FishTank

I like 12lb or 15lb Yo Zuri Hybrid.

I am beginning to wonder if they are not selling that well or if the they just made too many. In any case, it is hard to find another reel to compare it to at that price.

For topwater I like plain old Trilene XL 10 lb but I have been using Senshi from Seagur lately and it has been awesome.

Having used both, they feel similar in the water and cast about the same. Red Label disappears better and last longer but also has more stretch than Hybrid. Truthfully, I like both lines. Red Label might just be slightly better based on how long it lasts.

If you have a gift card for BPS and want a decent rod and reel this combo is not to bad.... http://www.basspro.com/PENN-Battle-II-Inshore-Rod-and-Reel-Spinning-Combo/product/14062009562415/

The shimano stradic 2500 would be my choice. I know it is a few bucks over your limit but it is a great reel. Within your budget though is the Pflueger Supreme. Great reel as well but not quite as smooth and it is a little less refined. It is probably the best bang for the buck I have found.

Tried a few classes for work. I will never do it again. It was a nightmare. My instructor did not speak English. He did not have a degree and did not grade our work we sent in. He just checked it off. I got so fed up I took a test and made sure I answered all the questions wrong. I still passed the test. My advice, go to school and learn with your own effort.

I don't get it, the fish are always biting here.

Neither, I like meat.

As a Colts fan, they owe the scheduling gods a favor or two. It looks like a cake walk.

That is an awesome color. I have never seen it before. Where did you find it? Have you ever tried rigging it backwards?

I haven't put it together yet but here is stock pic of it..... Can't wait. Trolling motor will be in next week. Bait monkey strikes again

GYCB Fat Ika in any dark color.

I would say it is the rod. Which St.Croix cranking rod do you have?

Yap. I bought one of the cleaning kits last year and love this stuff so far. I do still use the Shimano oil I got years ago with a few of my reels and the bearing oil I go with my Daiwa Zillion.

Which FC are you using? I have some setups with FC that have not been changed in a year. The mono I use usually last about two months.

It could be how the line was put on the spool. Does it look anything like this?

I have braid on one setup out of nine. I only use it when I am punching heavy stuff. I have never been a big fan.

Anytime I buy a new reel, it generally has too much oil and grease. I clean it and re-lube it. I find they are much smoother and cast further.

6'8" M X-Fast St. Croix Avid is my rod of choice for topwater baits. As everyone else mentioned, mono.

I have been using it on one of my set ups since last year and it is still good. The line is a little stiff but with some line conditioner it works great. I have had no breaking issues or casting problems. My only complaint would be, that is has too much stretch.

I can't speak much for the Rage but I have a couple Avids and love them. I like the classic feel and look of the Avid. They are great all around rods.

It may be a few years old but TT has a great article about Fluorocarbon. http://www.tackletour.com/reviewfluorocarbon2.html

I use to be into powerlifting many years ago. My personal best where set in the 198 lb class. Once I broke 1500 lb, I started to back off and got back into fishing. I need to get back to the gym though. Dead Lift 545 lb Squat 545lb > This seemed easy when I did it but I payed for it the next day. Almost couldn't walk. My body just couldn't take the stress of the weight. Bench 415lb I worked my way up to this by using several different techniques but my favorite was the 5% method. It just seemed to work for me. If you want to learn about several strength techniques pick up the book called the Encyclopedia of Muscle and Strength.

Ben Carson. I met him. Can't explain the details (forum policy stuff) but I will pass.