crazy cranker

I've been jig fishing for 34 years during which time I have tried d**n near every brand every made. It is my opinion that hands down the *** jigs are absolutely the best. They get hung up 90% less than other brands and 90+% of the time they rotate to hook the bass in the roof of the mouth. There is no other brand that can compare. When I first experimented with them I threw a jig on the floor 10 times and 9 times it landed upright. There are several vids on YouTube that explain their engineering.

James, recently one of the major reel repair firms reported that Abu Garcia, Pfluger, Lew's, BPS, Cabela's and several others all purchase reels from a DoJo Korean reel designer and manufacturing company. They are offered options related to materials, bearing quality, brake configuration, etc. It appears that your budget will limit you to buying one of the Korean originated reels. That's not a bad thing. Chinese originated reels is a bad thing - LOL. I would eliminate any Shimano reels in your price range as they have made some poor modifications over the past few years to their lower to mid-price range reels. Take a serious look at a Pfluger Supreme XT which has the following specs: 9 double shielded stainless steel ball bearings Instant anti-reverse bearing C45 carbon infused side plates, lightweight with unmatched strength Double anodized aluminum handle with EVA knobs Rigid aluminum frame Non-detachable cam locking side plate allows quick break adjustments Retrieve Rate 26" (6.4-1 ratio) Mono Capacity yd/lb 175/10 145/12 100/17 It has monster breaking at 20# while most bait casters average 12#. The centrifugal breaking is very good, the spindle friction adjustment is very good and they are very smooth. I would select the 6.4-1 gear ratio for general use

Go to Tackle Tour reviews. They did testing on many manufacturers and list the results. It is a two part review so be sure to read both part 1 and part 2. Scroll through the archives to the section on lines and find "fluorocarbon showdown." http://www.tackletour.com/menuarchive.html

The treatment that you received from that shop is deplorable and you are right to never spend any money with them again. I would post some negative reviews on Google local and Yelp - they deserve it!

Specifically what technique(s) do you plan on using the reel for?

Just a couple of thoughts - you didn't mention what technique you were fishing when everything went awry. Different techniques require different rod ratings (power, taper, etc.) Your problem may ultimately be a result of line stretch. Find the specs for your line in a technical review if possible like tackle tour. As it relates to the rod breaking, even the best rods can and will break if you high stick them. If you mention what technique you were fishing I'm sure there are many here that can help you solve the problem. Hope this helps.

When I want to keep the profile smaller I just use a Yamamoto twin tail grub, When I want a larger profile either a Reaction Innovations smallie beaver or the larger sweet beaver.

ESPN owned B.A.S.S. from 2001 until 2010. I don't remember them broadcasting many, if any, events during that time period. Now that they don't have a vested interest in the sport chances are slim to none that they will broadcast any competitive bass fishing events.