Buyers Beware ! IMHO never order from a company that does NOT carry any popular name-brand rods and reels ! Tackle Outlet sells no-name obscure equipment. These items would not be found at Bass Pro, Cabela's or even Walmart !
Abu Garcia has different Max Z spinning Reels. The ones at Walmart are Gray and White and do NOT have an anti-reverse lever. The model with a Copper color spool have the lever.
He said: My tackle box was open because I was building a new spinner and my CAT spring boarded off of it. Your Cat is really a gymnast ? Sounds like another fractured-fairy-tale from that FS Digest spinner of Tall Tails... jest sayin'.
When all else fails, go back to the basics ! The good old worm and bobber ! Oftentimes, the fish are not inclined to chase after those artificail lures.
I've used all these types of lures with BRAID Line and caught tons of fish. The secret is to use a mono or flourocarbon leader from about 2 to 6 feet..
Seems like this question was misunderstood. The subject was "Braid on a spincast." NEVER put Braid line on a "spincast" Reel. Most of these reels come with Monofilament line installed. The answers given are valid for a problem with "SPINNING" Reels; not "SPINCAST" Reels ...just sayin !
Most of the tackle recommendations are good. It seems as if you had some success using your buddies tackle. Maybe buy the same setup ... or ask your buddies if they would SELL their USED equipment at a reduced cost. It sure can't hurt to ask ! When you become more knowlegable and experienced, you may want to choose some tackle from the choices mentioned by forum members.
IMHO most collapsible fishing rods are crap. Especially the telescoping type. They have a tendency to fail and fall apart with use. Multi-piece rods are a better bet. But if you run into a Musky, you'll wish you had a solid rod.
Contact Shakespeare to fix it ? FAT Chance ! Most Reels have a 1 year Warranty. Even then, you must provide dated proof of purchase and pay for shipping return charges. The Reel pictured is a cheapo model with plastic parts priced under $20.00. Invest in a better Reel such as a Pflueger President and enjoy many years of fishing. . .just saying.