Donmar titanium or Van Staal. Both are very rust resistant, have replaceable cutting blades, and will cost you big bucks - but they will also probably last you a lifetime.
On the Chesapeake we call them oyster toads. In addition to their good looks they are also covered in a toxic slime - which I guess explains why seagulls won't eat them but they are a delicacy in some asian countries...
Power Pro Maxcuatro braid to Seaguar Blue flouro leader
Gator mating season, snakes, stay out of the brush and freshwater, stay alert - pretty much covers it.
Minnow trap or to the raccoons.
I like catching live bait with a castnet and then sponsoring their relocation to a new area. If you hook them right they live a long enough to meet their new hungry neighbors. Those that can't adapt to their new neighborhoods either get a free bus ride with Mr. Crab or a free flight with Seagull Air.
Do you not have the same ethical qualms about the fish you catch?
One last thought and it's because we are in the middle of pollen season here. Most the ponds here are covered yellow pollen. I suppose it would be possible to pickup enough of it on your line with each cast to make it heavier and heavier. I know that may be stretching it but I had to put it out there.
One other thought - is there anything on the reel lips or rod guides that might be getting sticky once wet?
Believe it or not but an under filled spool will definitely affect your casting distance. For distance casting you want to be about 1-2mm below lip.
Just out of curiosity how full are the spools on your reels? If only partially filled it may be that once the line is wet it is hanging up on the lip of the spool and that is affecting your casts. Just a guess.
Costas - worth the $. I prefer the 580 glass but that's a personal preference. As far as color imo that depends on time of day you are fishing and conditions. Def blue for offshore, amber or green for lower light (early morning or evening). The gray lenses seem more crisp to me for mid-day, driving and all around use.
I don't get to fish nearly as much as I would like but often you get what you pay for. So if I am going to lose that fish of my dreams it is going to be due to my own incompetence as a fisherman and not equipment failure. That being said, the value and faith that you place in your equipment is totally up to you.
IMO it totally depends on budget and how big a rod you want.
G Loomis has nice 3 piece travel rods up to 7' that will throw 1/2-2oz. ~$400
or if you are really serious look at the Century Sling Shot SS1505/5 12′ 6″ – 1-4 oz 5 piece travel surf rod $859.37