oh ok

so a calcutta 400B spool was swapped into a TE...how did that happen? It was my misinformation from an article I read. Completely my fault

Thanks Travis. This reel was an entire different set of challenges and definitely one of the most fun/frustrating/rewarding reels I've messed with. I was asked to elaborate on what went on. So Travis was complaining of the reel sticking when pushing the thumb bar down. I think ok no biggie just probably a reel that needs cleaning and grease, worst case maybe something is slightly bent. Break it down clean it, check it out and think man this thing was rode hard in the salt and put away wet literally. Grease it and reassemble. Better but still the thumb bar has this issue sticking issue. It was like it needed an extra push to disengage. Maybe this is how it has to be? So I'm laying in bed like 1am thinking about this reel (sick right) and all of a sudden it hits me... The corrosion pitting! Tear the reel apart and watch and feel and if you look at the very last picture I'm pointing to the problem with a screwdriver. The kick back mechanism hits perfectly in that pit, holds it for a split second and then allows it to travel down to where it needs to be. I mean it could not have happen in a worst spot. So going up from that pic you can see progress of me by hand flat barring it out. It's such a small area to work in I couldn't get many tools in there. Actually took quite a few days to get it down to where it was a smooth action. If you look at the other pics you can see more corrosion around the drive shaft support bearing. Corrosion around the level wind support. The reel was hurt. Not to mention the handle and a few other random parts were stolen and replaced. Like the handle. Travis was saying something never seemed right about the reel. Quick bearing and bushing replacement and now this reel is screaming. I did manage a wicked nice backlash one of my first casts with it because it caught me off guard how fast it was spinning. I mentioned to him if he's not happy with it I will buy it lol. If something like this was sent to Shimano they'd tell you it needs a new frame. That was what we were trying to avoid and successfully did. Thanks for the awesome write up Travis, not just for this one but all you do. They are as in depth as anyone could ever hope and should be a model for anyone thinking of writing their own!

I call dibs on the bill-less slow sink Arm! Badass baits right there!!

Then you're in luck! Tundras are built in Texas, doesn't get much more American than that.

I guess nobody remembers the Real Deal that actually sold for over $1,000 like 6 years ago?

Lol getting bored catching on the weedless 68? To easy for you now? Needed a change of pace? Your crazy!!! Hahahahaha

To me adding a split ring is like adding an extra joint. It does give it more head shake, but I feel I can't do direction changes as easily. Try fishing with a snap and see if you like it or not before putting a ring of if you're that unsure. Can't hurt to try it's not permanent mod or anything.

Not all ceramic bearings are created equal... Remember than when you didn't buy quality to save a couple bucks.

Whaaaaaaaaat?!!! Bad ass!

I hope your right. I can't finds store with any of the large tails in stock. Last Chance has black, white, light and dark trout in LARGE in stock.

Easiest thing if you don't have fancy tools, although they do make life so much easier and luckily I have access to everything suggested from working in a body shop, I'm sure you have access to a regular old circular saw. Grab a metal cutting blade and go to town. I have done it in extreme pinches and cuts straight lines very simple. Blade was like $20. For rounded cuts, generic jig saw with metal blades. If you go jig saw route buy multiple blades. They break and grinds production to a halt.

Trap Bass Baits mouse and rat. Both excellent baits and priced even better, lots of options too. The mouse I have I got right before winter and I choose diver with rattle. Can't wait for spring to really start throwing it.

Got daym!! Absolutely smashing the fish!

How long until you get it? Congrats, that's a pretty exclusive club you've joined!

It sounds like you made your mind up already I mean "Honestly, they seem way overpriced and potentially overrated" right? It's not a magic bait. But you will have a quality tool to work with. What kind of boat do you have? Why didn't you just buy a fleet of Jon Boats... Same logic.

Got daym!

Back to back catches is always a good feeling. Gotta get that turkey next time. Go for the triple up!!

Did the hook break? Or did the rope break? It's hard to tell with the shrink wrap still on. First I have ever heard. Buy a new harness and move on. Unfortunately ish happens.