Tywithay

You don't "have" to fill any reel to the top. The closer the line is to the edge, the less issues you'll have with casting though. If the spool is half full, it comes off the spool at more angle; creates more friction on the spool lip and slows down the cast faster. The extra capacity doesn't mean much, unless you can cast well over 100 yards (which I highly doubt unless you're using a 10ft rod). St Croix rods usually fish about a half power stronger than similarly rated competitors rods. I think the AVS70MF2 would be just fine. I have a 7' Medium Avid myself and it's got plenty of backbone, but still has a light enough tip to fling baits a long ways. I think you'd be ultimately be more pleased with the 7' M over the 6'6MH. As someone else mentioned, St Croix's MH spinning rods are pretty stout.

I think it sounds like a fine setup. I would suggest the 2500 instead of the 3000 though. Essentially the same reel, but you'll save yourself some braid.

An ugly stick is good for treble hook baits. A worm rod needs to be graphite. It's stiffer and transmits vibration better, so you can feel the bites. Revo Premier is a very good reel, retails for $270ish.

Daiwa Samurai

Of the two, the Tatula. Ideally, I'd want a bigger reel to handle swimbaits.

I'd look at the KLX or the Tatula rod. I've used a little bit of everything and those are the best I've found under $200, by a pretty good margin.

Daiwa tatula. The tws is a pitcher's dream. Line flies off the spool effortlessly.

Rep samples are great deals. TW, ALFC, TT, and THUT, all have rep samples from time to time. I would tend to stay away from Ebay, unless it's a reputable seller. I have bought several rep samples and most times they're dang near brand new. Have had a couple that still had the plastic on the handle and all the tags. I'd buy 100 rep samples before I spent the extra for a new one.

Another issue I have with the Abu spinning rods, that I thought I'd mention. The aluminum locking nut can be very uncomfortable. It doesn't bother me with the casting rods, but on spinning rods, the nut rides right on the pad below my index finger. After about 6 hours of fishing with my Veritas, my hand was bruised and I could barely move my index finger. Further inspection showed that how I hold it, that aluminum nut rides right on that spot and when you set a hook or fight a fish, it puts quite a bit of pressure on your hand. Everyone holds it different, but that's just something I noticed.

If you use a decent fluoro, 8lb will handle just fine. I have been using 8lb Sniper and Tatsu on all my 2500 sized spinners with zero problems. I would look at the *** Black or Green, or find a good deal on a Daiwa Tatula. These rods are far nicer than a Veritas and the Duckett.

Some folks will overpay for anything. That reel isn't worth $190, especially when you can find them cheaper.

Kind of confused what you're even talking about. The Curado has an aluminum frame and costs $179. If you're paying the same cost for a PQ, you got ripped off. You're getting a better, lighter reel with the Shimano. The PQ is ok, but it's a tank and it's not built with the same refinement. Also, graphite is not plastic. Graphite is what your rods are made out of, what they make airplanes out of, etc. The polyurethane resin used to bond the graphite, is a plastic. In the right implementation, it's lighter, stronger, and more corrosion resistant than aluminum. I use the stuff everyday at work.

I don't even use a knot when I use braid. I put on my backing, then use a small piece of electrical tape to hold down the tag end of my backing line and my braided line. Then reel on my 100yards of braid, or whatever the case may be. I never intend to be able to cast far enough to reach the backing, so a knot doesn't matter.

It's always been my opinion that if I am not selling a premium rod ($250-$300+) or selling multiple at one time, then selling rods is not very economic.

If you're looking for bulk line that's limp and great casting, look at Hi Seas Black Widow. Otherwise, Yozuri is softer than the Big Game.

I like the Exceler, but you can't go wrong with either.

I thought they felt pretty good for the money as well. They remind me a lot of the Field & Stream Tec Spec Elite rods, in color and performance. I just can't get past rods that don't use foregrips and refuse to trim the threads on the locking nut. I usually have a finger in that general region and those threads cut into my finger. After 6-7 hours, it doesn't feel very good. Definitely a good deal for some folks though.

According to a friend of mine that has a fairly high level job at Academy, their rods are made by GLV. I don't know 100%, but I trust his word. I believe Shimano's cheaper rods are made by GLV as well. It's a HUGE company that makes rods for several manufacturers and house brands.

Right now, the best deal in reels is the old model Daiwa Exceler. They retailed for $89, but I've found them for $45 recently. They have free floating spool and magz, features that are on Daiwa's $300 reels. Don't get me wrong, not comparing the two....but it's a very solid and great casting reel, for the money. I am confident you can get one for $50 quite easily. That leaves $75 for a rod. Wait for the next 25% off sale and get a *** or a Daiwa Lexa, you'll be set up really well.

I've used both, but wouldn't recommend either, to be honest. I thought both had a lot of memory and didn't handle very well, especially for a mono. A little like fishing with weed whacker string.

Wait until the next sale and get a 7'1 Med-Lt *** Green, a Symetre 2500FL, and some 8lb Sunline Sniper. I don't think you can find a better $200ish combo for dropshotting.

So are the Shimano, Daiwa, and G. Loomis rods You can get an NRX for $375 right now.

Daiwa Lexa 7'2" MH-Regular They're $99, but on sale at TW right now for 25% off. Brings you to $74.99

Shimano probably contacted them about not advertising a lower price.

They can't show a price lower than the MAP. That's why you have to add it to your cart to reflect the discount.