Arv

Rage Craws for more action, SK Rodents or RI Sweet Beavers for less action.

I've used both. Both are good. For the most part, and I feel pretty confident in saying this for most things (even outside of fishing), you get what you pay for. Are there exceptions, yes. But for the most part, if you buy a more expensive reel it will usually perform better than a less expensive reel.

x2 A deep cranking set up or swimbait set up could be other options. Personally I would go with motodast based on the way I like to fish.

I agree with this. Or what type of fishing scenarios are you faced with? Example, if you're stuck on the bank, a deep diving cranking set up might not be as useful as a MH Worm/Jig rod.

Sounds like you're off to a good start. A lot of this will boil down to personal preference, so I say if you can catch fish with it, go for it.

IMO a lot of gear ration selection is personal preference. I will agree that there are definitely scenarios where certain ratios excel. Personally, all my bc reels are 6:1 except for one 7:1. For bottom contact presentations, typically, you will want a higher speed reel to pick up line and set the hook quicker. Either a 6:1 or 7:1 should be fine. Only reason I would get a 5:1 is for deep cranking or swimbaiting, but I don't do either of those yet.

Here's my 2 cents, for what its worth. IMO, the Veritas is not a 2-300 dollar rod. I think its one of the better rods at the 100 dollar mark, but I think that price is accurate for the performance, parts and craftsmanship that go into the rod. If you want a 2-300 dollar rod, you're probably going to have to buy a 2-300 dollar rod. I had 2 Veritas' for maybe 6 months and wound up selling them once I got higher end rods. If you can wait for sales and save for something better, I would. If you want to go ahead and buy a rod now at the 100 dollar mark, I don't think the Veritas is a bad option, but after all the reviews on the ***, I would strongly recommend looking there as something else to consider. If you want to use the rod for Carolina rigging, I would go at least a MH/F-XF rating and something over 7'. If this will be specifically for C rigs I would look around 7'6. As far as the Revo S, I can't say much about the 3rd generation, but I have had the 1st and 2nd. I really liked the reels and could launch lures a mile with them. The 3rd generation seems to be on par with the previous generations with a smaller size/weight and, if you ask me, better looks. Other reels I would recommend looking into in that 100-150 dollar range would be the Shimano Citica and Curado, and Lews Tournament Speed Spool, all of which I have had personal experience with and liked very much. If you want to stay closer to 100, the Lews Speed Spool or BPS Pro Qualifier would also be good options. My last recommendation, if you are on a budget, I would check out the BPS Pro Qualifier/Carbonlite combo. It can be had for around $160, which is a great deal on some solid gear in the range you are looking at. Good luck!

Im with rockchalk on this one

nope

I'm surprised by this. I have two TPs and one TSS and I haven't had any of those problems. I will admit, they may not handle super light lures that well, but that's when I pull out the spinning gear. Not trying to discredit you by any means. I've just never heard of the TP doing goofy stuff like that before.

As far as worms go, first I would probably try a Rage Tail Recon Worm in green pumpkin. I usually texas rig these with 1/4oz weight and a 5/0 hook. No, its not finesse, but I can fish it faster and if the the fish are on to it I prefer to catch them that way. If that is not working I would probably switch to a shakey head worm. I mostly use either Zoom Trick or Finesse Worms, depending on what the fish are doing. Again, I like watermelon/green pumpkin colors here, but I will also throw junebug a lot on a shakey head. From there, weightless wacky or texas rig senko style worms. Still, I usually start with a green pumpkin but will go to other colors. A 7in Rage Tail Thumper is another worm I like a lot. I usually throw it on a 2/0 or 3/0 hook with a 3/16oz weight.

A lot of casting distance has to do with the rod and line as well. I was able to throw weightless plastics pretty comfortably on my CU51e with a Dobyns Champ 702c. I will admit that I am more comfortable with the lighter stuff on a spinning reel though. But there are definitely bc set ups that you could put together that will handle light lures quite well.

I don't think you can go wrong with any of your choices. I'm partial to the Lews TP because of its size. They feel better in my hands than the 200 size Shimano reels. Plus I like the option of having mag brakes on top of the centrifugal brakes. I will agree the Tatula is an interesting reel. Personally I'm going to wait until we get a number of reviews out before I think about buying one though.

Cant compare the ***, but between the Savvy and the Avid, I would go with the Avid.

The Avid is a nice rod and I'm sure many will suggest it. Personally, I like Powell rods in that price range. Phenix makes some quality rods as well. If you can up the budge 50-60 bucks I would check out the Dobyns Champion line.

Personally, I would save my money and save it up for one of the other rods you mentioned. I've jumped at deals just because they're deals and wind up regretting it later.

I just recently switched my cranking rig to braid and couldn't be happier. Especially using a cranking rod, you should be fine

I use regular power pro and 832. I cant really tell a difference when im fishing. The 832 might lay a little better on the spool, but not so much that I can really make a solid case for one or the other. I use whatever green color they offer

I'd say thats fair. Especially if its new.

If you can afford it I would go with the Tournament Pro. I would say there is a noticeable improvement with the step up. Either reel should serve you well though. You can usually find either reel available for significantly less than retail price as well. The last TP I bought was around 150-155.

IMO the Lews Tournament Pro is head and shoulders above the PQ. But its also 2x the money. I would say that the PQ is comparable to the Tournament Speed Spool with an edge to the TSS. I can't say anything about the JM reels but you can't go wrong with the PQ if you ask me. Great reel for the money.

Powell 723, Lews TP, 50# Power Pro braid (leader optional) 1/4 - 1/2oz, mostly 1/4 and 3/8 Phenix M1 7'2 H/XF, Lews TSS, 50# Power Pro braid(leader optional), 1/2 - 3/4 oz Both are casting set ups.

Could be a number of things. What you mentioned, banging into hard objects, etc. It shouldn't really make a difference though.

Don't remember the bite, but it was definitely on a Zoom Trickworm in junebug. That used to be the ONE and ONLY worm I would use. The fish in my profile came one the same kind of worm come to think about it. I definitely remember that one.

Here's another option around your range. http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Pro-Qualifier-Reel/CarbonLite-Trigger-Rod-Baitcast-Combos/product/12041705055310/