HoosierHawgs

Do you not like the Booyah Pad Crasher?

Ditto

I just don't know if I would use 20#. If that's what you got, go for it. Don't spend extra money on a new spool you don't need and let a good spool go to waste. I would not hesitate to use 20# as a flipping line though. Very good abrasion resistance.

They seem to be somewhat stiff for my liking. I don't think you'd have a problem w/swimbaits though.. It might make a good flipping/punching stick. The heavy power Veritas is probably a winch

What line are you usually using instead of FC? What do you plan to use it for? What is the # test you usually use of your regular line?

It is true that stretch is similar, but Fluoro is a controlled stretch, and locks down a lot quicker than a nylon based line.

I actually would find 6.8 may be slightly more versatile than a 6.4.. Basically its only a 1/2 turn more of the spool so its not that much. Anything 6.'X' will be fine.

Seems like it would be a good bait. You could probably wacky rig or texpose it. It would probably be good nose hooked to. Why not?

I'm really enjoying this conversation. Shows that there is a need for the whole spectrum of speeds from slow to hyper speed.

Working and smooth as day one are two different statements. I've had Shimano reels, and ice had the anti reverse go out, and not be able to get the parts. The only reel I know that has lasted that long is my dad's ProCaster. And I garuntee I'm still using my Lew's 10 years from now.

I see... I saw this also w/another BPS combo. I bought a ProLite reel, it was nice, then saw the combo online. Reel had totally different specs. 3 less bearings even.

We've owned a few Lew's for 3 years. Service them ourselves, use them every trip, still as smooth as day one.

Not a fan of white blanks myself.

I'm not so sure on the spinning, but they have really great models at a great price if you want one. For braid, a Superduty is more expensive (179) but is great for heavy duty and will last you for years to come. For everything else the base model speed spool (99) should handle it fine.

Jacksonville is a decent area for a guy to fish. Find somebody who can take you out on Rodman, or the St. Johns. I'm sure you'll find someone.

If you want to do this, do what I did: Go Lew's and never look back. Workhorse reels that will last forever. They have all the goodies and are @ a great price point.

Promotional value is what counts. While winning helps, you can win and not be a good marketer. Seeing 50 to 100 anglers at tourneys is not a lot, especially when FLW guys see millions of people in a single tourney series, and boat wraps those guys have are just giant traveling billboards. Also, your not gonna get money up front. That's just the fact of life. They're are a few levels of sponsorship, ones that involve discounts, others involve free product, and others involve money and free product. That's the name of the game. Also, almost anybody can promote product on social media for FREE. I do it myself when I publish a good review, post a pic of a new combo, ir post a pic of me w/a big fish while I'm wearing a Lew's hoodie. Best of luck my friend. Jakob

People give lots of props to Ardent for being built like tanks, but they are definitely not the smoothest right out of the box.

I don't know anything about tungsten. Is it or is it not environment friendly?

6'6" Medium Heavy Lightning Rod.. Lew's Tournament MB 7.5:1 lined w/12# Fluorocarbon

It is quite interesting. It opens your eyes to the difficulties of something like tournament fishing. No other sport has that 'pay to play' thing for pros as hard as fishing does. Sponsors help with that, and as you can see, it can put you in a tough spot. Thanks for posting it.

It's not like you wont here it on the dock at tournament. Tournament fishing has evolved, a lot less humble then it used to be. When people don't get w/the program they get left behind.

The less stretch the more vibration will be transmitted through the line to your rod/reel and finger.

At that price go CL. If you want a heavier duty reel go for the JM Signature.

This is true. But a puzzle image is clearer w/all the pieces. How much is this last piece worth?