Hogsticker

All the above posts are spot on. Skipping = spinning. 30 lb. braid is fine for an all purpose type of line. A spare spool is a great option.

Perhaps, but your not a fish. I fish extremely clear lakes, and I can tell you that using a leader with slow moving presentations where the fish can get a good look at it rather than a quick reflex reaction type of strike is a must. If you want to be productive anyways. If there is even a slight chance it will help, why wouldn't you want to do it? It's no different than presenting your offering in the most realistic fashion possible. Tie the connection knots the night before you go. If your tying good knots correctly the break off should occur at the bait. The leader should last you all day.

I use to think red label was the best bang for the buck fluoro out there. Never had any of the common fluoro issues with it. The best inexpensive stuff I have tried is the new, and I stress "NEW" Sufix fluoro. I've had zero problems with it from management to strength. read the reviews on *** (these one's are actually credible). If you want to spend a little more Sunline Sniper is good stuff. If you decide you just don't like fluoro, which many already have, try a co-poly like Yo-Zuri hybrid.

Can you be more specific? What kind of tip action do you prefer for drop shots? Some like a parabolic rod, some prefer an extra fast tip. I like a softer fast action rod. I currently use a Falcon Cara medium spinning rod, fast action.

P Line Fluoroclear and Yo-Zuri Hybrid are the only two I've ever cared for. Two different animals though. P Line is coated with a thin layer of fluoro, to where Yo-Zuri is fluoro and nylon bonded together. I prefer the Hybrid for most techniques, but only use it on one rod. Braid for all others with P Line Senshi fluoro as a leader.

This really is a great option. Sounds like you don't want to spend a lot. I own that diesel rod you mentioned. Personally, I wouldn't use it for jerk baits. It's to soft IMO. A 6'3 Gen. 1 Cumara may be another option in your price range if you can locate one.

Think Pink

I've been using this leader for about 14 months now. It fill both your requirements very well. Strong, fairly low stretch, ties beautiful knots.

Rabbits

I use the 3.8 on lighter scroungers and chatter type baits with smaller hooks. Its super duper

Aw yes, so the battle of wits begins. Man against bass. Now that you have seen a big one, your going to spend a fortune getting him or trying. I remember my 1st big fish. My uncle told me the same thing. d**n if he wasn't right. I think your best bet is jigging her outta there, or maybe a topwater

Just throwing this out there and take it for what its worth. From what I've been told the Core is going to be discontinued somewhere towards the end of the year. We will likely see price drops at tackle shops, and then the things will sell on Flebay for six grand. A Shimano rep told somebody that at Icast this year Shimano will be releasing a new Chronarch line (I imagine the E's will go on sale to). This reel is suppose to be the US version of the JDM Metanium. Yeah, I'm holding my breath just like everyone else, but it's suppose to retail cheaper than the Core. I think 270-280?

I'm down to 1 spinning rod, and this is the reel I chose to keep. It's a swell little gem. I had a hard time choosing between this and my Daiwa Sol which I regret selling now, but the PP is outstanding. Get one

Just get a Boomerang snip - You won't regret it!

Jerks - Pointer 78's, Damiki Slim Jacks, and Storm twitch sticks. Smaller profile baits with more roll than wiggle. ALSO - Finesse spinner baits, 3/16 to 5/16 oz., 3 inch Senkos nose hooked with a tiny portion of nail weight.

I think it's kind of a Southern thing that carried over to parts of the mid West. Sam Rayburn I believe. I can tell ya they don't work worth a crap in the N.W., however the majority of our waters are clear to very clear.

Thanks fellas!

Yes, them Alphas will spoil ya for sure. I really just did the Fuego out of winter boredom. It's kinda funny cause my TDZ U.S Trails is basically the same thing, but hey, I'm just a knucklehead like that

That's just crazy talk! Craziness I tell you!!

I purchased the spool from a guy on that other forum. TTrap has them for 70 bucks

Chronarch 50e would be my choice. You can also pick up a nib citica e for under a hundred and drop an avail spool into it for about the same cost. You might be surprised how well that reel will handle the lighter stuff with the spool upgrade and and some abec 5s

Shad rap, x rap, rattlin rap, dynamite usually works too. Its funny cause I'm not much of a rapala guy outside the above listed, however looking forward to trying some scatter raps

A split shot rig can me extremely effective on smallies and trout. It's typically my last resort just after a wacky worm. I'll usually just drag a finesse worm, or stick an earplug in a small tube and let it sit. Just be careful, fish will often swallow the bait making a safe release near impossible at times.

Very cool site right here! I reside in Spokane, Wa, and currently find myself chasing smallies and German browns quite often. I grew up in Portland, Or, started fishing at a very young age thanks to a dear friend, and can still recall hooking into my 1st bass on a tube bait on the Willamette river. I enjoy talking tackle, techniques, and sharing my passion and experience with anybody willing to listen to me ramble on. My PB smallie went 5.13, and my PB brownie went 9.14. My 2nd passion is men's college hoops, even though my beloved #1 ranked Zags managed to get knocked out in the 2nd round of the tourney. They still had a great season and I hope to as well!! Fish on brothers and sisters, FISH ON!!!

I'm sure it's been asked before, but I'll ask again. Which do you prefer to throw and why. What sets it apart from the others? I'm looking for the best action, hook, and design. Thanks -