That's sound advice. You might look for an Alphas Air, SS Air, or T3 Air, though. I use a light Volkey, too, but i have a T3 with an SV1000 shallow spool and hedgehog air ceramics and it does a great job. Lots of fun to fish. The rod isn't a noodle, either, so you aren't at the mercy of the fish. I'...

And I spool up halfway with braid

I think most of those weak spots occur when untangling it, like when you pull on it too hard. Today, it was maddeningly windy out and I was pitching (zero braking) and then made a cast without turning up the brakes and it just fluffed up. Usually I can get it out without much trouble, but this time ...

I'd get a pack of 3/0 Owner twistlock lights.

Tips and tricks? Remove the spool or not? How do you save your fluoro?

These things cast pretty well since they're compact and aerodynamic, so you don't have to go crazy bfs.

You don't need sensitivity for frogs, but you need your line to float and probably cut through vegetation, so I'd use the lightest braid you can get away with (40-50#) and 4 carrier if you can stand the feel of it. Save that Tatsu for flipping.

I also hate to even ask, any reports of inductors sticking on the Zillion SV tw? You guys... I have two things to say about my experience with this. 1) This only happens when the spool stops instantly, like when you get a sudden backlash with braid. So if that happens and it starts casting poorly, ...

I'd go with a 9.1 or 7.3 Zillion TWS. Tough as nails, casts like crazy, drag for days, not too heavy, not too expensive, 36mm spool, built for power fishing... It won't disappoint. It will make an excellent reel for topwaters in general.

For light stuff (3/8 or less) I usually use a 6'5" ml/mf and usually cast to some kind of cover. For heavier stuff I usually use a 7'1" mh/mf and typically cast out into open water, but not always. The 6'5" is definitely easier to work the bait with and I'm a topwater fanatic so I may look into a 6'...

Sure thing

The Yo-Zuri 3DS is a sweet little popper. They cast well and make a lot of commotion for their size. Excellent hooks, too. And they aren't stupid expensive. I like the prism clown color for stained water.

Got mine for $185. Solid as a rock, too. That reel is fantastic.

Yeah, I don't know if they will be able to answer that question, but I'd call Daiwa. I'm sure it's a 2 pc split 50/50, though. Their specs sheets are known for just that type of error.

Yuki bug. I'm running out though. Good thing they're durable. The Owner JR minnows are great, too. I have even fewer of those.... Also, the rage tail shellcracker, structure craw or db craw, whatever it is, and the regular rage craws. Swing Impact fats are great on any rig. Megabass Dot Crawlers wor...