One rod or multiple rods - I don't have a preference. I am mostly just looking to see where my lineup is lacking, be it a technique-specific rod that I really should have, a multipurpose rod that would help augment the middle of my lineup, or a rod similar to one I have, just as a supplement. Price-...

I recently had a part from five states over that took one month to reach me, via USPS. I was also told that I just had to wait. The replacement took a full two weeks. Throw in customs, and a two-month wait isn't far-fetched. I don't know how they operate.

is it softer and or smoother than the other sunline braid like they say it is. Rounder and smoother but not soft like samurai. Samurai does have it beat in terms of suppleness, and surface smoothness. The SX1 is a bit more coarse, and less round, due to the lower number of carriers. However, I can'...

Imagine a world without stores like the tackle trap and tackle warehouse :( I would probably have more money in the bank without stores like those! As for BPS, I don't suspect they will be pushing them too hard. As thelatrobe33 pointed out, BPS tends to stock "niche" items at few stores. I remember...

Thanks for the input so far. As for the overlap comment, that is another thing that I was considering. I found myself earlier in the spring transitioning between jerkbaits and cranks, all the while wishing that I had at least one more rod set up for that.

I’m looking to get into some tournament fishing; mostly back-of-the-boat, since my boat is electric-only. I have typically just shore-fished over the years, so I never really developed a large stable of combos. Instead, I generally looked for multitask rods, having never really gotten into technique...

I still have original USDM oil from 15 years ago that is crystal clear. It may turn yellow if left out in the light for some years. Interesting. I find that once the bottle has been opened, I only get a few years before the oil starts to yellow, even stored in a drawer. Incidentally, I don't really...

All of my Shimano reels, both JDM and USDM, have come with the same bottle of oil. Of course, I haven't purchased a new JDM reel in a few years. In any case, the oil in the bottle with the blue cap will turn yellow as it ages. The more viscous, yellow oil that you received from Japan may just be sli...

I have had the heavier lines break a few times but it's been a result of abrasion from fishing in rocks. That's why you fish with a short leader though (these break-offs happened after I ran out of leader and had to fish the braid straight to the bait). My breaks were always mid-line, so it wasn't ...

OGZ - how long have you been using the Samurai Braid? I noticed you note that you haven't had any breakage issues. I have some spools that I purchased four or five years ago (all under 30#), and have had some very discouraging breakage issues. I have heard that the line is improved from the original...

Leaders also help to minimize the braid entangling on lures that have trebles...especially if you fish these lures with rips, jerks and other erratic movements. Very true. I have a couple of topwater baits that I can get to go beyond 90 degrees. Too limp of a line, and it always tangles in the fron...

I have used an "Albterto" knot with success. It maintains a small diameter, doesn't hang up on guides, and is very slip resistant. If you are paranoid about slippage, a dab of superglue will take care of that. However, I have never had an issue.

I'll just keep fishing it. You are right - it really is a shame. The reel looks like the day I bought it, except for that stupid dent. I guess I'll have to put down a rug next time I work on it.

While servicing the spool on my Conquest 50, it fell to the tile floor below, landing on the rim of the spool. on the brake-side. As a result, the rim or lip or the spool at the impact-point has bent in slightly toward the axle. The dent is minor, and there is no rubbing caused by it. I would think ...

I think I'll stick with JT. I have been having some really bad luck with shipping, lately. JT always seemed to be easy to deal with, so I will play it safe.

Have fun with the Antares!