Ed.

Speaking of Rum have you tried Ratu rum? it is a spiced rum and quite nice.
Back to rods, I haven't looked at the new Ugly's yet, I know that they are available but I try not to spend too much time in the rod racks as I know what will happen, I will walk out with another after spending 20 minutes  justifying to myself why that would be a good idea and I really, really do not need any more rods or reels for that matter! ....... I think? 🤔.

Speaking of Rum have you tried Ratu rum? it is a spiced rum and quite nice.
Back to rods, I haven't looked at the new Ugly's yet, I know that they are available but I try not to spend too much time in the rod racks as I know what will happen, I will walk out with another after spending 20 minutes  justifying to myself why that would be a good idea and I really, really do not need any more rods or reels for that matter! ....... I think? 🤔.

Speaking of Rum have you tried Ratu rum? it is a spiced rum and quite nice.
Back to rods, I haven't looked at the new Ugly's yet, I know that they are available but I try not to spend too much time in the rod racks as I know what will happen, I will walk out with another after spending 20 minutes  justifying to myself why that would be a good idea and I really, really do not need any more rods or reels for that matter! ....... I think? 🤔.

Thanks for the offer Sneaky1 but I rarely make rods anymore as I have now 20 of them, occasionally I will redo a rod with guides but I generally switch them over to SiC ones, I bought a heap of them many years ago and almost down to having enough just to redo one more full rod, and that will be my last one, (unless I stick one in a fan! 🤣)  I also must stay away from Rum!.
I still have a 37kg Ugly Stik which I bought and not happy with the existing guides on it,  however someone else may take you up on your generous offer.

4 rods??  Apparently not, 🤣🤣🤣🤣, some of us learn faster than others!   Sorry couldn't help myself! but in full disclosure, I came close to a ceiling fan once, but fortunately it wasn't on at the time. 😀

That really starts off your day in a bad mood, I have only ever broken off one rod due to carelessness, about 40+ years ago when I started making my own rods, one of the first ones I made in fact, I even went so far as making a fancy wrap for it above the top grip, it was a nice light rod for catching bait/whiting/herring,  took over a week for me to make, second time using it and whilst getting it out of the car with the other rods, I left it inside the open door whilst I was taking all the other rods out and moving the other rods  to position them on the jetty, I had to go past the door and so closed it slightly to get past and crack, 1/3rd of the rod at my feet. I just stood there in silence like a stunned mullet marveling at my own stupidity.
Having said that I have never done that again! Lesson learnt,  only other rod I broke was not my fault,  I bought a brand new high graphite content rod, about second cast in and the tip snapped off,  It is only recently (in the last couple of years) that I bought my second high content graphite rod because of that experience (although I hear that it is still a bit of problem nowadays with some brands), all the others have been composites or glass. Once you break your first rod due to a lapse in judgement  it will always be on your mind.

4 rods??  Apparently not, 🤣🤣🤣🤣, some of us learn faster than others!   Sorry couldn't help myself! but in full disclosure, I came close to a ceiling fan once, but fortunately it wasn't on at the time. 😀

Thanks for the offer Sneaky1 but I rarely make rods anymore as I have now 20 of them, occasionally I will redo a rod with guides but I generally switch them over to SiC ones, I bought a heap of them many years ago and almost down to having enough just to redo one more full rod, and that will be my last one, (unless I stick one in a fan! 🤣)  I also must stay away from Rum!.
I still have a 37kg Ugly Stik which I bought and not happy with the existing guides on it,  however someone else may take you up on your generous offer.

Thanks for the offer Sneaky1 but I rarely make rods anymore as I have now 20 of them, occasionally I will redo a rod with guides but I generally switch them over to SiC ones, I bought a heap of them many years ago and almost down to having enough just to redo one more full rod, and that will be my last one, (unless I stick one in a fan! 🤣)  I also must stay away from Rum!.
I still have a 37kg Ugly Stik which I bought and not happy with the existing guides on it,  however someone else may take you up on your generous offer.

That really starts off your day in a bad mood, I have only ever broken off one rod due to carelessness, about 40+ years ago when I started making my own rods, one of the first ones I made in fact, I even went so far as making a fancy wrap for it above the top grip, it was a nice light rod for catching bait/whiting/herring,  took over a week for me to make, second time using it and whilst getting it out of the car with the other rods, I left it inside the open door whilst I was taking all the other rods out and moving the other rods  to position them on the jetty, I had to go past the door and so closed it slightly to get past and crack, 1/3rd of the rod at my feet. I just stood there in silence like a stunned mullet marveling at my own stupidity.
Having said that I have never done that again! Lesson learnt,  only other rod I broke was not my fault,  I bought a brand new high graphite content rod, about second cast in and the tip snapped off,  It is only recently (in the last couple of years) that I bought my second high content graphite rod because of that experience (although I hear that it is still a bit of problem nowadays with some brands), all the others have been composites or glass. Once you break your first rod due to a lapse in judgement  it will always be on your mind.

I am surprised, I actually got a reply back from Okuma regarding why they removed the Mag control from the Solterra SLX- CS reels and if the 2 models SLR-10CS and the SLX-10CS had interchangeble side plates, didn't think they would but doesn't hurt to ask.
Their reply was:
"Thanks for your message.
The left side plate of the SLR-10CS can’t be fit with SLX-10CS due to different structure.
Purpose for using magnetic cast control and thrust bearings is different, our products are normally designed based on comments from opinion leaders all over the world. "
My reply was basically that model now is no different to any of the other lever drag reels on the market that have thrust bearings and does not have any other features that would entice anyone to purchase it over any other brand. I mentioned the Penn fathoms and also that they also come out in two speeds as well. They also have an ally body and are also cheaper. I suggested that maybe Okuma should seek out better "opinion leaders" as there is nothing to differentiate this model reel anymore. Castable lever drag reels are not that common and they have now lost the only advantage that model reel had.
Too much maybe? 🤨 Just my opinion only!

I am surprised, I actually got a reply back from Okuma regarding why they removed the Mag control from the Solterra SLX- CS reels and if the 2 models SLR-10CS and the SLX-10CS had interchangeble side plates, didn't think they would but doesn't hurt to ask.
Their reply was:
"Thanks for your message.
The left side plate of the SLR-10CS can’t be fit with SLX-10CS due to different structure.
Purpose for using magnetic cast control and thrust bearings is different, our products are normally designed based on comments from opinion leaders all over the world. "
My reply was basically that model now is no different to any of the other lever drag reels on the market that have thrust bearings and does not have any other features that would entice anyone to purchase it over any other brand. I mentioned the Penn fathoms and also that they also come out in two speeds as well. They also have an ally body and are also cheaper. I suggested that maybe Okuma should seek out better "opinion leaders" as there is nothing to differentiate this model reel anymore. Castable lever drag reels are not that common and they have now lost the only advantage that model reel had.
Too much maybe? 🤨 Just my opinion only!

I am surprised, I actually got a reply back from Okuma regarding why they removed the Mag control from the Solterra SLX- CS reels and if the 2 models SLR-10CS and the SLX-10CS had interchangeble side plates, didn't think they would but doesn't hurt to ask.
Their reply was:
"Thanks for your message.
The left side plate of the SLR-10CS can’t be fit with SLX-10CS due to different structure.
Purpose for using magnetic cast control and thrust bearings is different, our products are normally designed based on comments from opinion leaders all over the world. "
My reply was basically that model now is no different to any of the other lever drag reels on the market that have thrust bearings and does not have any other features that would entice anyone to purchase it over any other brand. I mentioned the Penn fathoms and also that they also come out in two speeds as well. They also have an ally body and are also cheaper. I suggested that maybe Okuma should seek out better "opinion leaders" as there is nothing to differentiate this model reel anymore. Castable lever drag reels are not that common and they have now lost the only advantage that model reel had.
Too much maybe? 🤨 Just my opinion only!

I am surprised, I actually got a reply back from Okuma regarding why they removed the Mag control from the Solterra SLX- CS reels and if the 2 models SLR-10CS and the SLX-10CS had interchangeble side plates, didn't think they would but doesn't hurt to ask.
Their reply was:
"Thanks for your message.
The left side plate of the SLR-10CS can’t be fit with SLX-10CS due to different structure.
Purpose for using magnetic cast control and thrust bearings is different, our products are normally designed based on comments from opinion leaders all over the world. "
My reply was basically that model now is no different to any of the other lever drag reels on the market that have thrust bearings and does not have any other features that would entice anyone to purchase it over any other brand. I mentioned the Penn fathoms and also that they also come out in two speeds as well. They also have an ally body and are also cheaper. I suggested that maybe Okuma should seek out better "opinion leaders" as there is nothing to differentiate this model reel anymore. Castable lever drag reels are not that common and they have now lost the only advantage that model reel had.
Too much maybe? 🤨 Just my opinion only!

I made my own on a wood  lathe out of well seasoned hardwood, I sold a couple of them but most people don't want to spend the extra money compared to a cheap ally bat from BCF, so I stopped making them but my wooden ones are quite effective.

Where would you put a boat in if you are staying in that area? and I assume you will be camping there?

Woodsy1, If you are heading out to the northern end of Morton, why not drive up to Bribie Island and put in at the ramp opposite the Air Sea Rescue there, it's multi lanes and has a pontoon to tie up to in between them, it can take large boats without drama. There are also a few other ramps in the area depending on size of your boat which are also suitable. If the wind is too strong outside then you could also fish the passage. I used to use the Spinniker Marina ramp but over the last couple of years  I now just use the first one I mentioned.

I would ideally love for Penn to make a magged version of the FTH15LD2 and FTH25LD2, (or even the Shimano Speedmaster in the 12 and 16 size,) they have decent lever drags, 2 speed, compact, hold reasonable amounts of braided line and have thrust bearings, am I going to find one, probably not in this decade! Although I am not sure if the Speedmasters have thrust bearings though!
I have an Okuma SLR -10CS  which is a magged lever drag reel but no thrust bearings,  newer model is the SLX-10CS, they have added  two thrust bearings, still has a lever drag,  but no magnetic spool control. Bloody annoying, as I said before, they give you one feature and remove another. I even sent Okuma a message to see if the left side plate with the Mag control will fit the earlier model but have not had a reply. I didn't think that they would reply but I was hoping. 

Drop Bear, you beat me to it.
Probably because it's a marketing ploy by companies to get you to buy their  product over a rivals.  It's a bit like toothpaste when you go to a supermarket, probably 20-30 types and all made by one or two companies. With some slight differences but basically the same, If brand A has 3 types of tooth paste  and brand B had has 15, statistically brand  B has a higher chance of being selected and making money. So long as brand B gets selected, brand B doesn't care!
With reels, you only may need just a couple of reels for a particular type of fishing, so if you get those there is nothing to entice you to buy anymore is there? However if a company produces a certain group of reels that has only a certain set of features that appeals to a fisherman, he or she will buy those and that's it and they will be happy with those, so to entice new business next  year the company will add a "new" desirable feature, or repackage a reel with maybe a new colour scheme or a rod with different guides, an extra bearing, or some other "must have" feature, call it a different name  or call it some other wizz bang technology name then that same person will think, "I would like that must have feature which will make me a better fisherman" or improve my catch rate and then goes out and buys the new reel.
Most people (myself included) would like the "ultimate reel" for their style of fishing with a range of features which generally is not available in one reel, due to various features which are missing from the ones we have currently, so we keep a look out and when one does come up that has the extra desirable feature then we grab it and either keep the old one or sell it off usually at a loss. However usually that new reel may be missing one of the previously desirable features so back to square one. You now have a new reel that has most of the features you want but not all, and so you aren't completely satisfied and you keep looking. Hence the sales cycle continues! It's a very hard purchasing cycle to break!
Fishing gear is designed to catch people, shiny with lots of bling and the fish are a secondary consideration, fish don't buy tackle ... people do! Take lures for example how many thousands of different lures are out there in a big store, all slightly different of course😀. Fish will take a lure if it triggers something in them to act instinctively and attack it.  Mackerel spoons are a time proven lure that has taken countless  fish, a basic form and shiny which appeals to that species. It works well but there countless new lures in all shapes and sizes which claim to do better, but do they? Welcome to the world of marketing! 🤨 Incidentally have you noticed the price of fishing lures going up and up and with the amount of lure losses, fishing with lures is becoming a very expensive exercise!

While it is apart you should also lap/hone the metal drag washers with some fine wet and dry SiC  paper.

I would ideally love for Penn to make a magged version of the FTH15LD2 and FTH25LD2, (or even the Shimano Speedmaster in the 12 and 16 size,) they have decent lever drags, 2 speed, compact, hold reasonable amounts of braided line and have thrust bearings, am I going to find one, probably not in this decade! Although I am not sure if the Speedmasters have thrust bearings though!
I have an Okuma SLR -10CS  which is a magged lever drag reel but no thrust bearings,  newer model is the SLX-10CS, they have added  two thrust bearings, still has a lever drag,  but no magnetic spool control. Bloody annoying, as I said before, they give you one feature and remove another. I even sent Okuma a message to see if the left side plate with the Mag control will fit the earlier model but have not had a reply. I didn't think that they would reply but I was hoping. 

Drop Bear, you beat me to it.
Probably because it's a marketing ploy by companies to get you to buy their  product over a rivals.  It's a bit like toothpaste when you go to a supermarket, probably 20-30 types and all made by one or two companies. With some slight differences but basically the same, If brand A has 3 types of tooth paste  and brand B had has 15, statistically brand  B has a higher chance of being selected and making money. So long as brand B gets selected, brand B doesn't care!
With reels, you only may need just a couple of reels for a particular type of fishing, so if you get those there is nothing to entice you to buy anymore is there? However if a company produces a certain group of reels that has only a certain set of features that appeals to a fisherman, he or she will buy those and that's it and they will be happy with those, so to entice new business next  year the company will add a "new" desirable feature, or repackage a reel with maybe a new colour scheme or a rod with different guides, an extra bearing, or some other "must have" feature, call it a different name  or call it some other wizz bang technology name then that same person will think, "I would like that must have feature which will make me a better fisherman" or improve my catch rate and then goes out and buys the new reel.
Most people (myself included) would like the "ultimate reel" for their style of fishing with a range of features which generally is not available in one reel, due to various features which are missing from the ones we have currently, so we keep a look out and when one does come up that has the extra desirable feature then we grab it and either keep the old one or sell it off usually at a loss. However usually that new reel may be missing one of the previously desirable features so back to square one. You now have a new reel that has most of the features you want but not all, and so you aren't completely satisfied and you keep looking. Hence the sales cycle continues! It's a very hard purchasing cycle to break!
Fishing gear is designed to catch people, shiny with lots of bling and the fish are a secondary consideration, fish don't buy tackle ... people do! Take lures for example how many thousands of different lures are out there in a big store, all slightly different of course😀. Fish will take a lure if it triggers something in them to act instinctively and attack it.  Mackerel spoons are a time proven lure that has taken countless  fish, a basic form and shiny which appeals to that species. It works well but there countless new lures in all shapes and sizes which claim to do better, but do they? Welcome to the world of marketing! 🤨 Incidentally have you noticed the price of fishing lures going up and up and with the amount of lure losses, fishing with lures is becoming a very expensive exercise!

I made my own on a wood  lathe out of well seasoned hardwood, I sold a couple of them but most people don't want to spend the extra money compared to a cheap ally bat from BCF, so I stopped making them but my wooden ones are quite effective.

I made my own on a wood  lathe out of well seasoned hardwood, I sold a couple of them but most people don't want to spend the extra money compared to a cheap ally bat from BCF, so I stopped making them but my wooden ones are quite effective.

Drop Bear, you beat me to it.
Probably because it's a marketing ploy by companies to get you to buy their  product over a rivals.  It's a bit like toothpaste when you go to a supermarket, probably 20-30 types and all made by one or two companies. With some slight differences but basically the same, If brand A has 3 types of tooth paste  and brand B had has 15, statistically brand  B has a higher chance of being selected and making money. So long as brand B gets selected, brand B doesn't care!
With reels, you only may need just a couple of reels for a particular type of fishing, so if you get those there is nothing to entice you to buy anymore is there? However if a company produces a certain group of reels that has only a certain set of features that appeals to a fisherman, he or she will buy those and that's it and they will be happy with those, so to entice new business next  year the company will add a "new" desirable feature, or repackage a reel with maybe a new colour scheme or a rod with different guides, an extra bearing, or some other "must have" feature, call it a different name  or call it some other wizz bang technology name then that same person will think, "I would like that must have feature which will make me a better fisherman" or improve my catch rate and then goes out and buys the new reel.
Most people (myself included) would like the "ultimate reel" for their style of fishing with a range of features which generally is not available in one reel, due to various features which are missing from the ones we have currently, so we keep a look out and when one does come up that has the extra desirable feature then we grab it and either keep the old one or sell it off usually at a loss. However usually that new reel may be missing one of the previously desirable features so back to square one. You now have a new reel that has most of the features you want but not all, and so you aren't completely satisfied and you keep looking. Hence the sales cycle continues! It's a very hard purchasing cycle to break!
Fishing gear is designed to catch people, shiny with lots of bling and the fish are a secondary consideration, fish don't buy tackle ... people do! Take lures for example how many thousands of different lures are out there in a big store, all slightly different of course😀. Fish will take a lure if it triggers something in them to act instinctively and attack it.  Mackerel spoons are a time proven lure that has taken countless  fish, a basic form and shiny which appeals to that species. It works well but there countless new lures in all shapes and sizes which claim to do better, but do they? Welcome to the world of marketing! 🤨 Incidentally have you noticed the price of fishing lures going up and up and with the amount of lure losses, fishing with lures is becoming a very expensive exercise!