Delaware Valley Tackle

backwater4! I'm in Milford PA on the Delaware right near the NY & NJ borders. I'll be hitting a couple of the Western CT lakes early this year too.

back ben23!

Hello and...

Hello and...

x2- They can be found at wally-world for $55 8-)

Typical flipping and pitching cover would suggest a Hvy/Fst rod 7-71/2'. There many much better choices that won't break-the-bank.

It really depends on the reel model and condition. There is some polishing of critical points that can also be of benefit, but like with bearings the potential benefit depends on the starting point.

In addition to dirt and silt being abrasive, algae is corrosive releasing acids as it wets and dries. Drain, wipe and air dry as best you can. Get all reels serviced regularly increasing the frequency for anything that's been dunked.

ABU no longer lists the 2500 series among their current models. There are several different 2500c schematics. There is a limited edition reproduction that sells for $279. While the new low profile reels get the most attention, many people still like and use the round reels.

I suggest a MH/F in a 6' length for spinner-baits. The shorter length helps accuracy and low casts for a soft entry. MH/Mod for cranks will increase hookups over a faster tip.

X2

Peel off about 2 casts worth of line and put a small piece of electrical tape across the line on the spool. That way your backlash won't go too deep into the spool. When you do backlash, DON'T pull on the line. Tighten the drag down as far as it will go, mash your thumb down on the reel and give 1-2 cranks. press the thumb-bar and peel off free line. Repeat as necessary to clear the backlash.

I had a similar thing happen with Gudebrod CP and it worked after thinning with a little alcohol. I'd test it on some scrap to be sure.

The line color debate comes up often and there are honest opinions on both sides. Personally, I don't pay much attention to line color except in super clear water situations and then I'll add a fluoro leader. If a certain color gives you confidence in your setup, use that.

Brand aside, MH/F is good multi-purpose choice. You might consider going 7' for a little better casting distance.

The XS69MLXF is designed as a drop-shot rod. ML/XF in whatever brand you settle on will serve well in either application.

Just to clarify: IMO the MHX blank is a great value, and I've built on them for my personal use. I don't necessarily prefer them over all other brands, I just think they are well worth considering.

Batson recommends a size 20 wire guide which would be a 22-24 with an insert and to go no smaller than a 6 also due to the ice.

Ya, having the actual reel gets the best results.

JF, PM sent. That's a sweet steel-head setup. I have another customer looking at the same thing. Will this be a center pin or spinning rod? Price is the same either way, I would use a little different guide spacing is all.

Very nice ej! I've used the same Lamiglass blank. You'll like it. 8-)

I have Pflueger President That can be found for $50-$55 on sale. It's a smooth sturdy reel at that price point and comes with two spools.

That swimbait size should be fish-able on a flipping rod. An XH/MF will give you some extra backbone for the mat and enough tip to cast the swimbaits. An 8' MHX XH/MF graphite swimbait blank rated for 1-4oz lures could be used to build you something nice for $150 +/-. PM or email me if you'd like to discuss further. Mike

How heavy a swim-bait are you throwing? What % of the time will the rod be used for swim-baits? You can use the same rod for both but it will be a compromise one direction or the other. I know from another post pgersumky has a dual purpose rod he likes.

Many manufacturers over lube, but like JFrancho said, it won't do any harm to fish it and break it in. After you get it serviced it'll come back better than new!