Cgrinder

Shimano Compre 6'8" MXF is right at $99. If you can't get Fenwicks or Omens, the Compre would be my suggestion.

Some people like an XF for their topwater duty. If you're going St. Croix, 6'8" MXF is where I would start. Avids are probably the way to go, though the Mojo Wacky gets a lot of good press. If you're looking second-hand or interested in spending a little more, the Legend Tournament Bass rods are quite nice.

Has the show gotten better since seasons one and two?

I am surprised that the Monkeys have not joined forces to get you to buy both reels.

In my experience, ***'s tend to prefer lighter reels. I'm with you on your pairings so far.

I am interested to see if there will be a 50/51I at some point.

Probably Medium/Mod-Fast. 6'10" would sound about right to me, but I'm on the tall side. Maybe a light braid, 4-6 lb. diameter. I don't imagine that you're going to be attacking any sort of serious cover here. I would probably throw the cranks you mentioned on a lighter casting rod, but that's just my preference.

You'll need to be more specific with your planned techniques and what you're upgrading from, etc. Out of the mix you've mentioned, I like the Crucial but no one knows very much about the Ghosts yet (they're quite new).

If the Pflueger comes with a spare spool, it's got my vote.

6'10" Elite Tech Smallmouth is a very nice rod that is probably what you're looking for. You might need to wrap the feet of the reel footing in something to get it to be snug in the reel seat, like a few layers of electrical tape. For whatever reason, the Shimano reel footing did not play well with the reel seat on the Elite Tech that I had. There was some serious wiggle room. I think it depends on the individual rod though.

Just speculating. There were good sales on the Chronarch E last fall at some places. It wouldn't be unreasonable, seeing as the Curado is now very close to the Chronarch's price point.

If you don't have to have the latest and greatest, I would anticipate good sales on the Shimano Chronarch 200E when the new Curado hits. I something similar to what you are planning. I started with the Pro Qualifiers and bought a Chronarch when I took my second Pro Q back under warranty.

Savvy 703 is a delightful 3/8 oz spinnerbait rod. I get a lot of use out of mine.

I have not noticed any real tip heaviness on my Cumara A. I have a Chronarch 51E on a 6'8" MF and it is a very nice combo. I would say for certain that the price increase is worth it. However the Crucials are very good rods as well. Nothing against them; I just really like my Cumara. They fish a little heavier than the lure ratings I would say. My M is rated 1/8-1/4 oz and I don't have any problems with a 1/4 oz jig and plastic.

Tackle Warehouse has sales throughout the year. I got my *** there for $80-ish shipped last Memorial Day.

I'd be looking for used or sale reels at that price point. None of the reels listed really wow me.

Sort of interested. I need a Heavy rod and the price is very reasonable. I wonder if BPS will carry these.

Ah, you must be enjoying the cold weather we're having! Welcome.

Straight braid works for me, though I have neither your CA bass or CA weeds here.

The $800 was in reference to another poster's Cumara/Conquest 50 combo. Though $800 is high even for that. Secondhand, you can do $600 easy. I raid the flea market on a regular basis and one of my favorite combos is from there, a Savvy 703 with a Citica D on it. It sees mostly 1/4 oz jigs and 3/8 oz spinnerbaits with a little jerkbait action thrown it. I also have a Cumara A with a Chronarch 50e on it. It's my dedicated Senko rod. A Chronarch 200e on a MH *** comes in third. It did frog duty during the summer and it's been on Sammy duty since the pads died. For spinning, I have a Sedona on a St. Croix Triumph. It's nice for just about everything and makes a good all-around setup for pond-hopping. There's also a Quantum Smoke casting reel and a Stradic 1000 MGFB in reserve. I tend to acquire gear throughout the summer and then downsize over the winter. We'll see what stays. Was this more along the lines of what you were looking for in a response?

With the holidays and the "off season" coming, you could possibly get a heck of a reel for $129 (or less) on the secondary market.

You should consider the Cumara A. 7'2" MXF would do you nicely.

Yep, same "problem". All Shimano reels and each reel is on a different brand of rod. After acquiring a Savvy, I have a desire to go all-Dobyns, but then I couldn't have Cumaras, LTB's, or ***'s.

Plenty of Zillions on the secondary market for under $200. I'm waiting on Tatula Type-R reviews before I make a move. I've been eyeing a Zillion Coastal for a long time.

I can't say that the ball bearings matter, but the mag brakes are pretty good for skipping.