Arv

I use the 7'2 H/XF. I like it a lot. Light, crisp, balances well. I like it for heavier jigs, trigs and c rigs.

I use gamakatsu size 1 or something around there. I don't fish them any different than open hooks

I do like fc. I prefer braid though, which is on all my reels except for one and thats only because of its microguides. I have fc on there now but will probably continue on buying yo zuri co poly. I feel like I can tell a difference between copoly and fc, but not enough to pass up on the bang for the buck with copoly. Just my 2 cents.

If you're fishing in cover where you have a high tendency to hang up, id go with 50+ to minimize digging. Other than that, I wouldn't be worried. Ive straightened thick hooks before with 30#. Im sure 35 is plenty strong

Powell max 683 with lews tp 30# braid

I use both spinning and casting. My main shakey head set up used to be a casting rig.

Mid - Deep: 5:1 Shallow/Lipless cranks: 6:1

To me, a lot of the reason I would choose a shorter rod is for casting accuracy. A longer rod for more hook setting ability. My shorter rods I use primarily for squarebills, senkos, jigs/trigs and spinnerbaits in tight quarters. My longer rods are more for dragging jigs or plastics (c or trigs). I think it depends on what you want to use the rod for, specifically. As far as a big difference between 7'1 and 7'3, I doubt I'd be able to tell THAT much of a difference with 2 inches there or not. Some people might, I don't really. I can definitely tell a difference between, say, a 6'9 and a 7'2.

As mentioned, I would use that rod for single hook presentations - jigs, plastics, spinnerbaits, etc. The only topwaters I would really use it for would be a buzzbait or plastic toad, maybe a frog. For cranks, I want a moderate action rod. For topwaters with treble hooks (walking baits, etc.) I also like a moderate action and shorter that 7'. I'm not saying a 7' MH/F won't work, but its definitely not my first choice for cranks or most topwaters.

Usually around 7' m/f spinning rod. I've thrown them on m and mh baitcasters before though and didn't think twice about it.

If its straight braid, I don't care. If its FC, Copoly or mono, I tie the day of. I'm sure I'll be fine as I've never had problems in the past, but I just want to minimize the risk as much as possible. Has tying the same day helped, I dunno. It does make me feel better though.

Worms usually work for me. Lots of different ways to fish them.

Ive found a nice medium at the 150-200 mark. I may be losing some sensitivity, but not enough to justify sending another 100-200 dollars. Personally, I dont feel like I could ever justify spending 400 or so dollars on a rod (or reel) if im not fishing to make a living. I catch fish just fine on my current rigs and I enjoy fishing them. If you like higher end rods and you can afford them, great. I know plenty of guys do. Just not for me.

You mean your line is wet when it comes out of the water??? Just kidding. I use both pp and 832 and never really noticed a difference. No harm to reels or anything like that

If you check around you should be able to fine a lews tp for around 150. That's the best bang for your buck if you ask me.

Compared to the 50s, they are slightly larger, but certainly smaller than the 200s. This is is one if the reasons I usually choose lews. I have smaller hands and the 200 sizes were not as comfortable. I have also noticed a difference in the tss and the tp. Its lighter for one, but the biggest thing that jumped out at me was the ease in casting and casting distance. Not that the tss is a slouch, but I had to ease up the first time I took out the tp bc I was casting past my target. The brakes give you both magnetic and 4 centrifugal. I didnt find one more difficult or easier to use over the other. I do like the option of adjusting the mag brakes though. I feel like it helps me fine tune the brakes just a little bit more. Thats my 2 cents for what its worth

You will get used to it. It took me a little while when I first started

for the blood knot I usually tie the braid side first as it lays better than the fc portion. I also usually need to hold the tag end of the fc line in my teeth when synching down. Doing those two things have made knot tying more successful for me at least.

My leaders are usually about 18 inches or so. Ive never needed to tie on much longer and I feel like it keeps the knot from going through as many guides.

Dobyns is awesome. If you want a less expensive option, check out what Phenix has to offer with the m1 and recon or the powell endurance or max

Nothing changes that much for me as my rods are pretty much all about 6'6 - 7 to begin with

help me pay my tuition

It depends on your preferences I guess. I don't fish tournaments so I can't really say how important it is to keep 20 something rods with you. I can say what I did though was what you mentioned; sell the stuff you don't use and upgrade to what you know you will use. Its your call. If you ask me though, if you're not going to use it, get it to someone who will, get a little money back and put it towards something you will use.

What lures have you been trying to cast? I can't say much about the rod as its all in swedish (I'm assuming). Make sure you're line and lure weights match the rod specifications. Also, try the cast control knob. If it gets too tight it could make it harder to cast.

Just buy it and stop worrying. Just kidding. But seriously, I don't think there's anything wrong with a variety. I think you've picked out quality gear, so I don't have any input on that end. I see two things happening. 1. You use your new set ups and enjoy them or 2. You use your experience with your new set ups to hone in on the brands you like or 3. Both. I started out by buying a myriad of different brands based on whatever deals I could get. I never really had any bad experiences per say, but I did take what I liked and didn't like to narrow down my choices. I'm still not necessarily tied down to only buying one brand of reels or one brand of rods, etc. But I do tend to gravitate towards a few brand based on their performance for the price. As far as line goes, I like braid for all my set ups now, especially for those applications. 832 is a great choice IMO.