiwa CC80 https://www.amazon.com/Daiwa-CC80-Casting-Reel-7-5/dp/B07H24QNXB/ref=asc_df_B07H24QNXB/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=333631468204&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=715728300123956772&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9017263&hvtargid=pla-647022974061&psc=1 That puts you right around $100 and is a perfectly usable combo.

I'm not the One-Ten connoisseur that you are so I don't see anything special about the hooks. I don't think the one I own has black rings on it though...

I think the Vengeance is the worst bass rod I have used as an adult. It is in the corner of shame in the garage, gathering rust (yes rust) and dust.

Black split rings? Awesome.

Come to think of it, I haven't ever lost a Spybait to a pike either. Weird.

One thing to do is get out as early as possible in the year before the vegetation grows in and try to find rocks, logs, picnic tables, tires, or anything like that in the water and remember them when the grass comes in.

Didn't think about spoons, but you are correct. However, all my spoons have swivels attached to the split rings already. ?

Yep, it's the cost of doing business when pike are around. I look at it like gambling, don't wager a lure you can't stomach losing. That being said, I'm not above burning incense on the boat or installing some sort of totem on the bow if it means I don't have to retie a new lure on as often when on the tournament clock. ?

If anyone does find a mystical solution, please share. I don't mind tying finesse jigs, but I also wouldn't mind keeping more of them, lol.

Trigged Rage Craw/Rage Bug/Power Worm Swim Jig /FinesseJig/Regular Jig Tube Archelon Silver and black popper

Yep, also my only use case for a swivel.

Oh yeah, a second spool is way cheaper than a second combo or reel. Good suggestion! I've been really pleased with the performance of 16lb Sunline FC System Leader when pike are involved.

Science. Never you mind that.

We have lots of pike, lol.

You could get a second combo or maybe just a second reel and spool that with some stronger line. We have lots of pike and they are going to eat your lure if they want to. I catch pike dead sticking jigs, so it isn't just a movement thing, though they do love moving flashy offerings.

There's a wealth of information in the Custom Rod Building subforum on this site. I picked up rod building this year, just repaired guides previously. I use the cheapest thread system available, I put the thread spool in a coffee cup and run the thread through a big book. Changing what page it goes through adds or reduces tension, lol. Works fine but certainly isn't as nice as what you can buy but I already had a book and a cup so.... Also built the rod holders out of square dowel screwed to a board. I added rubberized u shaped storage hooks like for your wall and secure the blank with some hair ties. For a dryer I just got the basic one from Mudhole. Didn't feel like DIY building that.

Yeah, this is cool tech and I'm very interested to see how it manifests in smaller motors.

The same company that owns Bass Pro picked up SW as well. We have a Field and Stream about 90 minutes from here, basically just a DSG outlet. I like it cause it has a lot of stuff and it's kind of random like a thrift store, lol.

Yeah, SW moved in. Also not impressed with it, their selection is not great.