PondBoss

David, I won't quote any distances, but today while fishing a fluke, I could easily fish the front of the boat from the back if that makes sense. The real key to getting super long cats with these reels is to not force it. If you sure smooth with your delivery and let the rod and reel work for you, I think you will very impressed with the speed, smoothness, and distance you will see in these reels.

I'm home from my tournament, and spent, but I always have a minute or two to discuss a great product. What would you guys like to know? Unfortunately a left handed model is not in the works as of the classic, but was a topic of discussion. The rods are second to none i all categories. Light weight, sensitive, and strong as an ox. Here is a video I shot during the 2013 Classic from the Pinnacle Booth, if you have any specific questions feel free to ask me.

The Arbor knot for mono to the spool then I guesstimate a little bit. Look at the diameter of the braid you are putting on your reel. Look at your reel, it will tell you how much line it can hold. Usually 120yrd of 12lb I use 15lb mono for my backing so I will crank the reel 60 times. Then tie my braid to the mono with the Alberto knot and another 50-60 turns should take care of you. After a time or two your estimations will get spot on.

When fishing any topwater, personally I like to reel down to the fish and feel it then lay the wood to them. Not necessarily count, but when I feel the fish he gets stuck.

Walk around it throwing a Bomber Square-A in white or brown/chartreuse. Or a wacky rigged Senko into the deeper holes.

Yeah like I know how to do that. I can turn it on, type, and look at stuff on the net. That is a a list of my computer skills.

I still have not got a compressor for my airbrush. But had to mess with another blank. I don't know how to make my images smaller so I can post more than one pic, any advice would be welcomed.

I actually had this very same idea over the weekend. But more for a "power" drop shot eg. big line and weights, T-rigged baits. I would think the soft tip would help you move the bait and not the weight. Also the more limber the rod would load up the hook into the fishes mouth and maintain constant pressure?

Another option I would also recommend would be the H2O Xpress Mettle at Academy. I know you were asking about BPS reels, but the Mettle is only $50 and right there with the PQ in my opinion.

Get some white sewing thread and hand tie them, add some super glue to keep them from breaking, and you're good to go.

I think he said size 5?

Where are you getting your blanks? I really like the size and shape of your first 2. I hope someday I can paint half as good as those. Excellent job sir!

Why not not use a bait keeper and just t-rig the bait? I have heard from a few elite guys that you will have better hook up percentage with out a bait holder and using just the hook to t-rig.

Wow that is a stupid good deal. They are the 2's just not listed that way, the pics are of the 2 gen Vendetta. May have to get one for grins.

SDJ is "THE" knot to tie. It works great for all 3 line types, and once I started using it I've never even thought of tying anything else.

If you get a "cheap" reel, yes expect a bad product.. If you get a H2O Mettle you are buying an "inexpensive" reel not cheap. I have fished mine hard (3-5 times a week) for over a year and they are still rock solid and as smooth as the day I got them.

I never would have given this advice had it not been for last weekend. Wacky rig a senko and fish it weightless. Use a wacky hook with the weed guard so you get less weeds and hang ups. Cast out let it sink, once on the bottom jig it a few times maybe covering a foot or so, let it sink and repeat. Once you feel tension just lean into them and hopefully that will work for you like it did for me.

I use 7.3:1 on all of my shallow cranking reels. If you get this reel, you won't be disappointed.

It was brushed on. Epoxies come in different curing colors, this particular one cures clear, although I'm curious now to see a bit of yellow tint on a bait. lol

This particular 5-minute epoxy doesn't yellow. They do make one that cures light yellow, but this is clear. I have used it on gold clubs and when you take them apart you can see that the epoxy has dried and set clear. It seemed to level pretty well, but I will definitely try a longer setting time for my next try. With 5 minute I really had to rush, and could not get more than one bait at a time per batch. Over all I think it was a success for the initial try, and learned a lot to help get better in the future.

I have not pulled it apart, it's not something I do. lol When I put things back together I tend to get extra parts. It's great for shaving weight but probably not so good for stability. Aluminum frame carbon side plates, 10 bearing, 7.3:1 gear ratio, EVA foam knobs, and carbon fiber handle. The light weight definitely helps, even on a glass cranking rod.

I used 5 minute clear drying 2-part epoxy. I use the same stuff on golf clubs when putting different heads on shafts. That paint isn't going anywhere.

Caught my first fish ever on a Senko this weekend using 30lb braid on a baitcaster with a VMC Ike approved wacky hook.

All of the H2O reels I own are very solid, that includes 10 Mettle, 1 Menace, 1 Mystic. If you can find the Menace for $30 pick up as many as you can afford.

Wow!