Good Year 71

I’m with most here. I keep 3 in my craft, plus legally required throw flotation devices. Though in truth, I would rather dodge rush hour traffic, barefoot and naked, than enter a tournament. This must know fact clarified, safety first, liability second. You not only should mandate it, you should have provisions available. Rent the dam thing if you want. The exception being if rules clearly state they must bring their own, or use one a boater provides. Otherwise, if they don’t bring one, and they are not lent one, they don’t fish. The end. You’ll have some upset at you. But they’ll learn their lesson quick. And odds are you’ll probably save someone’s life someday. I am among the few who have pulled a near victim out the water. Sheer chance. And sheer stupidity. Do not take the risk.

Lubrication obvious, slowly cinch to avoid heat accumulation not so much, but both are important. The main trick is to not cross the line tying a Palomar. You want it side by side throughout the knot. Most don’t bother to confirm this, but as you experienced it does matter. Mono, copoly, braid no big deal, but fluorocarbon can crack. You won’t be able to see it, the knot will look good, but it isn’t.

Respectfully, get off ebay and buy from a reputable storefront instead. Problem solved.

You get numb. Personally, I have no regret to snag break, but casting off? When you get to watch that all world distance and marvel at that wonderful arch and splashdown? That hurts…

Interesting… can’t say I’ve had trouble myself. But I let them air dry a couple weeks or more largely due to odor you describe. I used the stuff frequently several years back, custom pours I didn’t want to give up on, some having been repaired half dozen times or more

Interesting topic. For me it pretty much depends on how flush I am when the bait monkey bites. I’ve overpaid, with intent or accident, underpaid, happy to buy direct. But I agree with ‘swim tested’ baits bothering me as I’ve definitely been delivered a few duds from this house. Not cool guys. Reels are hard to tell though, I’ve bought new that needed work it happens. But sticks? If I don’t know you, I do not want your stick. True story, I sold a good man a very very nice import I acquired new for a trip I ended up not taking. Travel assembly, obviously, sold it to a buddy for 40 cents on the dollar after sitting on it a few years. I was deflated, but happy for him. First use, first cast, it shattered. You never know.

Certainly not, and I don’t know. But learning does not have a price tag. A man does not need a collection of $100 shoes learning to pick up women either. But if those shoes help bag the ultimate prize, then so be it...

I respect where you’re going with this, and I mean no offense here, but collecting happens naturally when learning how fish behave and react to different baits under different conditions. Without the bait it's guesswork, can't have one without the other.

My guess is pay to play, probably after a so many months long intro period. It probably won't start that way, but it probably will end that way. And I can't imagine what it'll cost to repair or possibly even service one of these. I suspect it'll be all inclusive, map updates, annual service, repair discounts, included in one low monthly payment. Shipping at user expense. I'm no stranger to top end, this would not be my most expensive, but I'm not touching this. I wish anyone who dares best of luck.

You guys actually look at the projected cost of these? You're looking at a grand out of pocket at current exchange rate which is highly favorable. For now. Downloading an app? Charging a battery? Using a phone to make brake adjustments? No way these sell well.

If I may, I usually have little issue throwing UNDER listed weight rating. The issue, and danger, is throwing OVER rating assuming you care your stick doesn’t break. But under, if you’re comfortable go for it. Casting is more tricky as mentioned, distance is compromised, no way around it, the tip simply isn’t built for it, and possible backlash you mention is a concern when trying to overcompensate release to make up distance. But if you accept what you’re using, fish it for what it provides, assuming max distance isn’t a worry, it can be done. I do it quite often actually. However, line selection becomes critical. Some baits don’t perform ideal with line too heavy. As such, if you downsize (as I do) remember you’re throwing line under rated as well. You swing hard, that powerful blank can stretch irregular and/or pop knots in lower test rating. If you ignore this, you will suffer consequence. But if you remain cognizant of this line factor, accept casting limitations, you'll be fine. As for playing fish, also mentioned, an overpowered stick will put you at a slight disadvantage. But only assuming you downsize line. If not, no worry. If so, you’ll have to compromise. Simple matter, run your drag slightly lighter, rely on it a little more, keep your rod tip pointed a little more toward the fight. Not a big deal, it’ll feel weird at first, but you adapt. Side note; there is an unspoken advantage fishing overrated since our stick is usually longer where extra controllable length affords greater bait manipulation. While I see zero purpose fishing overrated attempting distance, I do find extra length useful in certain situations. I do it on purpose. It’s a give and take. Apologies on length, complex topic, just trying to help. Good luck

Good thing you didn't get HH Air. They are not designed for chucking weight. ZR can manage it, not the Air. But whatever, ZPI is legit. As for ceramics, be smart and put a half drop of oil on each. Your first cast will expel what the races can't hold so it won't matter. And, yes, Boca is comparative junk. Don't hate the messenger.

If I may, the simple fact you asked suggests you could use a new combo. I'm of the mod/fast mindset for preference (not fast/mod and yes there is a difference) and never been comfortable with any true full moderate action stick. Some are, not me, just my preference. That written, you can't pay me to fish big anything with a true fast action stick either. Anyway, if you need that nudge, I suggest treat yourself and grab another combo. You know you want to...