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Shimano is what you looking for, Specially DC versions. I am not brand loyal, I am quality loyal, I have Quantum,Kastking,Abu Garcia,13 Fishing, Penn and Daiwa more than 30 reels for every application. My last 10 reels since last year was Shimano Dc reels, you can find what fits your budget and type of fishing. I highly recommend Curado DC.

It is so depending on where and when and what situation you fishing. Here in Castaic lake we do 6lb test long leader for them in one side of lake with spinning combo and I do 30lb test short leader in other side of lake. and thats one lake in the same day. so you need to give some details including the lure you trying to use. in general for every situation I suggest 12lb test.

for me, the most important lure that depends on rod sensitivity is jig(skirted jig).

Ugly stik GX2 is your best option in that range price, their reels are also good, Ive seen so many good feedback about them, I have 15' uglystick big water spinning rod and looks good and price so cheap.

I do clean them id you can call tubing throgh with cotton buds

I am not pitching a lot, But as amateur pitcher, So far no problem with that.

sorry to hear that, Thankfully it never happened to me, Only once I rip the lip of a largemouth, I still feel bad about it but I am glad didn't kill yet. Knock on the wood

I have excense 3000 as my only spinning reel and I am so happy with it over few years.

definitely 3/0 and even use 3/0 for 4.3 and 4.8 as well, Believe me it will make your hook up ratio to the moon.

1-If you talking high end rods, Go with Shimano Shaula: https://www.amazon.com/Shimano-WORLD-SHAULA-2953R-3-Spinning/dp/B00ETCR6IY/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=Shimano+shaula&qid=1619527283&sr=8-2 2-If mid range rods, go with St. Croix trek. 3-Lower end rods go with Kastking Black Hawk 2. I have all of them and they really work good and no problem with any of them what so ever.

16'?

It is matter of money, If you can buy Metanium DC, Don't think twice, I have one forever and it is still working like brand new. If you want to spend less, Get Curado DC, thats best Dc reel for the money in my idea, when I use it first time, I was amazed by how feel smooth it is. I have both of them and I love them both.

I am using micro swivels, I don't know what number but they are really small, and I use InvizX about 10" reader.

What is the best place to catch American shad in SoCal?

8 years From Year 2007 when I got married, Till 2015 when I got divorce. Divorce is one of four best things happened to me in my life, Now the most gap between my fishing trips is sometimes 5 days, Usually I fish 4 days a week.

Very nice job

ill use it for small jerk baits and crank baits and anything that less than .5oz and I want to send it deep with that 10lb test fluorocarbon

I do the same, Expect ill block them, Must have near 500 blocked in my list already.

Congratulations, You'll always remember your first. My first was on Norman DD 22 dark blue color on IKE point Van Nuys. I remember every detailes. Like just happened.

good point, but hey it feel different for that body, also the look is cooler in my idea.

this one I am agree, will do the job. I got two 8000 size just now, So many swears by them, Also for your budget you can even go Daiwa BG MQ which is improved BG.

I have Aldebaran as well and its brand new, Ill consider your suggestion, Because I am about to get conquest 903C as well and I need a reel for that. maybe ill use my antares DC on my 903. honestly I really don't know what to do yet.

But I don't spend so much on saltwater, I only have one good shark set up and thats $600 for combo, The rest I keep it less than $400.

thats in my list as well. Addition to that 2-10" plus glide baits in my list, And last but not least 3- Frog. So I have three combos that this three lure will be on them 24/7.

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