WanderLust

What price range you looking at? Shimano Compre tough to beat for the price. Powell MAX also a decent stick for the money. On the pricey end there are a million great options. St. Croix LTB Big Cranker or Avid Medium Moderate is a great choice and it only gets better from there.

Ugly Stick lite was my favorite rod for a while... Now I just use it for cranking or a lend a friend rod. Shimano Compre on sale or lightly used is a great rod for the money.

I've used both and currently own a Lews Tourney pro. I prefer the Lews, it performed great all season. That being said, its currently for sale in the flea market but I'm just thinning the herd a bit.

870 is tough to beat for this purpose. Add a tactical light and quality 00 = you tried to rob the wrong house.

Nice job man!

Baby hog is money as well. Fat IKA decimates for me all season.

1) Lucky Craft SP100 Pointer in Shad, Perch or Blue Gill 2) Spinnerbait / chatterbait 3) Jigs & soft plastics I always use depending on conditions Jerkbaits are money as the water cools... Last year I have a few 20+ fish days just using them.

I fished tubes alot last year but the Fat IKA has almost completely replaced them. Add a nail weight or screw in bullet weight and it's a super versatile bait. Weedless tube jig is the best rigging technique I've found.

Fat IKA Baby Rage Craw Senko style worm

Rage Baits rock but if you want to pull people away from a certain other grub I would highly recommend... *COUGH* Smoke with black pepper *COUGH*

GYCB got my vote as the Fat IKA is pretty much the best bait on the planet... and I love the Rage series of baits as well.

Of course remember to keep your rod tip pointed at the jig...

I use my Winch / Avid MHM for medium \ deep cranking and its awesome. For smaller cranks I typically use a 6.x.

Shimano Compre is a superb rod for the money. Ultimate crankin stick for me is the St Croix Avid AVC70MM or AVCMHM so if you can find one of those in your price range that would be sick. I have a Powell Max as well but its a lightweight bottom contact but crankin so I won't comment.

My 3D Deer Target... It moves so you can quarter towards or away. I have a little under 50 yards to practice.