FishTank

@Bandersnatch Just checking, part 59 is the reel handle side plate? There is this place. It always shows up in my searches for parts but I know nothing about them. I can't say that they are even legit. https://www.eastackle.com/c-4735-daiwa-alphas-sv-tw-bait-casting-reels-schematics-and-parts.aspx?srsltid=AfmBOoq0rhKjJzp-lV0yua7j52h-dwDeiXgAq7L14zYCqB46yByB04gp

@GardenStateFishin I will say one thing sort of bothers me about the Madbull and the Super Destroyer, the carbon fiber handle. Its comfortable but slick. Once I got use to it on the Super Destroyer, it wasn't bad, just different.

Absolutely. I have the Daemos and it's good for 3/8oz jigs, swimjigs, spinnerbaits, softplastic and maybe some topwater but it was just ok for crankbaits. I also don't care for the 844c for square bills. Too stiff to keep fish pinned in my opinion but great for jigs and softplastic. My favorite crankbait rod from Megabass is the Kasumi Six Eleven but it's more of a BFS rod. Second would be the Z Crank Elseil. I use it for both jerkbaits and 3/8oz crankbaits. Anything deep or heavy goes on a Loomis IMX Pro Deep Flex. I have to confess that I haven't fully fished the Madbull other than just tossing a buddy's around but it would seem to be the kind of rod you are missing. Crankbaits for me have been crazy good the past few years.

Megabass P5 Madbull with a Daiwa Steez A II. Looks like you need a good crankbait rod.

Unless they are doing something magical with the Stella, I would look at the Twin Power. I've got two now and they are a pleasure to fish at about half the cost of the Stella.

Try a heavier sinking braid like Sunline Almight or YGK Ohdragon 4X (PE 1.2 or 1.5) with about a 12lb leader. These lines have a higher specific gravity and are also denser than most other lines which helps in the wind. Also, a quality, leader specific line also a must.

I use to use Blue Label. It's not bad but I like Gold Label better. Blue Label was a little stiffer and didn't seem to last as long. My favorite though from Seaguar is Grand Max and Grand Max FX. Grand Max checks all the boxes for me. I use it on spinning gear. FX is sort of the same but it has a little more stretch. I like it for casting gear, especially jigs. Knot strength on both is great. Another to try is Daiwa Saltiga Xlink. Great leader even though it's meant for saltwater.

Based on the rods the OP has I'm going to say the Windbuster. You can use it for just about anything. It would round out the rods he already has. He can use it for hard baits, topwater, and for soft plastic like a free rig.

It's not really finesse or light to me. The totally weight is around 1/2oz. It's sinks like a rock. Also, this was my basic go to for many years but I have traded it off for either a wacky rigged senko on a weighted jig head or a free rig.

I have the same Yak Attack net. I have a Hobie PA14. I put it under a bungie cord on the front storage compartment. It's out of the way and easy to get to.

G. Loomis GLX 803C, NRX+ 904C, and NRX+ 853C. Megabass P5 Super Destroyer for the 3/4oz and 1oz size. I fish it like a jig so pretty much any rod that can handle that.

5in Senko Black with Blue Flake, 1/8oz tungsten bullet weight, and a 4/0 Ryugi Infini hook

Are you sure? I here the action on a light saber is awesome. 😄

I have the shoe stuff as well. If you have suede boots, make sure get the stuff made for suede and the shoe cleaner. This stuff also really stinks. I always spay it outside in an old box.

I've become a big fan of Costas but I would never buy them at regular retail price. The last two pair I got came from Macy's for next to nothing. My wife shops there and I usually buy her jewelry for Christmas or our Anniversary. We save up the bonus points and I use them on sunglasses. Also if you keep your eyes open, once a year, for only one day, Costas can be found on a BOGO sale. It's usually around one of the summer holidays.

@DaubsNU1 Good deal. I've been using Nikwax forever. 25 years. I think you got your money's worth out it. If the seams are shot, it's definitely time for new gear. I had the same issue with the stuff I got from Stomr. It only lasted two years. I've tried sets from Columbia, REI, and Huk. None of them fared well. A lot guys I know like the upper end BPS set. I hope to get several years out of the stuff from Simms.

That's what I was thinking. I was surprised at the feel of it. Extremely light but powerful. Like a frog rod or a jig rod. Its sort of unique. I also considered the 7'1'' MH X-fast and the 7'4'' H. I can't imagine a faster rod or a more powerful one for that matter in this series. I am excited to see how it fishes.

Another suggestion before you drop a lot of money on a new set. This stuff works. It takes hours to use both and you will probably need both but it's worth a shot. I have used it all kinds stuff that has lost its DWR and waterproofing. Most of the time it brings it back to new.

There seems to be too much of this lately. Instead of someone enforcing the rules and laws on fraud, they just let it go as long as someone clicks on it and falls for it.

After years of trying different rain gear, I finally gave in and bought a pair of CX bibs and a CX jacket from Simms. I found them at a decent price and have not been disappointed yet. I also have a hard shell from Arcteryx and a pair of rain pance from them. I only were these when I am going for really cold weather and I am putting on lots of layers. On my kayak, I were a pair of NRS Sidewinder bibs. They have feet and are seemed sealed. It's like wearing half a dry suit.

I really like the Gomexus handles I have. You can't beat them for the price. The ones I have ordered for my Daiwa spinning reels really help to balance them out.

Something white or something shiny. Presentation and retrieve are probably more important than the color.

Not yet. The lakes are still frozen here. I did toss a 3/8oz jig around my front yard. I was able to pitch it pretty easily for about 40 feet or so. If I had a 1/2oz jig on, I could gotten further. It balances well and loads easily. I too noticed how stiff it was when it first arrived but once I got a lure on it, it felt softer at the tip. That's all I got on it until the ice melts.

I thought this was cool. Might be a good reel but definitely a good idea.

In Indiana we will hit 65 degrees today but it won't be enough to thaw the ponds and lakes near me. If they were, I think the fish will be pretty lethargic but I would get to practice some casting. For drop shot in clear water, I like a small 3in minnow, nosed hooked, and fished slowly,. But in cold water, 🥶 good luck.