Orvis Clearwater III Fly Reel (available in Charcoal, Black or Dark Pine--See Note Below)
Just apply the same rod-forward formula: Budget: $400(ish) total Rod: $295 St Croix Legend Tournament rod (advanced design, light, responsive) Reel: $99 Daiwa Aird 80H baitcast reel (Large handle, light but strong body, Magforce cast control) Why this works: Youll get incredible sensitivity, responsiveness and lightness, plus a dependable reel that even comes with Daiwas Magforce cast control for longer casts with less backlash
If you want to spend a little more money, Id recommend the Shimano Calcutta bait caster reel
Now and then, reel the tube directly up to the hole, enticing an aggressive laker to follow and hopefully strike
There isnt much to the O-rings themselves, but getting them on the stick bait without an O-ring tool can be taxing