anderb54

If your budget for both rod and reel is $200, I've heard plenty of good things about the Shimano SLX combo. You'll want to have more than $40 left after a reel purchase to put into a rod, especially since it sounds like you'll be using it for a technique that is more enjoyable with a more sensitive rod. If you're not into the combo route, there's plenty of ~$100 rods on the market that get great reviews, and you could pair it with a SLX, Revo X, Fuego CT or something similar.

It doesn't seem to collect anymore than a standard Texas rigged offset hook, at least in my experience. I'd definitely recommend picking up a pack... They seriously extend the life of the baits I use. They also make killer Texas rigged senko hooks

The Owner Twistlock Light is my go to hook for ribbontail type worms. Either a 5/0 or 6/0 for the 10" baits. I find that the durability of the worms is increased with the threaded centering pin that's on it

I'm really partial to the Anetik brand clothing. I also have assorted Simms and Huk brand long tees as well, and both are nice.

All of this, but don't be afraid to throw a walking bait or some type of top water either, especially if you see fish busting on top. If they're suspended at or above the thermocline in deep water, they'll come up for topwater in the right situation in my experience.

PH Custom Walkin' P... Soooooo money

They're not too bad... They have a weight transfer system in them, so they're easier than, say, a Pointer 78. They definitely fish way above their weight.

That perch Ito Shiner does ok up here... I've caught a few on it. Have you tried the Trick Darters?

Might have to snag... I mean, buy, one of his rods when they go on clearance.

I really like the Sunline Shooter, but I've heard people have line management issues with it. If I'm honest, I use it as a leader, but I know the tackletour guys really like it as mainline.

Not particularly, just giving some additional options. I'm not super crazy about the Zodias personally... It's more of a feel and aesthetics thing than a performance thing though. The Expride is a phenomenal rod for the money, and it performs above it's price point in my opinion.

You could certainly do a lot worse than an Expride/Stradic combo. I'd go with the ML. What's you budget? In that Expride range you could go with an Orochi XX Shakeyhead or a Champion Extreme in either the 702 or, if you don't mind the extra length, the 742. The 742 is a special rod.

Tons of guys pair the 894 with the Metanium MGL. It's an insanely smooth reel, and super light. If you don't mind a little extra weight I find that the difference in performance between the Chronarch and Metanium is negligible. Not worth $140 extra in my book. I do love the Aldebaran, and it could handle jig duties (I use mine with finesse jigs a lot), but I just feel a little more confident with a 150 size reel when I put the screws to a fish with big single hooks. Probably more of a mental thing than anything, so take that for what it's worth.

The smoothness of a reels drag is more important than how many pounds max drag it has, in my opinion. I think all of my Shimano reels max out at 11 lbs and I've never had an issue with them. They're also extremely smooth.

+1 for Armillo. I've really began to like that line. OP, is there a reason you don't use/like braid? If sensitivity is important, there's no better line for this. It's also drama free when it comes to line management. I pretty much strictly use braid with fluoro or mono leaders, as many of the guys on here do.

Geez, and I thought my 8' xh with 80 lb braid and an 80 lb Fluoro leader was too light sometimes...

Are you talking about the Gen 1 Orochii DSR, or the Gen 2 Whipsnake? Either way, those are on the extreme end of ML ( Megabass 3 power). Step up to the Orochi XX Shakeyhead, or if you don't mind the extra length, the Enforcer. I have a Destroyer Addermine (3.5 power), and it's as light as I'd go for light TRigs and flukes (depending on how you rig them). I still put that rod squarely in ML territory

I don't use it as a bass lure, but if you're not throwing a 1 oz Yellow 5 of Diamonds for pike, you're really missing out

You've got a pretty legit collection so far. The Gancraft glidebaits are well worth the money, in my opinion. The few times I've had the opportunity to get a Negotiator I've passed it up, because my Jointed Claw 178 is just too productive to take off. That Gantarel gets straight up bit... Keep throwing it.

Croton, Hardy, and Rogers Pond would like to have a word with you. There are some goliath sized smallmouth in all 3 of those reservoirs. The Muskegon River system is one of the most criminally underrated fisheries in Michigan.

No matter the season, I always have a jig tied on. I'd say it's probably my most productive bait.

I have all of the reels you listed, except the Curado DC, and the Aldebaran is my favorite of the 3. The "limiting factor" in my opinion is the line capacity, so things that require a ton of line would be the only downfall. I'm not sure I'd really want to use it for heavy baits either, but that's probably more of a mental thing than anything

I have no complaints about mine... It's been a great little reel. For being as light as it is it's built like a tank. I've landed several 30+ inch pike on it through the ice (when they don't just bite through 3 lb fluoro lol)

I have an Okuma Ceymar C-10 that I use for ice fishing and pair it with my trout/panfish rod in the open water season. It weighs 6 oz. You can find them online for ~$40. I got mine through Tuned Up Custom rods for $45, and it had an upgraded drag washer, which is nice when I get into a bigger fish. https://tunedupcustomrods.com/shop/okuma-ceymar-c-10/

A reload on Pointers and finally got a Rest 108 in the color I wanted