Hammer 4

Can't really answer your ? without knowing the weight range of baits you intend to throw.

What I think I do best is, think outside of the box when it comes to fishing.

Not a Dobyns, but a Irod. Bama heavy, rated 1 to 4 ozs. I have 4 of Irods, and very happy with them, they get great reviews, and customer service is awesome. Even though the Gneiss III is priced at $ 149.99, they fish at a much higher price point. Here's a link to see it. https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/iROD_Genesis_III_Series_Casting_Rods/descpage-IRGCT.html

Neither one. Use the right tool, in this case, the right rod for the job. If $$$ is an issue, either save up for a new rig, or bite the bullet and buy what you need asap. That's just my take on it.

I have micro guides on all of my rods, so far they don't present any issues for me. I don't use leaders though.

Mostly blues and rock, I do listen to Country now and then though.

On my spinning rig, size 2500 reel, never went over 8lb test, using mono. Baitcaster, if I had one choice, it would be 12 lb mono. Used these test's for years with out any really bad issues.

ST-36's on mine.

Welp, Dee is back home, after her 3 day stay at the hospital. She looks, and sounds Much better. She wound up with a small shopping bag full of things she needs to take. One thing I told her was, Do Not exert yourself, I'll do whatever needs to be done, she looked at me and just kinda smiled. It's great having her home, she has a long hard road ahead, together we can beat this thing. God Bless all of you..

I've bought used baits. Buying depends on the make, condition, and sometimes, again depending on the bait, will only buy from folks I trust, especially spendy type baits. Having good quality pics of the baits helps too.

Thanks Andy. Matter of fact, I'm the one who almost preaches to Dee, that staying strong has a lot of benefits to getting well. I must admit, these are trying times for me as well, but with all the support from you folks as well as friends and family, my stress level has come way down. Thanks again all.

As an update, again. Dee went Thursday for her consultation. But the Doc's decided with the pain, ect, that they wanted to keep her, to help reduce the pain. Anyway, last night she got her first dose of Chemo, and as of right now when I talked to her on the phone, she sounds Much better. She is due to be discharged today, and will get a script for chemo pills. Just waiting for the Doc's to release her. Once again, Thank you all for the prayers, and good wishes, it really helps a bunch.

For me, I'd take a double cheese burger from in and out any day. Yummmm

Yeah, I could imagine so.

Imho, nothing beats Red Snapper out of the salt water for fish tacos.

I fish those either on the surface or sub surface. They aren't really a wake bait, but can be used as such.

I've have a couple of Storm Arashi wake baits that have pretty good action, and they are affordable too. I have the trout and bluegill patterns. https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Storm_Arashi_Glide_Glide_Bait/descpage-SAGGB.html

I checked a few years ago about the going rate for the Judge, over 150k, I'm sure it's gone up even more nowadays.

Yup, but not as much as my old 1969 GTO Judge is..

Thats really looking good. I sure miss my 1966 Chevelle SS 396.

I must have 20 or so. I just stick em in one of my desk drawers.

Great song by the sorely missed Texan. I have a ton of his works, some are bootlegged that I bought.

Get yourself a couple spinnerbaits, the Strike King in a 1/2 oz, grab the Spot remover, it's a good pattern for local waters.

Same lures I use all year long.

Ditto to what A-Jay said.