David P

I'm sorry, but there's absolutely no competition, Daiwa Samurai is hands down the best. Now if we're talking best braid on a budget, there's several other braids that are cheaper, and still decent, but nothing compares to Samurai. I've tried, Powe Pro, Suffix, Spiderwire (Stealth and Ultracast), HI SEAS Grand Slam, P-Line, Fireline, Invisibraid, TUF-Line, and I'm sure there's others that I'm missing. Samurai is hands down the winner.

It's tough for any company or manufacturer to check every single rod that goes out. That really sucks about your guide. Please give Rich and Gary a call and just let them know, even if you're getting a replacement from TW. I have near 20 without any coming like that, but I have had one guide repaired after having it get caught in my rod locker.

Always need to spool on a few layers of mono or fluoro before putting on braid. Some guys like electrical tape too, I like both just to be safe.

Longer rods cast further, move more line on the hook set, and can be more accurate if used right, even close quarters. Most of my rods are 7'6 to 8Ft and it has helped me incredibly. You do not lose sensitivity with the higher end rods. I also like longer rods for when fish take you around your trolling motor or shoot under the boat. Flipping is a very close quarters technique and the longer rods help you place the bait exactly where you want.

Not sure what the conversion would cost. But you could also try to post it up for trade on here.

when you own an E5, you want the 6:2 bad! I'd never own an E5, but if you do, why not go with an E7? Nothing you can't do with one. I got a good deal on Curados so I made the switch, although I don't quite like them as much as my STXs, I have 11 E7's and ordered 0 E5s for a reason

Revo Premier? Or the Skeet Revo? I don't like the 50mg unless it's for finesse fishing. 12lb line and under. I sold mine after only a few trips out with it.

The better question is, why would anyone on earth want a slower speed reel?

Every frog I've used has had one problem or the other. I personally would rather a weight fall out here and there, then a frog that doesn't decompress as well causing lost fish and a poor hook up ratio. You'll notice the weight loose before it fully falls out. For a short time I was having them fall out every few trips, I haven't had one fall out in over a year. During the time I was having issues, I used to add a drop of super glue and never had a problem after that. Now... I don't use anything and haven't had a single issue.

The Savvy rods feel great, they are still very well balanced. The down side is they have quite a few less models to choose from, but if they have a model that you were looking for, then you'd be quite pleased. Of course with anything, the higher lineups are certainly a step up, but you should always go with what your budget can afford.

Dichoso Baits Krazy Koura. Get to pick your own colors and flake colors, along with scent if that's your thing.

You can call them and send the rod into them... You won't get it as quickly but you won't have to make a 3 hours drive.

Dichoso Baits makes a little DT Grub type bait that I use on all of my finesse jigs.

Take it to the dealer. If there's no dealer near you, call the number on the site on Monday and tell them what happened, they'll take care of you.

When walking a frog, you have slack in your line. The higher the speed, the quick you can reel in slack line and set the hook on a big blow up. Fish will inhale the bait and shoot right back down with your bait, giving you not all too much time to reel in all the slack line and set. I've yet to have a high speed reel fail on me at all, and I use them for punching the heaviest of cover with 80lb braid.

i have always felt that 50 lb. braid is way more than plenty for frogging , i usually use 30 lb. power pro . i have on 50 lb. power pro , had an extra spool for catfishing so i spooled up my Revo SX HS , i couldn't imagine using 65 lb. !!!! :-? I've had and seen 50lb braid fail on multiple occasions. Frogs catch big fish, and a major part of frogging is done in heavier cover, no reason to give the fish any advantages or chances. There's really no down side to using 65 over 50, only positives. I personally use 70lb braid with frogs, and 80lb with flipping and punching. Spinning reels are another story!

Rod : Dobyns Savvy Series 735 or 766 Line : 65lb Braid of your choice, if PP is readily available, go for it, but 65 is a safer bet. Enjoy!

The Dobyns Savvy Series is the same price as the Powell rods, so there's no extra price...

Sounds like you have a Generation 1 Dobyns maybe...? But it was bought 25 February 2010 at Tackle warehouse. ??? Sending you a PM.

Heavy line for big fish, expensive swimbaits, and to avoid losing a trophy fish. No need to take risks. The Cardiff in the 200 size won't really do much, it's just a round reel with a slightly larger line cap than a low profile baitcaster. The 400 size is what the majority of swimbait guys use, whether it be a Calcutta 400B, Calcutta 400 TE, or Daiwa Luna 300 (same size as a Shimano 400). Tt holds a ton of line, can handle the heavy baits with ease, and really does help you get the bait out there without stressing the reel. It may sound like over kill, but the second you get a 5oz bait tied on, you'll see exactly why, and be plenty thankful you went with the big stuff. My 2 swimbait setups right now are a Dobyns 806 / Daiwa Luna 300 / 25lb 100% fluoro. Dobyns 795 / Shimano Curado 300 / 65lb braid with 25lb CXX leader. I use the 300 Curado as this is my light swimbait setup, I throw 1-3oz swimbaits for the most part on it, and normally nothing over 2oz. Make sure you're serious about throwing 5oz swimbaits before going out and spending all the money. It's a totally different form of fishing, and takes a totally different mindset. I personally don't fish swimbaits as much as I used to because I don't get out as often and when I do I just like to go out and catch some fish. It takes a totally different setup as well, 5-6oz is a large bait and requires the right gear.

For baits that size, 25 is a must, and in some cases 30. I use Trilene 100% 25lb fluoro, and sometimes 30lb CXX. I know a few guys that love to use Big Game and such, but I trust CXX with everything when I'm not sure fluorocarbon. As for the reel, if you don't mind breaking the reel in a few months, and it can go to scrape, certainly use it til it breaks. But if you could potentially want to keep it for another outfit later on, I highly recommend not even trying it. I know guys who have tried to use Curado 200's, Zillions, and Revos and they start to make funny noises pretty quick. The Cardiff is a low cost reel and can still do the trick just fine.

You'll for sure like it, it's the lightest glass rod I've ever fished. Very nice rod.

I use my 705 Glass rod for 1/4oz crankbaits and 3/8oz ripbaits on a regular basis, in fact I never use it for anything over a 1/2oz. If you're looking for something specifically for deep crankbaits, the 765 or 805 are the go to deep cranking rods. The 705 can certainly do it all, but if you're specifically looking for just a deep cranking rod the 765 and 805 help. If you're looking for a great all around cranking and ripbait rod, then the 705 is awesome.

I don't throw muskie baits living here in California, but I have thrown large trout swimbaits on the rod. The 806 will do the job for a 5oz swimbait, but if you're thinking about getting up into the 6-10oz swimbaits, I'd go with the 807. This is assuming you're also not going to want to throw swimbaits under 2oz on it. If you're going to keep it between 5-10oz the 807 might suite you better. I haven't thrown anything over 6oz (Baitsmith Mag Trout) on the 806 so I can't comment on anything above that weight for the 806.

Yes, Gary was on board with Powell and designed the bass rods, then left to start a new rod company and improve on the rods. Your 702 is not as tip heavy for a few reasons. One it's only a 7ft rod, the rods I'm talking most about are 7'3-8ft rods, especially 7'6+. Also, it's a lighter rod, only a 2 power, and spinning reels weigh more then most bait casting reels these days, helping balance the rod as it is. Dobyns now has a Savvy series that's right at the same price point as Powell.