David P

I don't use filler line, braid lasts a longgggg time. I still have several reels with the same braid from last summer. Remember though, braid is not the end all be all. It's not the "perfect" answer to every line situation out there. Yes, it has many uses, and it's great for those uses, but it's not necessary or even good to use for all techniques and baits. Remember braid floats, that's a positive for certain techniques, but not all. Braid doesn't stretch, again that's a huge plus sometimes, and other times not so much.

Of course it will work. The only thing I would suggest, is do it with 60 or 65lb braid to keep the line diameters closer.. 50lb braid is usually comparable to 12lb diameter, and you're tying to 20lb fluorocarbon.. I like to keep the diameter a bit closer. Again, this is not a MUST, but whenever flipping I prefer the stronger 60/65lb braid anyhow.

13lbs3oz - On a jig I tied myself always fun!

This says it all. Very good explanation as to why. Stop pouring jigs with EWG hooks! Straight shank hooks are the best... Ewg hooks help keep plastics in place when texas rigging a bait, but even then I still dont' use them because of hook up and landing issues. I avoid them when possible, aside from a few specific scenarios.

Revo STX from Ebay. Retail is $200 but can frequently get them for about $130 on ebay. Smooth, high speed reel, with a great drag.

Spinning isn't JUST for finesse, but it's an general rule of thumb. It's hard to put heavier line on a spinning reel without line twist.. When times call for 15lb fluorocarbon, or even 12lb fluorocarbon... How will you manage? Braid works, but it isn't ideal for all applications by any means. Flipping, Punching, Frogging, Cranking, there's many techniques where 12lb+ line or 50-65lb braid is ideal and none of that is ideal for a spinning reel. Stick with it, you'll get more comfortable and you'll wonder how you ever preferred spinning setups in the first place!

Floroclear is P-Line's worst line, one of the worst lines I've ever fished.. It's limp and manageability is GREAT, but strength wise, it's terrible... It breaks, a LOT. Try a real flourocarbon. P-Line Fluorocarbon, Sunline Sniper FC, P-Line Halo, Trilene 100%. There's tons out there. Floroclear is very weak. Try their flourocarbon instead.

I'd vote for the 702 Champion as well.. I use a 702dx but the Champion is extremely nice as well given your price cap. Can't go wrong!

This is by means meant to discourage you or crush any dreams of yours, but rather to work harder, get a few tournament results, and establish yourself more before you begin to search for sponsors. You don't want to acquire just any sponsor because they're willing to give you free or cheap stuff, you want to be picky and selective for companies that you already use their stuff... For companies you truly believe in. So many kids are just out there to get a sponsor to say they have one. You don't want to stock pile "crappy" deals and then down the road have to leave them for companies that are better. That won't give you a good name. Any kid can promote products online, at the dock, in a fishing shop... Anyone can talk about a product, but that doesn't mean... 1) People take your advice and suggestions. OR 2) That you're good enough to put what you know to the test and win tournaments. Results are important! Fish tournaments, do well and be able to show off your body of work, and then go about the sponsor aspect. BE PICKY, you're young. Best of luck, and I hope you don't take this negatively... It's meant more to be motivation and steer you toward tournament fishing.

There's almost no "wrong" way to fish a jig, it just depends on the lake, cover, what bait the fish are keying in on, and things of that nature. You can swim them, hop them, drag them, twitch them, shake them, or any combination of these... Have you seen crawdads in this body of water you're fishing? Try to match the color (if you have). Could always try a few different colors. What's the water clarity like? Are you fishing weedy areas, rocks, or brush? I learned to fish a jig by literally just slowly dragging, then pausing, then shaking just a bit, then dragging again. SLOW. Just to get the feel of what the bait was doing. Try to slow yours down a bit. There's definitely a lot of variables that go into jig fishing, I'm sure others will shed their opinions and what has worked best for them as well. Best of luck! Winter time is a great time to slow down and really learn to fish a jig!

Got back out again Monday and got a couple more. Nothing like 4lb fluorocarbon for some added fun.

Try 4 and 6lb FC Sniper... No spray, no nothing. No memory, limp as hell, and surprisingly strong. I had 5 fish over 6lbs on the 4lb test last month. The stuff is awesome. Braid when fishing baits like a senko on slack-ish line, the braid creates a bow in the water... The braid and fluoro are doing two different things in the water.. (This is for baits that have a slow fall and you don't have direct contact with, not things like a drop shot where I too use braid many times).

I did it with my older Revo Premiers, it's not hard, just have to contact Bass Pro Shops and see if you can get the high speed gear...

The better question is what wouldn't you throw? It's one of the most versatile rod in the line up, and many people I know have 3-4 of them. Spinnerbaits, Buzzbaits, Spooks, Jigs, Swimjigs, Chatterbaits, Texas Rigs, Senkos, Light duty pitching plastics, Smaller swimbaits, Scroungers, the list goes on...

If you are looking for some excellent spinning reel fluorocarbon... Sniper FC in 6lb is absolutely amazing. It's very strong (dont' let the 8lb fool you), and it's very limp compared to any other fluorocarbon I've put on a spinning reel.

1/0 hook on a 6" worm seems rather small. Try a 3/0 Gamakatsu hook rigged the same way you had it done. Set the hook harder... You're using a very light rod, no harm in setting the hook good. Or try a different bait.. Maybe drop shot with that rod, that way you have an exposed hook...

I just got a free spool and spooled it up yesterday. I'll be taking it out Friday to see how it goes. It was 12lb though and I have it on a cranking setup. So in terms of spinning reels, wont' be much help. It honestly doesn't feel any more limp that most 12lb Fluorocarbon lines. Feels pretty on par with most fluorocarbons and nothing special. Just what I've seen so far. Sorry not much help.

Delta if you want Largemouth and those awesome silver fish. NorCal is covered in lakes and a great majority have bass, so really depends where you live.

Couldn't agree more. Are you sure there wasn't a misunderstanding with what he was saying? Or is there more to what he was saying? I've caught close to 20 fish this year between 6-7.5lbs all on top water, and the clearer the water by far the better the bite has been. The clearer the water, the better I do with a jerkbait as well... KVD throws spinnerbaits in clear water for reaction strikes.... I will say... Wind does help a spinnerbait or jerkbait bite... But it's still not a MUST to be successful.

TW has a few sales throughout the year where they give 10-15% off. Could also check the Flea Market here or other sites for a used one.