Delaware Valley Tackle

I suggest a cleaning/lube/inspection first. http://www.delawarevalleytackle.com/home

NewFishinDad! I'm from Upstate NY originally. Where do you camp?

You can't be Frank and Lee. You have to pick one. lol ;D

Lee!

KC ***atic!

Oscar!

perchin! Great place to hang out and pick up info. Enjoy!

7' Med/Fast Custom Built on an MHX blank Pflueger President 2500 size spinning reel 8# size braid on one spool and 6# Trilene XL mono on the second spool.

I had a Heddon Tiny Torpedo in baby bass color that got aggressive bites pretty much all year.

Sic is harder than Alconite but you don't need sic to fish braid. Alconite guides are the best bang for your buck guide wise IMO.

That's general idea behind no fore grip. A far as solvents go, I don't use anything harsher than denatured alcohol. If you can get under the epoxy without cutting into the blank it will often peel once you get it started.

Sanding will not hurt sensitivity but sanding into the blank will compromise the rods integrity. Go slow and be careful.

x2 Readily available, inexpensive & effective

Materials may vary in models within a brand making them more or less corrosion resistant. Rinse well immediately after use and clean/lube often. If you do a lot of salt water fishing there are many specific saltwater reels to choose from.

Cheap is a relative term. A Medium Heavy/ Fast in whatever price range your budget allows will probably be suitable for most bass fishing situations if you're limited to one setup.

Nice job! 8-)

Some reels are designed to be more corrosion resistant than others. What reels are you fishing?

Look here for a schematic: http://www.abugarcia.com/product_schematic.php?id=226.228.1017# Look here for a product review: http://fishing.about.com/library/review/reviewrodreel/blrvsambassc3e.htm If you haven't, get the reel torn down inspected and properly lubed for peak performance. Especially if it's been dunked!

x2

The over head cover that blocks the sun also blocks the wind which may cause a slight temp difference. If not that, I would think forage or some under water cover. Maybe a steeper bank to access deeper water.

The improvement would depend on the reel you're starting with. The Orange Seal Bearings are noticeably faster due to composition and the no-contact seal. Application is also a consideration. Are you looking for max free spool for pitching? Is casting distance is a goal or do you just want to smooth the reel? There are also other choices like ABEC 7 hybrid with standard stainless seals which are priced in between.

"Balance" is also a little subjective. Balance point to some may mean the rod will see-saw on a finger under the reel or in front of the reel seat. I view balance more as being just the right mix of blank, guides, grip etc. to provide a rod that casts well & presents baits as intended while feeling light and comfortable in the hands. A split grip may be part of that, but doesn't have to be.

What model reel do you have?

The revo STX and Premier both have good free spool for pitching. The STX comes in 7.1:1 the Premier is 6.4:1.

I've also heard that making cakes is a good way to prepare bony types of fish. I haven't tried though.