In your opinion is it worth upgrading the bearings in bait casting reel?

Can you talk a little bit about exposed reel seats versus non-exposed? Also, can you talk about true blank exposed reel seats versus fake exposed reel seats that are not really the blank?

More advanced questions: Regarding rod blank material - Can you talk about carbon fiber blanks. Is IM6/7 just an advertising term? As fisherman get more advanced what should we know about carbon modulus or million modulus? As you go higher in modulus what are the pros and cons? 

Easy, strong, simple and it works! 

What are your thoughts on Hydrowave?

Do you tend to have more gear for those just in case scenarios or less gear/less clutter in the boat when fishing tournaments?

What is the customary distance when passing to go around someone fishing the same shoreline/docks? I try to give a casting distance plus a little.

This made me think of a Great book - Juggling Elephants - the struggle of balance and prioritization. Thanks!

I am working on skipping. Here is the result of one of the docks I was practicing on. My buddy put me on some good water, too.