baitcaster 2 piece rod TI 2-Piece 9' Musky Casting Mega Heavy XXH 18" Full Grip Pflueger Products Perform. Lew's Mach 2 Baitcasting Combo

I'm not to sure how important the colors on the top of the frog are though

Zero stretch for maximum sensitivity

Look for any tautness in the reel seat and handle

Shimano Kairiki 8 braid Price $34 for 150 meter spool / $69 300 meter spool Available strength 6lb ( 0.06 ), 8lb ( 0.10 ), 10lb ( 0.13 ), 15lb ( 0.16 ), 20lb ( 0.20 ), 30lb ( 0.23 ), 40lb ( 0.28 ), 50lb ( 0.32 ), 60lb ( 0.35 ), 80lb ( 0.42 ), Made in Japan The Shimano Kairiki comes in 3 colours and 6 different strengths

If current is detectable on your fishing spot, pick a size that allows the bait to slightly tumble downstream

When all is said and done, it is true that developing a good sense of how and when to thumb the spool can only improve your casting ability