Southfork

Lots of good rods in that range, I'd definitely opt for one with a lifetime warranty though.

Let's hear the knot advice...

This has always worked for me when all else fails.

I fish a lot of the same conditions as you. I fish a lot of hard jerkbaits, like Yo Zuri Pins, and small Xraps. I always have a couple in my bag and use them often. Seems black and orange is the best color in my area, with some sort of ghost color coming in a close second. Jigs make up probably 75% of my fishing while on the river, probably would go back home if I forgot to grab some. I normally use 1/8oz from a local guy, black/blue with a black trailer has been my go-to. Occasionally the smallmouth will be hitting Bandit-style plugs like crazy, i try to keep a few of those in my bag as well. I like the 200 series, the bigger lip bounces off snags better and I fish these pretty slow. All my dad carries is jointed floating Rapalas and rebel craws, and he's hard to top when it comes to pure numbers.

I'd find a lightly used Shimano Clarus for $50 or less and feel better having a lifetime warranty, and a better rod.

I've had a few of the backpacks designed specifically for tackle, but have always gone back to regular backpacks. Medium size ALICE pack has been my pick when I'm not going to be carrying enough stuff for an all day trip.

Yep, thanks guys. Not sure how I missed that.

I have an old Symetre, 2500 FL (probably 9 years old) that was getting a little rough. Decided to tear it completely apart for a good cleaning/degreasing. Got a part that came out of the body, that I have no clue where it goes. I have a schematic of a newer Symetre, but this part isn't on there. Anybody able to help me out? Also, the little rod in the spring on the bail assembly...any tricks to getting it in right? Thanks for any and all help, and Happy Holidays.

I've caught plenty of turtles....there seems to be an abundance around here.

My handles always have and always will be on the left side, no matter what kind of reel. I'm just not comfortable with anything else.

I'm the opposite of the majority here. I spend a lot more on rods than reels. The way I look at it, I'm buying that rod for life, all my rods have lifetime warranties. I've been spending more on reels lately, but I'm much more comfortable putting down a lot of cash on something with a little piece of mind. I do have one exception tough, and that's my catfishing rods. I spend way more on the reels than I do rods there.

I've caught a few snakes, one bat, and the odd piece of trash from time to time. By far the craziest thing I ever caught was a coon though.

I personally hardly ever keep bass, but I would never look down on those that do.

You can get a very nice rod in that price range if you buy used. I can see no drawbacks to buying a used rod if it has a lifetime warranty. I have an older IMX 6'6" Mag-Light that I use for lighter soft plastics that I throw. I bought it for $125 and it's very sensitive in my hands. If you shop around you can find a new Crucial that will fit your price range, and I've had good luck with those as well.

I've used an old military ALICE pack (medium sized one, no frame) for years.