JR Basser

Donated for a good cause, hope it goes to a good home!

Sharpie is ok for a quick temporary fix on a leader's length, but it'll fade off pretty quickly. Best thing I've used is dye, spike it makes some good stuff, but I'm pretty sure any old dye from Walmart will do the same thing. Or just get Sunline and not have to worry about it for at least a whole season,, best color retention I've found on a braid so far

Drill holes and add weight. Basically how a bait maker does them from the get go. I've done numerous that be turned out great. My advice, figure out how much weight before you drill, can tape or rubber band small segments on belly, adjust where needed amount/location, then depending on length and thickness of weight, decide depth and diameter of the hole. Epoxy in, bondo or epoxy flush, then paint over to match. Personally, my baits are tools to me, not shelf decor,, so if they're not showpieces when I'm done, or lose that fan boy originality, I'm not worried about it. But they usually end up looking and functioning great,, good luck

I couldn't see going bigger than a sz 3, any bigger may mess with the action. That's where I'd start at least

I throw baits in the 4.5 oz range no prob wit my 301s, and have thrown a 250 just fine but prefer a higher GR. For larger heavier baits I'd recommend a 400 sz, but again I prefer low pro reels for those. I speak from my own experience, catch plenty of fish with the setups I'm running, if it defies what the plump guy on the vid says to do, oh well. I fish from a boat and make relatively short casts for the fish I target, reels are not a one sz fits all tool. So for Mr. Capecodlunkerhunter, to answer your question, neither is "better", you'll likely end up getting both sizes if you're a junkie like the rest of us

Just purchased a rod from Sloegoe, stand up guy, , very responsive and fast smooth shipping! Rod arrived safe, and in better condition than described! I'd absolutely do more business with him

I have a couple 301s, I prefer the narrower body for better palming, imo, there's no performance dif to the 400 sz, I've had them both and have never ran into a situation where the 300 sz lacked in line capacity. I like the round design better for continuous retrieve baits like wakes or A-rigs, and lean towards a higher speed low-pro tranx or curado for glides and punker type baits. As far as quality, the conquest is as good as it gets.

^^^ I agree w Nick, Two completely different applications, and the same rod wouldn't do both correctly imo. I prefer my negs and other comparable weighted glides on a 4 or 5 pwr, with more of a parabolic taper,, whereas my hudds and large softies on more of a rigid 6 or even 7 pwr., especially if I'm working a hudd near bottom or where feel for structure is important.