pomoxis

Like others have mentioned above, I've found the following to be the ones that work better, in random order: BassPro XPS, Berkley 100% (Gold Box), P-Line Halo, Seaguar AbrazX. Those are the domestic easier to get brands. If you can get your hands on Sunline Sniper (better) or Sunline Shooter (best), and Toray FC those are also very good but pricier. Berkley's line diameter tend to be a bit larger for an equivalent pound test line compared to the other brands, with Sunline and Toray being the thinnest diameters per given pound test. Hope this helps you

The Abu Garcia rods in the Vendetta, Veritas, and Verdict are all worth considering. Really nice feel to them, and great price point. Veritas and Verdict rods come with SiC guide inserts too.

I was at Markham LeBaron and did check the Quantum Smoke after having read the OP regarding the quality/finish issues. They had one reel left and it did have the cosmetic blemishes described earlier. I personally own 1 Quantum Catalyst PTi spinning reel that I use for my ultralight/panfish fishing. I've stayed away from their baitcasters, and own Daiwa, Shimano and Abu Garcia products. After checking the Smoke it reinforced why I made the decision to stay away from Quantum. It did not feel that smooth and I felt that the handle was positioned too far away from the body of the reel. Also the handle has that annoying backplay that all Shimano baitcasters have. The only two positive things going for the Smoke are its strong drag, and being lightweight for an all aluminum reel. I then checked out the Shimano Curado 51 and while it felt a bit better, and more palmable due to its size, it still did not feel that smooth. Again like all Shimano baitcasters, it did have the handle backplay. The drag cranked down, was not as strong as the Smoke. No cosmetic blemishes observed. I own the 201E7 and prefer it over the 51 because of the longer handle and bigger Septon knobs. Moving on, I then checked the Abu Revo STX, and for the $200 range, this is the reel to beat. Super smooth, bearing supported knobs, dual braking system (centrifugal and magnetic), and very strong drag when cranked down. The reel just felt solid. the only category where it loses out to the previous reel would be in the weight, as it's slightly heavier. Like all other Revo reels, it did not have handle backplay. No cosmetic blemishes observed So if I were to spend $200-$220 at this point it would be on a Revo STX or if you're lucky a Premier on eBay. Now in the $150 range, the Daiwa Advantage HSTA would be my pick.

That's why I wear my trusty good all 100% rubber Baffin boots. No worries until I step into the proverbial hidden pressure crack...

Nothing wrong with round reels. I started baitcasting with a Calcutta 251 and then got hooked for life. Like a poster mentioned above though, Abu's designs has been based on time tested reels. The only problem I see from a design/structural standpoint is that the sideplates on the C3/C4-Record series appear to be stamped metal, as opposed to one piece machined frames like the Calcutta series. Now if you can get your hands on the now discontinued Morrum reels then you have what I feel is Abu's most solid round reel. I feel like the one piece machined frames give more sturdiness overall to a reel, especially if throwing big, heavy musky baits and for long term durability. Other reels I can suggest are the Calcutta TE series, Daiwa Millionaire CV-Z/CV-X/Luna and Pluton reels, and for low-profile options the Curado 300/301 series along with the Abu Revo Toro lineup. Just spend a bit more and get quality instead of having to buy reels every couple years. Do it right, do it once!

There's a St Croix Avid 6'8" Medium power, extra-fast action rod on the classifieds for just over $100. I'd get that in a heartbeat if I were you. I makes a great jigging stick and it carries a lifetime warranty. Plus you can upgrade to a higher grade rod later on as st Croix has a step-up program.

Look at Daiwas, an inexpensive well performing reel to look at is the Exceler. Comes with spare spool and like all Daiwas the reverse tapered spools handle all kinds of lines perfectly.

Fluoro is different than mono in the fact that you have to be careful when cinching down your knots. Make sure you lubricate and wet the line before pulling tight on the knot, and make sure you're pulling it s-l-o-w-l-y, as the heat created from the friction will weaken the line to a point where it might fail like your case. Anyhoo, by looking at the background in your pictures it doesn't seem that you need fluoro in those conditions. That heavy slop/pads should only require straight braid only to pull back the fish along with the salad. I personally wouldn't even bother with any kind of leader in the slop, as you're giving bass that slight chance of getting away. If you're going to still use fluoro, spend the money and get something of quality (XPS, Trilene 100%, Sunline, etc.)

Probably good for throwing crankbaits due to the slower action on them, and it's the technique where you don't want to pull on treble hooks too hard, and sensitivity is not a big factor as the fish are almost hooking themselves. That plus I would only use fluoro/mono on those stainless steel guides, instead of braid.

Hey Mike: I've used different P-Line products over the past. Here's what I've found: - Fluoroclear is NOT a pure fluorocarbon.Rather a fluorocarbon core surrounded by copolymer. It's stretchy, similar to Trilene XL as someone had pointed out earlier. Positive side is that stretchiness makes it manageable especially in spinning reels. Bad side is that same stretchiness may not be as good on long distance hooksets or hard hooksets. - CXX is a copolymer and it's stiff, similar to Trilene XT. It's very abrasion resistant and has very low stretch, and has a larger average diameter compared to other P-Line products. I would suggest using this line only in baitcasting gear, as it may be too springy and hard to control on spinning gear. - CX is a mix between fluorocarbon and copolymer. It's a compromise between Fluoroclear and CXX. - Fluorocarbon is 100% fluorocarbon, and it's got low stretch and is pretty stiff, and abrasion resistant like all other 100% fluoros from other companies. The only downside is its price, whereas Fluoroclear, CXX and CX costs around $10-$13 a spool, 100% fluoro will run you $18-$22 for a spool. I would recommend you (if you can) return the Fluoroclear, and get the CXX in Moss Green in 12lbs. The diameter is equivalent to 15lbs in other lines. It'll suit the power fishing style in your baitcasting gear. Cheers!