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My favorite reels are without question the Z2020s that I own. Not a true 300 size, but lots of line capacity, built like a tank, and unquestionable casting performance. Also, not currently in production and can be pricey, which can deter some people.

https://jdmfishing.com/vault/revo-bigshooter-compact-8-7-big-shooter-compact/ This one? It's not new, 2018 model.

Daiwa 18 Zillion HD would be a great match and it's a superb reel.

Tough to come by these days, Brad hasn't really been building them since he started the Conceal Carry series. A few months ago, the tip section of one of my Departure 806 rods got broken and Brad was unable to secure a replacement for me. Although you can (and I have) successfully throw hard baits with the Departure rods, they are better suited for single hook baits in my opinion.

I can personally vouch for the Valkyrie VKC-711XH-4 as a great treble hook bait rod. I've thrown Baitsanity Gill glide, K9, GanCraft 230, Wade Hoggs on it and it's fantastic.

You're not going to currently find a travel rod that can fish a TK to a Deps 250 well. Trust me, I've been looking for that rod for about 3 years now.

Never seen these before, cool.

I use a split ring to solid ring on lipped baits, and tie direct on everything else. Only exception is K9, I use the stock split to solid ring, even in glide mode.

The Kurouto Monster crawler definitely gets bit. Casts like a bullet and has a great action and sound at all retrieve speeds. On the other side, you definitely need to upgrade from stock hooks and rings. And I personally have trouble keeping the aluminum wings tuned correctly, but that's more of my ineptitude than anything, I think.

I'd think that 25lb FC or copoly of your choice would be fine. In the videos that I've seen, the water tends to be quite stained so line shyness should be a non-issue.

You might have to tune the line tie the same way that you would a conventional crankbait.

Like Brian said, check out Ruthlessswimbaiter on IG. He also has a few vids on the YouTube channel.

F5 makes some great quality rods and their production rods are competitively priced. You should have no problem finding a soft bait rod to suit your needs in their lineup.

Seems like every bite I get on my Woodrow is a total flush.

I can vouch for the Valkyrie VKC-711XH-4. I was throwing the Baitsanity Gill glide with it over the weekend and had no problems whatsoever. It is definitely a softer rod that bends quite deep into the blank.

I live in South Korea and don't own a vehicle. I take public transport or occasionally ride in my friends' cars to get to our spots. I exclusively use travel rods because the majority of the time I take the bus and / or subway. I've had F5 Departure rods, 806 production rod, and a 796 custom. Both are solid rods. I also have the Valkyrie VKC-711XH-4. It's a stellar treble hook bait rod. Throws 2oz - 4oz easily. I've not pushed it beyond a Wade Hoggs, just because I don't have anything heavier. It will do in a pinch for Beast hooks, but definitely on fluorocarbon or braid (not mono or copoly) and not long bomber casts. It really is quite parabolic. A friend is coming to visit South Korea at the end of August, and he's bringing the Leviathan Daily travel rod that I purchased a month ago. I'm really stoked to get my hands on this one. It supposedly is that true mod-fast that can handle both treble and Beast hooks.

P-Line CXX is the most durable line that I've used.

Fish Monkey Wooly. Full or half finger.

Adding equal amounts of lead tape / wire to both hook shanks is a good place to start. Easy to add / remove if you're not satisfied.

I have made a bunch of pins from single strand wire. Much smaller diameter than a paper clip.

Hope the new bait meets your expectations. I don't understand the logic in returning a bait to you that you were not satisfied with, unless it has also been tuned to meet your expectations.

Woodrow is my deal. Stray Rocker and Sneaky are on the wishlist.

Man, I'm a Canadian expat that's been living in South Korea since 2007 and even I know what he meant. If you're in the game, you know.