Big O Tires Angler

I agree that it's overkill, but these are generalizations...and from what I've read and heard from professional tournament anglers...these are pretty much what they are using.

I agree with Sam. The rod and reel need to balance and the line diameter will play a big role in casting distance. For example...I can cast a Senko about 10-15 yard further on 10# test than with 12#. But you have to make sure that your rod specs allow for the change in line diameter. Too thick and it won't cast very far...too thin and you will snap the line on a big fish. I had a Curado E the first day it was available in stores and ended up returning it and getting a Revo STX because the Revo will cast much further than the Curado E. I especially noticed this when casting heavier spinnerbaits.

There are some sales going on with Shimano Crucial rods. I would recommend finding one of those on sale...you can find them for about $100 bucks if you look. 7' Medium-Light would be a good choice if you're looking for a rod to cast things that are too light for your other gear. You'll be able to dropshot, shakey head, and darter head with it. Along with smaller tubes and such.

+1 Just take all the line off and respool it attaching the side you WERE putting a leader on to the spool.

I really don't think you can lose on the Damiki swim bait rod...it's $210 and 8' long! Not to mention the warranty that TW offers on those rods is pretty awesome IMO.

That's about the temperature of the water here in the California Delta...we fish SLOWWWWW. If you think you're fishing too slow then you have to slow down even more. A lot of the time the fish will pick up a plastic worm or Senko after it's hit the ground and sat there for like 2 minutes.

I own 2 Cumara rods and LOVE the black foam...it's so comfortable...and almost naughty...

I like using the 2/0 Gama EWG for 6" Roboworms.

My biggest frustration with PowerPro was the way it dug into itself. I really like Sufix because it's softer, but it absorbs a lot of water and your hand gets really wet fishing this line...but that's the only problem that I've faced, which really isn't a problem actually

Those are some awesome fish! It's great when you get out of work early!

My mother always taught me "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all"

As long as you have a good ceramic guide it should be fine...a lot of the cheaper reels that have just chrome guides will get torn apart fairly quickly.