Delaware Valley Tackle

Any good Med / mod fast graphite crank bait blank around 7 foot works well. I usually throw them at targets around cover so I don't like too long but 7' gives you some rod to use to steer around junk.

If the guide train and grip are well thought out, you shouldn't have to add a lot. The advice to add to the very end outside the blank is good. Lead or better yet tungsten will give you the most weight/mass ratio. All said, I can't help but say I'm in the zero added weight camp, but custom is just that. Do it your way!

Rod spec have always been subjective and remain that way today. A rod builder or experienced tackle junky could probably look at the rod and give you their opinion on how it compares to modern offerings but at the end of the day the proof is how it performs on the water for YOU.

Visually inspect the levelwind before or after each trip. Be conscious of any change in feel or performance and act accordingly. It varies a lot with conditions so a given number of trips or time doesn't mean much. The mere fact you're asking these questions indicates you'll take good care of them. Just doing SOMETHING in the interim is key.

In general a reel should be good for a season or two between full tear-downs depending on usage but also conditions. If reels ride out on the deck or back of a PU it raises heck with them. Dust, sand and algae can gum up the works. Interim care, or lack there of, affects the need for deep cleaning too. Based the OP and subsequent phone message, he's probably ok until winter.

"Weightless " plastics are far from weightless in many circumstances and don't require anything special. At your price point any of the name brand offerings will perform and last if given even the most basic care. Pick one with the style and feature that appeals to you and go fishing.

I get $19.80 for cleaning from members here($22-10%). Turn around is an issue for everyone this time of year. Everyone is anxious. Email what you have and I'll get back to you with an ETA

I can't see braids neutral buoyancy having an adverse affect on a senkos action. I see the logic in thinking the Fluoros stiffness reduces slack making strike detection easier but I like the manageability and sensitivity of braid.

Lews typically are a touch cheaper on a per feature basis possibly accounting for the performance referenced. That factory makes a wide range of models with lots of mix and match options material and features wise. It's probably not fair to say they are "the same reel " but equally unfair to say one is really "better" than the other across the board.

Yup.

Also the larger the diameter the longer the sleeve should be.

You're on the right track but In the flex parts of the rod you need to use an over sleeve rather than insert and it must be lower modulus (fiberglass). Search the library of rod building.org for the repair article

I you sounds like you might be confusing stiff with fast where the zillion rod is concerned. It's a common mistake. Just experiment and see what works for you without getting sidetracked by labels and specs.

Those will make nice jerk bait rods I believe. Maybe traps, square bills and chatter baits.

Two of the same blank can vary in size. You need to measure or buy 2-3 sizes a Med casting rod likely has a 4 or 4.5 tip.

Reel ratio is mostly personal preference. There is a mechanical advantage to 5:1 reels for deep cranking and to a lesser extent 7:1 for jigs or top waters that throw slack into the line.

It depends on the model regardless of brand

Can't speak to the Dobyns but the lami is a sweet cranking rod.

BFS tackle is an enthusiast endeavor. There are more economical and efficient forms of tackle available for similar applications.

That's technically the reel seat not the grip. Thevparts and labor the swap all that puts you well on your way to a new build. Cost forcthat varies but I'll quote you if you send details what you're looking for. I'm sure someone else is using that seat. You'll have to look around.

There's no right or wrong here. It's 100% preference. No sense in trying to apply logic, reason or science to the original question. Do what feels right and enjoy.

Which models? Compare similarly equipped and priced reels and see what you like. Once you get north of $125 on a baitcast reel from a major brand it's hard to go wrong.

True sponsorships are advertising. So what you're actually doing is selling advertising. This is done by demonstrating you have an audience (media, social media, spectators etc). Try to draft a marketing student to help you. Maybe the professor will give them extra credit?There are also charitable contributions as you would get from alumni, participants family, local businesses possibly. Good luck.

The lews are mechanically identical to abu fwiw. Not that either are inferior. Any reel needs to be cared for. Pick a reel that has the features, size and style that appeals to you and go fishing.

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