Teal

Yes. The Lews Tourney reel is a good.entry level reel that i feel out performs it's price. What I like in a reel for heavy cover is a good drag system. Doesn't have to be 21lbs.of drag like Abu Garcia makes. Just needs to be a smooth consistent drag thst goes to the 12-14 range. While in most situations my drag is set no more than 3.5 lbs, when I'm punching heavy mats, I will lock it down. As for the rod, I'm not super familiar with the 13 rods. They were all the rage that first year they came out. But if it is a Heavy or Extra Heavy then your are where you Wana be. Sounds like a solid set up. No need to change unless you see a problem. The only thing I might do is put 65 lb braid on it. 50 is fine for a lot of pitching situations but later on this summer when those mats get real thick, thst 65 is gonna be what you want. But 50 is probably fine right now in February and early spring, unless you are in FL. For Tru flipping and for punching I love the length of thst rod.

Good review

Costas. Wiley X is pretty good too for a fraction of the price

Natural Gas ..

I was a police officer for almost 10 years. Most fun you can have with your pants on. Currently in the vegetation and roadside turf management industry.

Been using lighter ones on trick worms for years.

That fish is a beast.

The the right reel matched up with the right rod,you can fish weightless plastics on casting gear and even do it in tight spots that require skipping and pin point casting. I do both. Senkos and more dense platics, I'll fish on a medium casting rod. But for the pin point precision skips and roll casts I'll generally just use a spinning set up. Op, if why not go with a used Cumara since.ypu already like them. Ebay can be your friend.

I have the t rod in xf for both top water water and jerk baits. Light mono works well for both.

I hope you enjoy your new rods. Ive.had the Endurance 723s for a couple years now and have used them for pretty much everything. I hope the new.powells work out for you.

100 bucks for a good quality combo is tough. For this one, I wouldn't get my heart set on any specific rod or reel brand. Find the sales or a used set up. As far as what, look for a 6'6"-7' mh/ fast

Jigs is my favorite. But I have tried to skip a lot of baits including senkos, soft platic worms and craws, flukes, both plastic and hollow frogs, and not as easy to skip but I've been known to skip hard jerr baits under docks. Deadly this time of year.

This! We are the same!

Hey Clayton, it's been a while buddy. I hope you are doing well. I've been blessed. My wife and I are on the same page with my son. Even when I on the road working, she is steadfast in our way of discipline. We spank our 4y/o. We also use a mix of talking when we can get away with it. You in a tough spot. But it is relatively simple. Obviously you two are not made the same way. She is taking the easy rout as a parent and giving in to children. You see the discipline even if it sucks as the parent as an investment; your kids will turn out ok. To me, unless she makes a serious change in parenting, she is not a compatible mate. Simple as that. You don't want years and tears invested in something that is destined to not be right. Keep your head up, keep the dialog going, and keep your kids as your first priority Clayton, you are a good dad. You Will do whatever is best. I got faith it that.

Hardest hit... idk I think it was on finesse jig I skipped under a dock. A small bass about 1.5-2lbs slammed the jig so hard It nearly took then rod from me. I've had some hard hits but most the hardest ones were smaller bass. Stripes are another story. I had 28" striper on a live shad that hit me hard.

To answer your question regarding line. To me, line size isn't so much about what you are throwing but where you are throwing it. 12# floro can be just fine. My lakes are full of aquatic vegetation during summer so I use braid.

Don't try Senko on the c rig. It doesn't work.

Blue nailed it. Just remember that it's not summer time. Slowww way down. But, yeah, docks will hold fish. No floating docks on my home lake. So I look Docks in sun and deeper docks. Work every pole you can cast to...do it slowly. Dude you are on point with your bait selection. 5

8-10# mono

Yeah man. I'm still here. I've been on the road for six months, sold my boat, and life is slowing back down now.

Same here.

Smith and wesson .38 with a crimson trace laser. I carry a s&w 340pd it's a 357mag. It's a cannon with a short barrel. The .38 is way to go. I like the reliability of a revolver. I agree with slone. I only need a 5 shots. The entire idea of ccw, is to get someone off you. Not to endure a long firefight

Spiderwire ultimate braid

I just fish. Lol. What you call it doesn't matter... I just fish

Thanks guys!