Mike L

Price is relative. All so called “Premium” cigars aren’t considered cheap. I smoked H Upmann for years but they became a scarce for awhile. Since then my taste changed and didn’t want a Honduran or Nicaraguan filler anymore plus thier ring size seemed too big. As I got older I wanted something a little milder. Now I smoke a Macanudo Hampton Court. It’s the most mild cigar I ever smoked with a Connecticut wrapper and filler from the Dominican Republic. It has a 42 ring and being 5” long it’s just right Mike

Keep the faith Pal…and keep us informed Mike

You’re gonna get an array of suggestions from just about every manufacturer’s product line. My advice is to remember above all when it comes to flouro line, you absolutely will get what you pay for. Check out Seaguar or Sunline product lines Mike

For those conditions sometimes I’ll use 20# Shooter For me Tatsu is a little over qualified for strictly flipping/pitching. Mike

As I’ve said many times, braid to me is a specialty line. Top, frog and only for the heaviest of cover punching. Mike

That’ll be a pain to tie a Palomar on Mike

Live Long and Prosper Mike

And here I thought I was the only one Mike

I don’t do that! But if they say so… Mike

I’ve never bought a used rod or reel except for one time when a friend had a Curado 200E7 that he wasn’t using. I made him an offer he couldn’t refuse. Mike

How do you guys find all these places ? I’ve never heard of half of them. Also, when you buy reel for 5.00 from some off the wall, obscure website on the internet do you really think it’s that great of deal and money well spent? I don’t get it Mike

Dobyns Kaden 715 C 7’ 1” Mag Heavy / Fast (doubles as my Carolina Rig rod) Mike

That’s why I use it. The strength of the line is totally dependent on where and to some degree how. But you have to take into account the whole set up and how you use it. Mike

Just a guess, but you’re ripping holes because of the combination of a non forgiving XF rod, heavy braid and locked down drag. I’d say you’re ripping her on the set because of the power and setup of your combo. I use 50# original Power Pro only because it is a 4 strand and can cut through pad stems better when it’s needed than a more manageable 8, that’s the only reason. I’ve had great luck with 40# also. As Dwight said, the strength of the line isn’t your problem I too use a heavy action rod but with a slower action. I tried a XF but now delegate those to bottom contact presentations only. Mike

Zoom Lizards are the only plastic I use on a C Rig because they seem to always produce for me. I never really think of using them on regular T Rig as I always think there are better choices. I’m sure I’m wrong as I just never think about them as much for that. Mike