optimator

OK, I see you're just going to double down This is what the OP asked: "Could it be that the Vanford is that much nicer, and I feel guilty spending the cash? Is the main difference between the Lew's and the Vanford longevity and endurance? Am I just suffering from the baitmonkey disease"? He was asking a question. You Tom, are the one complaining.

That's a bit harsh. The guy that's new to our forum was just asking a question.

@Guitarfish Sorry it's taken so long to reply to this. I live 70 miles west of K Falls. There is a lot of good bass fishing here in southern Oregon. Of the top of my head and distance from Klamath Falls: Hyatt lake- 48 miles Willow lake - 54 miles Lost Creek Lake - 78 miles Agate Lake - 70 miles Applegate Lake - 97 miles (Great smallmouth fishery and some big LM) Lake Selmac - 125 miles (This lake has produced 3 state records. I've caught many there over 5lbs) There are also quite a few public land ponds in the Medford area. And quite a few really good lakes an hour or 2 from Medford. I hope this helps some!

You guys aren't making me feel any better about BPS buying Sportsman's Warehouse....

This won't replace anything that's for sure. As soon as I took it out of the box I thought "Michael Jackson was at #1 the last time this thing saw lube" ? Like I said, it was $25 shipped. It was more curiosity than anything. I'll post a pic after it's cleaned up.

You broke it. Throw the reel away, buy a new one, and try it again.

A week or so ago I was thinking about my first baitcaster, a Ryobi V-MAG 3. I remember thinking I was some kind of bass pro when I got it. I looked on eBay and there were a few on there. Found one for $25 shipped and it just got here. It'll be fun to tear it down and clean it up. I don't know what I'll do with it actually, maybe put it on my original LCI rod and catch a fish ? I know, I know, cool story bro..... ??

I like St. Croix from that list.

Please stop posting photos of me without my permission

And this is why I don't mind asking dumb questions!!

I ended up picking up a new Shimano SLX MGL from the classifieds here. I felt better going that route.

Just picked up my 3rd 8:1 reel today.

Duck season just ended a couple of weeks ago. I REALLY need to get the garage straightened up. I'm up to my butt in camo & decoys. But I have started getting ready by buying more stuff I probably don't really need. The boat motor went in the shop on Monday so that's a good thing. I'm stopping by the store on my way home for reel oil. I've been using gun oil and I think it's just a little thick. Or I'm just overthinking it!

I caught my first bass on a Texas rigged Producto Lure Tournament worm. It was all I fished for a long time after that. It's still my #1 confidence bait.

With the series 2 at $115 right now I thought I might take a chance on one. But on the other hand, I know what I'm getting with a Shimano or Daiwa.

Has anyone tried one yet? Any opinions out there?

Sierra 692s for Neds Fury 735c for frogs Fury FR795SB for swimbaits

I went to braid with a leader on my spinning rigs last year. I don't see that changing, I really like it. I'll most likely stick with mono on my baitcasters though. Except for my frog rod which has braid. When I first started bass fishing in the early 80's I used Trilene XL and liked it. Over the years I've switched to Sufix. I might have to try some XL again. Most likely on my LMH Helium.

I picked up an Avid X last week. Nice rod. It'll most likely replace my Sierra 692s.

I've gone to braid on all my spinning reels. I still use mono leaders but am thinking about trying flouro for that.

I also picked up one of the clearance 2020 NFC blank Heliums. I haven't fished it yet but it feels pretty incredible. For the $219 I paid for it I don't think there could have been a better deal anywhere else.

A local to me store has some St Croix on clearance. I wonder if it has to do with the new series coming out?

Regardless of what rod you go with I'd get the BG over any Pflueger reel. JMHO.

Local, non chain store.