poisonokie

probably not. They don't make their own like bass pro?

Looks kinda like the previous generation zillions

whatever the equivalent diameter. With 50# pp its 15# mono I think. It really doesn't matter. You probably won't see that line again until you respool. If you have something lighter around that will work just fine. All you're doing is preventing the braid from slipping on the spool. just use an Alberto knot to join the two. It's also called an improved Albright and is pretty easy to tie. As with all knots, make sure the line comes out the knot the knot the same way it goes in so it doesn't get cut. You see what I mean when you cinch it down. If you tied it wrong it will break easy.

leaders.

tatula type r 8.1:1 ~ $135

Or the Major Craft NanoAce swimbait rod. It's 7'10" and rated 3-5 oz and probably a very nice rod for 130 bucks.

Have you looked into the Daiwa dx swimbait rods on TW? They'll free up funds for your reel.

I've seen Daiwa Lexa micro guide rods going for like $60. I don't have any microguide rods, but I do have a lexa and it's a really nice worm/jig rod. Light, powerful, nice components. I am getting a bfs rod with micro guides because to me that's where they will be the most beneficial. As far as pitching rods, etc, I'll stick with new concept style guides.

What power/action?

having said that, you can find a Daiwa t3 MX 8.1:1 at the upper end of that range. I think t3 in all their iterations are some of the highest quality, user friendly reels out there. There is a guy selling one for a great price on here if you use LH reels.

yeah, man. Most reels have way more drag than you'd ever need. Having your drag too high just causes problems and takes the sport out of it. I have a t3 that can put out 14lbs of drag, but I never use more than half that. Smoothness is key, though. That's what lands fish.

I use 50# ppss on my jig rod with 15# red label leaders as necessary.

I just tie a bottle rocket to my baits and *thoom!

I fish a lot of different colors. My favorites are black/blue and green pumpkin chartreuse, but I use several others. It just depends on cloud cover, time of day, water clarity, wind. I pick jig colors the same way I do cranks more or less.

that Veritas can be had on amazon for <$80. It's prime. If you were considering $100, do yourself a favor and save a little cash and go for a tatula, also on amazon, for around $120-130 depending on the model. They are head and shoulders above either of the rods you're considering.

Tatula Type R 8.1:1 for flipping/punching/frogs

make sure they use an arbor knot, backing, and a good uni-uni splice to your braid.

braid. It's like $12 for 150 yds at Wally world. It is very good line. Not as good as their 8 carrier super slick, but costs about 40% less. First, button down your drag, then Arbor knot some mono backing of equivalent diameter and after spooling on one layer tie to your braid mainline with a uni-uni knot. You do this because braid will slip on the spool, robbing you of hook setting power. Then wind on the braid nearly to the lip of the spool. Remember to pack it tightly. I just pinch the line between gloved fingers behind the first guide and reel it on. I've heard that soaking it in water when you spool it helps, too, but I've never felt the need to do that. Make sure it stays packed on the reel like that throughout the day, especially before you start bombing cranks or something and you'll save a few backlashes. That's true of any line. Lastly, if you are having trouble with backlashes despite keep your line, spool tension, and brakes in order, you can put that practice plug back on, cast as far as you can or need to, and then stick some electrical tape around the remainder on the spool's line so backlashes can't go any deeper than that point.

start with regular power pro.

Dude, heck yeah if that's what they're biting.

I know the LTX is finesse oriented and the winch is for deep cranks. I just looked at TW and I think the revo alt may be what you're looking for, but personally I don't think it's worth the money. Just my $.02 on your $259.99.

oh and go heavy. Like 50 # test. And pack it on tight so that you can't dig a thumbnail down into it.

it is a good idea to use mono because it's cheap and you will get backlashes. However, those backlashes are easier to get out of braid and without causing damage to your line. When you're practicing, don't go below 1/2 oz and cast something aerodynamic, like a bass casting weight. Keep your brakes turned up and don't take your thumb off the spool. Don't try bombing it, just make easy casts. Remember too much braking is better than too little. If you start out that way, your backlashes will be fairly shallow and you can probably just pull them out with ease.

Man, for the money you can do better. That rod is just a name. Not saying it's by any means low quality, but it definitely won't wow you. You can get a Tatula 7'2" H/F or 7'6" H/F for $120-130 and they have better guides (Fuji alconite), reel seats and handles, and arguably a better blank. (the e6x has that multiple taper, but the tatula is SVF X45 bias construction. Very light, powerful, and sensitive.) if you place stock in tackle tour reviews, read the one for the 721HFB before making your decision.

Composite rods are lighter and more sensitive. Nit so much a compromise between the two as the best of both worlds. Just don't go too cheap. (no ugly stiks!) Yes, you should always experiment with different retrieve speeds and cadences. Change it up. Reel slow, speed it up, pause, jerk it, pause, reel slow, then fast etc... You'll know if you're burning it too fast because your bait won't feel right because it's probably been destabilized and is just spiraling back to you. Some baits are better than others with fast retrieves. I like yo-zuri and storm arashis the best. Also, I don't know if anyone has mentioned to run your bait into everything you can. Rocks, branches, the bottom, whatever. That's what really gets reaction strikes. Sudden stops and deflections. Sounded like you were hooking up, but just not staying buttoned, so I didn't go into any of that.