stevedore

I bought a couple of Cabela's Prodigy reels several months ago. "Engineered by Daiwa" Made in Thailand. Actually I got them in trade for 4 cheaper faux Daiwas that I sent back unused. They were junk. No 2 felt the same out the box. One was noisy as Hell. 1st thing I did with Prodigys was disassemble/clean/lube w/hot sauce/hot grease. I'm fairly sure that a $1.00/hr. Thai girl dont know nuthin' bout no lubricatin'. But then a $1.00 hr. Thai girl with a tube of grease in her hand does sound kinda fun. Prodigys were on sale for $59. Used them a bunch-actually pretty impressed-solid feel. Budy of mine got 2 of the BPS "exclusive" reels-Ive tried his-Prodigys are obviously better reels, but their reg. price is $99.00-they should be better.

I too recently picked up a Pinnacle-off the bottom of Lake Moultrie(Santee Cooper). It apparently been there quite a while. I was shocked that the handle turned surprisingly easily and thumbar released spool just like its supposed to. Full of mud , some corrosion. If thats not a testimony to durability I dont what is. It was attached to a Falcon 6' 6" rod. I'll clean it up well enough to use in salt water. If it lasts one trip or 100, who cares-nothing invested but a little 15lb. Big Game. I'm sure it will cast a 1/4 or 3/8 jighead OK. Doubt if it will cast a #5 Shad Rap. It was only in 2ft. of water. Cant believe it was there that long w/out somebody seeing it or how whoever lost could not find it.

I think clear skirts are a great idea! Actually, as long as they are real short, I dont care what color they are. LOL:D

BIG plastic. Been fishing night TXS here in the Cooper River near Charleston for 25 yrs-Coastal, tidal river. Have had yrs that buzzbaits were better-don't know why. Usually dark colors of both-have caught them on white buzz. when moon was bright. Would not fish a worm at night w/out using a blacklight. I make my own-mounted so that bulb is vertical-not horiz. like all the ones that are commercially available. Throws light side-to-side, not up and down. Much more fishable area that is lighted by blacklight. Have historically had better results on new moon vs. full moon. Down here in summer I dont go unless its dark outside.

Have used for yrs Mann's buzzbaits because their blades /clackers were made of brass. Whole different sound. Lures out of package needed a little modification because blades were heavy and they tended to run on their sides. Easily fixed. Would like to get some of these blades or buy some old Mann's buzzbaits.

Just stumbled onto this site through Rodbuilding Forum website. Just what an old tackle tinkerer like me needs. Hoping I can add a little something occasionally-looks like there is plenty of stuff I will gain from. Thanks, CD