BassGirl71

I use the Palomar for tying every lure on, whether it's braid, mono or copolymer. For mono leader I use a double-uni, which I think is the same thing people call an Alberto knot. I find it easier to just use one knot for almost everything.

You may also want to check out KastKing. I have a few of their reels, everything from a 5.3:1 to a 9.3:1, and they all perform really well. I would recommend the Royale Legend, which is a 6.3:1 reel with 11+1 bearings. That is a good all around reel and good for a bunch of different techniques. If you are only getting one bait caster, I would recommend something in that gear ratio range.

I have never used a mono of that strength. I rarely use anything over 14, to be honest. As far as a bait caster, though, I use a lot of KastKing products - they are not very expensive, but they are good reels. Maybe start with a Royale Legend, which is less than $40. As for the line, I use a lot of braid, and I think that makes learning easier because it doesn't have the line memory that mono does. Most of the braid I use is 50 lb or 65 lb. I agree with others the mono you have will give you a lot of problems. Of course, braid will not break if you get it hung somewhere while fishing, so some people use mono or a mono leader at least. That way they don't wind up losing a bunch of line that they have to cut off or something. Good luck with the learning process. Using a bait caster can be a little tough at first, but stick with it and you'll get used to it.

Go with more tackle.

I would have to agree the rod has a lot to do with it. For the most part, that is where I would concentrate. But, at the same time, if you're looking for a beast of a reel with a deep spool that helps that "cast a mile" goal, the KastKing Spartacus Maximus comes in under $100.... leaves you some cash for a better rod! Just a thought.

I agree with what others have said. Definitely join a club! They are great places to learn and, honestly, as a nonboater, you don't always have a lot of room for tackle and multiple rods anyway. Just be prepared to retie often when you want to change baits. Keep your eyes and ears open and learn everything you can. The best part, I found, about being a nonboater was the opportunity to learn from so many different people who all had different styles. It's the best way to start out, I think.

I've been using RockyBrook Sinkers for a few years now. I use the drop shot weights and the swivel weights for my jika rigs and some Texas rigs where I don't want the weight pegged. I also use the bullet weights for my C-rigs. They have a completely different sound, obviously, and I catch a lot of fish with them.

Personally, I'd use the gift cards, etc. for tackle and get a KastKing Kodiak spinning reel for $80. But that's just me.

I just picked up a Spartacus this year, too. Great reel. I've used and abused it several times already and it seems to hold up really well. It casts smooth and the drag is strong.

I agree with using a high speed reel for cranking - it is really difficult to slow down that much (for me anyway). I have a 9.3:1 Speed Demon and I use it only for pitching and flipping. I prefer a 5.3:1 or something slower like that for crank baits. I know a lot of guys think they slow down enough to fish cranks with a high speed reel, but as soon as they catch a fish or two, I can see them start to speed up. I have a hard time thinking any crank bait will run true right out of the box with a gear ratio that high. JMO.

I used to use all lead, and there are times I do notice a difference with tungsten. But I now throw almost only limestone drop shot sinkers. They are really sensitive and no "toxic lead" issues when I lose them. Plus they are way less expensive than tungsten.

Definitely sounds like a repetitive motion injury, likely to soft tissue - as many have said here a tendonitis of some sort. And, it could be arthritis-related as well. I know the times I have had tendonitis it has been coupled with arthritis issues - and one makes the other worse. See a doc and ask them about some sort of PT or OT. Should help you out a good deal.

I use a Palomar knot for everything. You just have to make sure your knot is tied properly or it can come undone with braid. For tying one line to another an double uni knot is what I use. It's fairly easy to tie, and I haven't had issues with it coming apart or anything, so I keep using it. Whether or not that's the "best" knot, I don't know - but it works for me.

I agree a lot of it is personal preference. I think we overthink it sometimes. Afte rall, fish do have a brain the size of a pea, right? lol

I agree with the others that it sounds like your knot is the problem. Braid and rock do not always mix well, but it sounds like you are having different problems. Also, I never go lighter than 15-lb., but that's just personal preference. I would start by checking your knot to be sure that isn't where the issue is starting.