Arv

Texas rig, usually w/ a 1/4oz weight. Rage Tail Recon is my favorite worm and I use an EWG for that. If I don't need to use an EWG hook I try not to, but is it wrong, I don't think so.

I think I've pegged a weight once. I've never really felt the need. IMO, if I'm gonna get hung up, I'm gonna get hung up.

That is a sexy choice. I'm also thinking the new Chronarch might not look too bad either

I just got a 7'1 MHXF Shimano Cumulus today. The rod feels great so far although I'm not 100% on how it balances with my Lews TP, which is the only kind of reel I have. I was wondering what you guys have used on this rod that might balance a bit better. Thanks in advance.

I had a villain but sold it a while back. Not a bad rod. 80 seems like a good deal for it. If you are willing to spend around 140ish I'd look else where for a rod. Lots of good options in that 100-150 range.

Avid or endurance

I've seen it done before and it worked fine. Not my choice but if you get the right equipment it should be doable

You can usually find a used tierra around that price. I have 2 and they are my only 2 spinning reels

Assuming you're using a bc reel since you mentioned birds nests. I think if you go 30 to 50# you'll be fine. Lower is definitely doable, but may not be as manageable as the lines with thicker diameters

Probably a medium heavy power rod with a moderate action. 6:1 gear ratio on the reel.

I've liked regular power pro, super slick and suffix 832 the most so far.

More info will help. That's one rod out one reel for me. Others might be a full combo. Others wouldn't be able to buy a rod or a reel with that much.

OK.

This is going to get a million different responses. Most of what I've heard is that the nrx is the most sensitive rod right now.

I lip pretty much everything

Had I not just bought a Cumulus I'd definitely be grabbing one or two. They're already a good deal on sale. Double sale. That's hard to resist.

Rage tail. Then probably jigs

Both are great but I'd lean towards the endurance. I had the 723cef and the m1 heavy and for whatever reason, usually had the 723 in my hands.

This would be where I'd start as well

Also a chatterbait.

I'd use the warranty and get the new cumara. The blank is excellent imo. The major gripe I hear is over the small handles. I haven't used the casting version but the spinning rod never bothered me.

I wish you'd cut it out. Talking fishing gear is serious business.

St. Croix Avid or Rage, Powell Endurance or Max, Phenix M1 or Recon, Fenwick Smallmouth or Aetos. The Daiwa Tatula has been getting a lot of love lately too. If you are OK with buying used you can probably pick up a much nicer rod if you're patient. I have 5 Dobyns Champion Extremes, 4 of which I bought for just over $200

Any solid reel with high speed gears should do it. You determine how much you want to spend because you could get suggestions from $100 - 600 that will all so the job.

I use braid on everything