Thanks for the input so far. I took the reel apart last winter and cleaned it. Used Abu Garcia reel oil and Quantum Hot Sauce on the bearings. At the time I contemplated replacing the bearings with better ones, but I wasn't convinced that the setup up was right.

Lures range from Len Thompson 00 spoons, to Rattlin Rap #5-7, and larger swimbaits.

Would a different reel make the rod cast better? Or a different rod make the reel cast better? From what I understand, both pieces of equipment are decent which leaves me wondering if they just don't work well together.

SS

"To be glad of life because it gives you a chance to love and to work and to play and to look up at the stars. To be satisfied with your possessions but not content with yourself until you have made the best of them."
-Henry Van Dyke