lmbfisherman

Number 3 - I use that same exact rod for what you want to use it for.

I don't get the hype, guess I'm not impressed? Personally I like my PQs over my Lexas.

I have a local shop who was willing to replace my 11 year old Shimano V Rod with the latest Crucial because of the reel seat is loose. Seems good to me, I guess you're just not in luck around there.

I owned 3 Compre's 7'1" Medium and MH Fast and also a Heavy Fast rod. They were solid sticks. I also own a Veritas, comparing the two I'd pick the Compre because of the lifetime warranty. Overall they are close in performance, but I also like the actions better on a Shimano rod. Both have decent sensitivity, however if you can I'd save another 50 bucks and buy a Crucial. The difference in sensitivity is major. I would also check out if you aren't set on a Shimano to check out the Fenwick lines. I really want to try a HMG newer version, they have impressed me with the other lines (Aetos and ET Smallmouth) that I am willing to bet they are great sticks too.

My number one goal, to go out more and take my Kayak out more than last year.

I can't "compare" the brands, I can only comment about my experiences with the GLXs I own. Simply put, they are hands down the best contact rod I've ever used. When I fish with them, not only does it perform great...it just feels like an extension of your arm...like you were holding nothing. I own a 854, 853 and 894, best investment I ever paid. I plan to buy a NRX 895 before the summer, which I hear is even better than a GLX.

At my local lake there is a spot I always go that the baby bass hang out in the early morning. (Fingerlings) I always hit that spot, they are just as good as a school of shad/baitfish.

Same here!!!!!!!!!!!!!! x3 and even more some.

I have one and it is super smooth. Get it!

Number one rule. DON'T BUY A CHEAP BAITCASTER! Buy a quality reel and learning will be a lot less frustrating.

Wow just realized my last post was post number 1000...Sweet!

I really really try to be better. This year I did focus on trying to get better with the Drop Shot, Crankbait and actually catch fish with a Senko. (The year prior I kept getting blanked) I did improve significantly on two of the three goals (Senko and DS). However, crankbait I was not so successful. The downside trying to focus on getting better at these areas, I neglected my favorite way of fishing (jigs). Although not on my list of goals, 2013 was the year of soft jerkbaits for me. I set my PB for Smallmouth and Large mouth...and caught tons of pike using a Zoom Super Fluke. It was my big confidence bait this season, normally it is jigs and spinnerbaits.

I use braid mainline and will use Floro or Yo-Zuri/P-Line, 10 to 12# as a leader.

Try Fenwick Elite Tech 2pc. Don't have much input on 2pc really as I am now strictly 1 pc guy.

Wow great dedication, however you must tell us what you GOT! We're all dying to know.

Ditto here! Last year I was able to get rid of some stuff that allowed me to upgrade. I'm hoping this year I can do the same.

With the equipment you listed I'd focus on plastics. As in weightless Texas Rig, Drop Shot, Senkos (Wacky or Texas Rigged) and Splitshot. The problem with this setup would be that you do not have a quick "search bait". If you are planning on increasing your arsenal, I'd say get a 6'6"-7' MH/F rod for Spinnerbaits and would be a great all around rod for all types of techniques. I think Spinnerbaits are more "versatile" baits than a crankbait. Mainly because you can let a SB drop to the bottom and dead stick it or add a trailer. Of course not knowing the ratings/brand of your rods you maybe able to fish a 3/8 to 1/2 oz SB without having to go up a power. For example - I can fish 1/2 oz spinnerbaits on a St. Croix M/F Avid and not feel like it is under powered, because St. Croix ratings tend to be more than suggested.

I use straight braid for pitching/flipping and don't think it's an issue if the fish sees it or not. I even use high-vis yellow too and never had an issue. However, I don't use high-vis in certain situations....like using a spinnerbait or drop shot, in those cases I will use a leader.

I use to use mono for cranks, but now I use a Co-Poly/Hybrid strictly - Yo Zuri or P-Line, it is really up to you which you like better.

I have used it for all types of applications.

As for braid with leaders. Like others, I have braid as main line and use at the minimum leader length of my fishing rod in general.

It sounds like the hook set, by no means though am I "an expert". I usually just do a quick lift/pop, from what I'm understanding on how you are setting the hook. (I drop through rod tip maybe 6") Maybe this is too much slack when you do the hook set? I usually don't drop the tip, when I feel something I just lift/pop.

I'm assuming you are looking at a spinning rod/reel? I normally prefer 2 pc rods so I'm not sure if the following suggestions can come in two 2pcs. 6'9" Fenwick Elite Tech Smallmouth rod - M/XF 100 Shimano Symetre 2500 FL $100 This is identical basically to my set up - with the exception mine is a 1pc and the Symetre is 2500 FI - I use it for a lot for Soft Jerkbaits, but I have used it as a DS rod, shaky head and wacky rigged senkos 5" range.

BPS PQ everyday, especially at the sale price.

This is what I don't like about fishing: 1. Not enough time to do it, I'm always wanting to go out..but having little ones doesn't give me the luxury of going out all the time. 2. In Ontario - not only do you get hard water, but the bass season goes by FAST! 3. Like the OP those annoying guys who leave their garbage every where. This season I didn't notice as much as I spent more time on a kayak. 4. Not enough money to get what I want! My wish list keeps getting bigger and bigger, this industry is a money pit.