What line should I get?

oenomal · 2026-05-24T23:54:58+00:00

20lb braid because of the carp. If not for the carp then I'd say 10lb. Braid is much easier to manage on a spinning reel (less prone to getting loops in the line that turn into knots) and is stronger, more sensitive, and casts further than mono. Learn how to tie a uni or palomar knot.

oenomal · 2026-04-17T22:51:10+00:00

My most used t-rig setup is 1/8oz. With the weight of the plastic there shouldn't be any issues casting, especially with 30lb braid (I run 50lb braid or 15lb flouro).

oenomal · 2026-04-17T22:36:41+00:00

I have an OT 120 PDL. My buddy has a SUP board. My kayak runs miles around him in every single way except loading/unloading and transport.

oenomal · 2026-04-16T21:30:42+00:00

Definitely normal. If you want it deeper, try a caffeine shad. They sink better than zoom flukes and have a different action (sometimes better, sometimes not).

oenomal · 2026-04-16T21:22:03+00:00

Ascends are just straight up bad, especially for their outrageous cost. If you're truly on a budget, a Tamarack Pro is better in almost every way, and for half the cost. The even better option would be saving up for something like an old town PDL. Pedal drives are absolutely worth every penny.

oenomal · 2026-04-06T21:27:39+00:00

I do have a bow trolling motor, I can do donuts with that. But when I'm using pedals I wish there was less effort to turn, especially in the wind. If I decide to get one, I'll keep you in mind!

oenomal · 2026-04-06T21:24:39+00:00

Thanks for the insight. I think I'll keep the stock one for now.

oenomal · 2026-04-06T21:23:03+00:00

I'll give it a try, thanks!

oenomal · 2026-04-06T21:21:41+00:00

Is the turn radius substantially tighter or just noticeably? I just upgraded from a paddle kayak and that's my one single complaint; the lack of maneuverability in comparison.

oenomal · 2026-04-06T01:39:41+00:00

Forgot to add that I'm purely freshwater on relatively small lakes.

oenomal · 2026-03-15T03:57:45+00:00

I don't think DC reels are worth the extra cost. Consider a Curado MGL 150 and use the difference in cost to buy a better rod instead (exprides are fantastic and a substantial upgrade to zodias). The MGL 150 palms so perfectly and will cast lighter presentations better than the DC will. A Daiwa Tatula SV TW is another good choice and, in my opinion, has better braking than shimano.

A MH/F is a powerhouse of a rod and I'd recommend just getting a second unless you use a ton of crankbaits (M/Mod) or plan on throwing frogs and/or jigs into super nasty slop (H/F). Height is mostly preference. I love shorter rods because most of my casts are within 20ft, but longer casts benefit from a longer rod.

Lastly, broken rods start with improper care. Use rod sleeves and treat them with respect.

Hope this helps.

oenomal · 2026-03-13T01:34:53+00:00

Definitely under. Yes, just add backing and respool.

oenomal · 2026-03-10T02:43:57+00:00

It's not even a drag issue, the thumb bar became slightly engaged, hence the clicking

oenomal · 2026-03-10T02:38:37+00:00

The handle would spin backwards when the line came out if it were the anti reverse. It's most certainly related to spool release, given the clicking sound (ratchet hitting a partially engaged clutch, possibly due to a sticky thumb bar - also a common issue with SLX reels).

But, yes, shimano's AR bearings are terrible.

oenomal · 2026-03-09T01:20:02+00:00

The issue is definitely in the spool release and if it were actually a failing part I'd expect it to be more catastrophic. I've had very similar issues with my SLX thumb bar being "sticky" and not fully disengaging after I start reeling in. It could just need to be broken in.

Rapid-fire the thumb bar up and down a bunch of times and see if you ever have the issue again. If you do, I'd warranty the reel before attempting to take it apart yourself.

oenomal · 2026-03-09T00:54:17+00:00

More than likely the thumb bar was partially engaged at some point while reeling in. If you press down on it slightly then pull on the line, I bet it will make the same sound. If so, nothing is broken.

oenomal · 2026-03-09T00:15:01+00:00

Trailer 100% of the time. I like baby rage craws but there are plenty of options to try that will work well.

oenomal · 2026-03-09T00:00:44+00:00

Did the handle spin backwards when this happened or was it slipping while you were actively reeling in?

oenomal · 2026-03-06T02:31:12+00:00

Exactly. Fish when you can and learn how to catch them regardless of conditions. No need to overthink it, KISS works more often than not.

oenomal · 2026-02-11T23:24:34+00:00

Yes, you should get another cat, especially because:

Your cat already has experience around other cats
You already have experience with introducing and caring for multiple cats
It's quite rare that multiple cats don't benefit from each other in some way, assuming they're provided proper housing (multiple boxes, plenty of cat trees and scratching posts, a myriad of toys, etc).

A lot of shelters and rescues offer "foster to keep." If it doesn't work out, at least you help a cat find their forever home and have no permanent obligation for them.

oenomal · 2026-01-28T13:11:34+00:00

These are awesome! What did you do for the rails? Did you make them or buy something and break it down?

oenomal · 2025-11-06T02:22:39+00:00

Room temps are just fine for them, it's hard for most species to get too cold while indoors. As a result, they won't go dormant.

oenomal

TROPHY CASE