Cgrinder

USPS online. Weigh and measure it yourself, pay online, and drop it off. I've done $20-22 insured including the $7 for PVC and endcaps at the hardware store. Just keep it at 7'11" or under.

5/0 weighted Owner Twistlock or 4/0 Owner Beast if you're running a heavier rod. Both sit nicely in the hook slot of the 4.8" Fat Impact. The 5/0 Twistlock comes through cover a little better while the 4/0 Beast has a larger gap and a bit more weight to it. The Eagle Claw isn't a bad hook either. It has a nice gap like the Beast but is a less stout hook so you can use lighter tackle. I haven't found a weighted hook that I love for the 3.8" yet so I will be buying some of that 3/0 underspin hook posted above.

The Lexa 300 and Curado 300 are popular. Abu has some larger low-profile reels as well.

So these are supposed to move better then the Fat Impacts at both low and high speeds? That is interesting and something I must see for myself. The ribs helping with deflection could actually be a thing. I suppose we'll see shortly if we should classify this bait as a knock-off or an improvement. THE ANTICIPATION! Also I am loving the strawmen and rustled jimmies in this thread. You guys keep me young.

Yuuup. Alligator nuggets are the future.

Alligator does taste like chicken. It's pretty good. Also I've got Smallmouth and Bluegill on beds here.

Buy Shimano, don't buy Shimano.

SDJ all day

Slack line presentations, especially when the wind is blowing.

Step 1: ignore every salesperson at Bass Pro Shops. Step 2: shop online for a sub $100 Tatula. Step 3: profit!

Braid to fluoro for better popping. Straight braid for less popping.

I was more getting at hooksets and the give and take pulls of fighting fish compared to line stretch over a period of time with a static load applied. I'm also interested in to what degree line returns to form after being stretched suddenly, like on a hookset. I'm noticing things like Hybrid stretching like crazy on hooksets and Red Label being cool with being slowly stretched but turning white and gross after a shock. And no it's not winter. Research design is part of my Master's and I'm all about nerding it up with tests like Frydog's.

A lot. Also I appreciate the work that Frydog puts in but I question the external validity of his studies, i.e. are we effectively measuring line stretch during normal fishing activities or simply line stretch under the conditions of the experiment?

Short version: Tatulas are wide and such in order to accommodate The T-wing, which by Daiwa's own admission increases casting distance by up to 5%. So IMO, Daiwa made a big wide reel to make use of a technology gimmick that effectively does nothing. Then someone at Daiwa decided this cool thing that does nothing needed to be on more reels. Add the grooving shenanigans (which are hopefully done?) into the equation and you have my disappointment regarding more Tatulas. Of course they sell like hotcakes at $90 or whatever for the standard model so I'm fine with them existing; I like the idea of weekend anglers being able to purchase better quality gear and not be stuck with Crap Pro Shops.

Depends on depth. Braid with a leader is a good catch all though.

The reel seats feel cheap and the reverse tapered foregrip is a little uncomfortable if you palm reels. However the styling is nice, build has been good on the ones I have seen, and they are appropriately sensitive given the price. I also think the hook keeper is in a silly place.

10 lb Power Pro

Y'all use a lotta hook. 3/0 round bend or skip gap here. If I'm feelin' frisky, maybe an Owner Twistlock Lite.

Most Rapalas. Maybe Trilene as well? Not a big fan of the XL and XT out there these days. It's also possible to say that baitcasting reels were better ~10 years ago, depending on how much one likes the TD-Z and Alphas platforms.

I think the Ci4+ was kind of a "hey look what we can do with this neat material" reel. I'm getting rid of mine but not because of the feel (4 pin red SVS and I are never going to get along). The reel feels different but not bad or cheap. Also its just about the only thing that's comfortable to palm on that stupid ergonomic reel seat that Shimano is using now. At least Shimano isn't Daiwa, who still for whatever reason thinks the T-wing is a good idea.

Well this is going to get expensive. Time to sell the Conquest and the '12 Ant. Maybe a kidney.

I will feel warm and toasty tonight wrapped up in these blanket statements.

I like the Zodias 7'2" H. Throws swim jigs nicely as well.

Dropshot and maybe 1/8 oz -ish bottom contact like a shakeyhead or neko. Maybe balsa cranks as well. Everything else is (within normal realm of bass fishing) is casting gear for me.

Nice. Hard for me to justify but I'd consider selling my '12 Ant to help fund one if it's truly excellent. Looking forward to the report.