J Francho

Yep, me too. That's why I want to know EXACTLY what the OP wants to try, and offer whether I think it's worth the swap.

I used CXX as my favored line for more than a decade before switching to fluoro. Feel like my opinion is qualified.

I don't think anything regular price in that price range is an upgrade to CXX, per se. What baits/rigs/set ups were you thinking of trying fluoro with?

Finesse is really great stuff at that size. Fishes like 4# line.

This is how I spool spinning reels. Has worked for more than two decades.

It is ALWAYS the same story, over and over again, isn't it?

I would have to pick a soft plastic. Anything the right size, really. There's 1001 rigs that all work for smallmouth, regardless of depth, cover, or current.

Only caught a couple, and I wasn't really trying. Just out for a walk at a local pond. We're expecting some kind of snow storm this weekend.

Are you worried about the water that gets on your line when you're fishing?

Nice to hear from you! I hope all is well!

1. These serve two totally different, and independent purposes. Suffice it to say, I'd want both. 2. I've sat in one at a showroom, I don't see why not. Pitching and flipping would be fine for two. 3. Ultrex pairs with Humminbird. 4. White shows all the dirt, but I'd be wiping my boat off after each trip anyway. 5. No idea, there's a few here that own one, so hopefully they'll see this.

Technically, anything that supports something else is a bearing. Just because it isn't a "ball bearing pack" doesn't mean it's not supported. A bushing can serve the purpose just as well. This is where tight tolerances and quality materials comes in. Case in point, worm gear support. Since this is not a high torque or stress area, ball bearings aren't necessary, and excluding them may add to a smoother feel, and reduce weight. I do not recall any bush in a worm drive wearing out. Have you, Mike @Delaware Valley Tackle? As a person fascinated with reel maintenance, I do find a TON of novelty in ball bearing supported worm drives, especially when used in the oscillation of a spinning reel. So there's a tech part I think is pretty cool. Sorry for straying of topic, but the bearing discussion is always pretty interesting, when you dig into it.

I had a few Bionix and Series One from Berkley that were really nice.

In high count reels, 4 of the bearings are in the knobs. It's not always necessary, or ideal to have knob bearings. Really depends on what you like and how you're using the reel.

I think you'd be good to try those two models - they aren't far off what we've been using for decades anyway, just a little lighter. I wouldn't dismiss all your gear so quickly. You might find they work just fine, and suit your fishing style. I have rods and reels over 20 years old that are still my favorites.

A few somethings, lol.

Spot burn is real. It's also a lame excuse for not catching. I used to worry about it, but at this point, it almost doesn't matter. I continually looking for new waters. It might be worth it to leak a decent spot, just to throw them off the scent.

Maybe unrelated, Megastrike is pretty good for styling your hair. A little drop of Gulp! juice on the wrists and behind the ears drives the ladies crazy, too.

I don't get it casting either, just when catching.

Good luck with the light braid crusade. I still haven't switched to velcro. I'm almost 50, I'm sure that time to switch will come. Not yet, though.

I can't remember what color socks I put on this morning. ?

It's not a huge issue. But it isn't a figment of my imagination, or some "misuse" of the product. Honestly, sounds pretty snotty to suggest it - EVERY SINGLE PERSON I'VE FISHED WITH THAT USES BRAID GETS SOME DIG. EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM. Generally occurs after hookset, or a hard pulling fish. I don't think that 50-80# is too light for baitcasting, nor 20# too light for spinning. Like I said, it isn't a huge issue. But it happens.

I really dislike braid, and dislike thinner braid even more. I do not prefer how it handles to single filament lines, when I use it, I prefer the diameter be similar. And yes, anyone that doesn't experience digging at all is probably lying or not really fishing it. All diameters can dig in. I'd say I have around 6 regular use casters and at least two spinning reels spooled with braid. It's got a purpose, but it isn't my preference.

If you spray it on your teeth before bed, you'll have whiter teeth by morning.* *this is totally not true

I wouldn't use braid for this, and would prefer 10# fluoro, but forced to use braid, I wouldn't drop below 40#. I currently use no baitcaster with less than 50#. A few have 65#, one has 80#.