Hi Salenity

x2 If you want to go with the Lew's spend a few more bucks and get the Tournament (NOT the MG) You will like the mechanical breaks Check Ebay they are under $120

I had a 7'm and got rid of it and got a 7'6'' mh. Not that it was a bad rod but at the time I didn't have the arsenal I have now and I needed it to do more than a medium rod can do (like throw a spinner) The 7'6'' is one of my favorite rods . The aluminum threads and nut on the reel seat sometimes "creak" wen I cast the insert is out of the tip top on mine now but I'm going to take the blame for that by lure retrival...

Another thing if I remember correctly I flushed a Curado and a TP at the same time and I don't thing the TP bearings were nearly as greased up and as slow as the Curados were.

I like them better after the spool bearings are flushed. That said they have 3 and the center one has a pin that must be pressed out to fully remove the Bearing. However It can be left on and cleaned with brake cleaner if you don't feel comfortable trying to remove the pin. I have one with Boca Orange seals (ran open) and I like it a LOT! Enough to sell Curados, Quantum Tour's, a Revo and a Zillion! I do still have a Core 50 and want a Core FV? But for the price (around $150 on Ebay) the Lew's TP are hard to beat. BTW they already have a carbon drag so that does not need upgrading.

This is a boat like mine. http://www.akmining....boat/lo14bj.htm only I built a deck on the front of mine. I'm thinking about upgrading to a 18' with a console maybe another green one maybe a bass tracker... My favorite lake is on 5 miles of gravel so I don't need anything nice. Anyhow I want to be able to use this on another boat in the future if needed.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/MotorGuide174-Brute-Series-Bow-Mount-150-75-FB/1152272.uts?WTz_l=SBC%3Bcat104794380%3Bcat104716980 I'm thinking about upgrading to a foot operated motor on my 14' boat. The price looks good but you know for a few bucks more there is always something better... I was looking to throw about $650 at it but I will also need another battery. I have a 45# 12v now and it has enough power but hey bigger is always better. So I guess what I'm asking is does anyone have this model or recommend something semi close in price .

I used 15# Tatsu for 2 days before I took it off. It was tooo streeetchy for me and what I was using it for. (long casts with a 5/0 jig) I've always wondered if it was the line or the KVD L&L?

Is it an Astro? I have a 2005 Astro panel van I haul mine in. I fish a lake that has about a 5 mile stretch of gravel getting to it so it's NICE to keep it and everything else inside out of the dust!. I am about to put a receiver hitch on it so I can tow my boat and keep my truck clean.

Imho It's the best reel you can buy for $160. I've had one for around a year now and I got it used.

You know the MG only has mag breaks? I had one but sold it. I just don't care for mag breaks. I did like the long handle.

As far as the Abu goes if it's like mine the "line guide" moves during a cast and I don't thank they cast that good for distance . Were the bearings flushed on either baitcaster? I know what you mean on trying to get every last bit of distance you can, Last year I was on the bank frog fishing and after a while I could see them just outside my casting distance so I know how important that few more yards can be

I have no doubt if you spook the fish you might as well fish another spot but look at the pro's, I've seen Superhero costumes less flashy than what they wear and they do OK.

Some of the best fishing I've done was from an Orange Kayak.

Just wanted to post some pics of all the fish i've got lately...

I like a Lew's TP 7.1 for a reel. You can get them on "the Bay" for $150-160 I have 2 rods that I use that fit your budget somewhat 7'6'' MF Veritas (they also make a 7'11''H) 7'11'' Rage

Robo makes a 4''? worm with a yellow curly tail I use from time to time and I think Net makes a "swimming tail" but I'd have to go outside to see what they call it. I got them from BPS and the trailers are ribbon like.

F THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NO

I fish them with a 1/8 oz Keel weighted hook. And BTW a IMHO the people that recommend specific brands and products like Rage, Yo-zuri, KVD L&L, Northstar and Siebert Outdoors just to name a few that get recommended daily do so just to help others out as they have tried and believe in the product. BTW those were not all sponsors.

Yep I 100% believe that was the better bait to be using at that time. If I remember correctly the Rage in GP looks quite a bit Greener in the water I don't know if it was the color or The fish had never seen the Rage before I don't know? I was also throwing a jig with a Rage lobster that was not catching anything. just to point out that if it says Rage it's no magic bullet...

I live in Kansas............ I'm gonna need some pictures.

Yes it works on FC & I love the stuff. My only concern is does it make the line stretch more?

Have you tried the Rage? I was fishing a Zoom and had caught several dinks and switched to a Rage in the same color and threw it back in the same spot and caught a 5,4 & a 3# bass in the first 3 casts!

My FAVORITE finesse rod was built on a MHX HM 7'MEF blank with micros on it. It will be over budget but I'd look at having DVT build you one.

Welcome