Casting setup in rough shape. Upgrade, or new setup?

[Shimmer]

Long story short, I thought I'd lost all of my gear in a tornado about five years ago. Despite my new place having two ponds less than 100 yards from my backdoor, replacing everything felt like a chore. Two weeks ago my old fishing buddies garage collapsed and lo and behold, he found my "good" casting setup and some various tackle. I assumed these ponds were duds as I rarely see anyone out there, but I caught several nice fish between *** lbs over a few short sessions.

 

However, my Shimano Citica 6:3:1 and 6'6 MH Berkley Lightning Shock on 20 LB Fireline was casting about 10-12 yards at most. The reel was grinding like sand or grit was in there, and one of the guides was smashed forward. Cleaned the reel, went from 4 break pins engaged down to 2, and spooled on some old 8 LB Vicious fluoro that was in the tackle bag. The reel sounded a little better, and cast about 15-16 yards, which still doesn't seem right. Typically I don't care about distance, but from the few accessible spots on these banks, it's a very small area to fish. Pond #1 has thick heavy under water vegetation and slop while pond #2 is mostly clear with dense lily pads extending several feet out all the way down one side of the bank.The top water hit always seems to be on, but this setup isn't ideal for the job.

 

I know I need a better solution to be more successful at these ponds, I'm just not sure if that solution is a higher quality pitching/frogging rod along heavy braid to pair with the Citica, upgrading to Boca Bearings to address the casting issues, or look into a new setup all together. I held several of the rods and reels that are frequently recommended around here that are within my price range, so I've got a few ideas. For reference, I would be trying to stay under $130 for a rod by itself, or around 200-250 for a rod and reel. Although, my lovely and oh so gracious fiance did give me the green light to get what I really wanted, so there is some wiggle room on budget if I need to go that route. Any advice or input would be very much appreciated.

 

 

[TylerT123]

I don’t think Boca Bearings would help nor a new rod. A really good cleaning might help the Citica, how well did you clean it? Did you soak the bearings, degrease the gears, regrease the gears and oil the bearings, the whole works?

[kenmitch]

1 hour ago, TylerT123 said:

I don’t think Boca Bearings would help nor a new rod. A really good cleaning might help the Citica, how well did you clean it? Did you soak the bearings, degrease the gears, regrease the gears and oil the bearings, the whole works?

I was also wondering how well he cleaned it. I was also wondering what he meant by the grinding statement. Grinding on the cast? Spool bearings bad or dry/dirty. Grinding when reeling? Gears dirty/dry or bearings bad or dirty/dry.

 

I just stripped my Revo MGX SHS down to the frame this AM and cleaned and greased it up. Was a little intimidated to tear it down as it's my 1st time doing such a thing and the reel wasn't exactly cheap. 

 

Maybe spool tension is adjusted too tight? I'm a thumber so I tend to loosen mine.

[thinkingredneck]

Send it off and have it serviced.

[TylerT123]

2 hours ago, kenmitch said:

I was also wondering how well he cleaned it. I was also wondering what he meant by the grinding statement. Grinding on the cast? Spool bearings bad or dry/dirty. Grinding when reeling? Gears dirty/dry or bearings bad or dirty/dry.

 

Maybe spool tension is adjusted too tight? I'm a thumber so I tend to loosen mine.

I don’t think it’d be spool tension, if he knows how to use a baitcaster.

[new2BC4bass]

3 hours ago, thinkingredneck said:

Send it off and have it serviced.

X2  Someone like Mike (DVT) can not only clean the reel, but discover if any parts need replacing.  That reel should easily cast 2-3 times further than that with a lure heavy enough to load the rod properly.

 

BTW.... to the forum.