Jrob78

The problem with using reels with smaller spools isn't that you will spool the reel. Nobody is casting 70 yds, I don't care what they say. The problem is you lose a lot of ipt when you cast the majority of the line off on a long cast.

I agree

Rojas won at Oneida in, I think, 2008 with a frog he called Kermit. That's what really started the frog craze. Skeet won the Classic in 09, in part on a Lucky Craft Redemption spinnerbait.

The Batson reamer set is pricey but if you plan to make a lot of grips it's worth it. The tapers are relatively small so you need several sizes to do most casting rods. The holes in the cork are only 1/4" and most blanks are around 3/8-5/8" where the grip is. I've had my reamers for about 3 years and they are still going strong. The sandpaper lasts a long time. I'll get up to the shop over the weekend and take a couple of pictures of my cork clamps. I use one that is all thread with the same black knobs that are on my wrapper. I glue the rings, slide them on the all thread and then tighten the knobs down until everything is tight. When the glue cures I just unscrew the knobs and slide the glued pieces off. The other clamp I use is a squeeze clamp you buy at the hardware store. I drilled holes in both sides of the clamp part and slide a 1/4" aluminum bar into the holes. The cork rings are on the bar between the clamp, I squeeze the clamp tight and it presses the rings together. After it's dry, the rings slide off. When I take pictures it will all make more sense. I use plumbers teflon tape to keep the rings from sticking to the mandrels. I use a cordless Dewalt hammer drill to ream my grips. I don't know if a standard cordless would work but I assume it would, just might take a little longer.

I should add that I do use reamers. I have a set of the Batson reamers and they are worth every penny. I chock them in a drill and use them that way. If you're going to work with cork you really need reamers of some kind. You could probably do it with files but it would be a pain. I know several guys who use drill lathes just like Evan posted. That's a great way to turn grips without having to buy a real lathe. There's a company called Grizzly that makes a lathe that works with a drill. A lot of guys use it and it doesn't cost a fortune. http://www.grizzly.com/products/Hobby-Lathe-Disc-Sander/H2669

I've used both. I actually like the regular PLine 100% and have it on a few reels. I've never tried Pline Halo, not sure which one you're using. To me, Sniper is more manageable and I prefer it over the Pline but Pline makes great products and I will continue to use it. I can sometimes get Pline a lot cheaper, plus I like variety.

I built my own wrapper. I wanted something that was longer than the cheaper store bought ones. Mine is 48" long and fully adjustable. I use springs to keep tension on the thread. It's actually the 2nd wrapper I built, I made some changes for this one. It's built from 1/2" plywood. As far as making your own cork grips, I do. I buy cork rings and glue them up. I made a cork vice with 2 threaded handles and a piece of all thread. I don't have a lathe but I do have a drill press that I can turn the grips on. It isn't perfect but it works for me. I don't have the cork jigs or any special tools and haven't had any need for them. I use a mix of regular cork and burnt/burl cork for my grips. Just be aware that good cork is very expensive. The cork I buy is about $5 an inch. Cheap cork is full of pits and will require filler. I can post some pics tomorrow if you want to see any of my tools or grips.

Why does it matter what we think? It sounds like you've found a line you're happy with that's cheaper than the alternative. Not trying to be confrontational, just curious. I believe you've answered your own question, who cares what anyone else thinks.

Nice work Millie!

It's easier to measure my plastics by the pound. I probably have 1000's of bags.

A lot of the newer round reels have the same features and technology as the low pros. Just because they're round doesn't mean they're outdated or antiquated.

My favorite ebay store of all time

Those are some of the best places to use them. They don't have any appendages to wrap around branches, grass etc.

Beaver baits are my #1 bait to pitch. I catch a ton of fish on them every year and I have a lot of confidence in them.

It seems like every sporting good store has reels on sale right now. I've seen Curado G's going for $89, BPS has their reel trade in going on, shop around and look for a good deal on a better reel. To me, when you have a very tight budget, buying something that will last is even more important. Find a reel with an aluminum frame that has parts available, it should serve you better for longer than the reels you mentioned.

http://www.bassmaster.com/video/randy-howells-day-3-afternoon-charge

Talk to Ron at Valley Sports, he can probably get you pretty close to your budget on a Tatula combo.

That's a good one!

I use the Redeye Shad, XCalibur and a few different Lucky Craft lipless baits. I use 1/4-3/4oz in all 3 and use one knockers in the XCalibur. I have others from other manufacturers but I rarely use them.

Academy's sales run from Sunday thru Saturday.

I like darter heads for swimming and a ball head for hopping.

If they weren't supposed to be like that, they wouldn't all look exactly the same.

2010 Red Eye Shad 2011 KVD 1.5

Taking a back seat to FLW? lol

I don't understand why this is even a debate. Get the depth finder.