fishindad

Tube TRD (Ned rig) Keitech Fat Swing Impact Senko In that order

In-line spinner like the Mepps Aglia/Vibrax/Rooster Tail (size 0-3) or 1”-3” white single tail grub on a jighead (1/16th-1/4th oz). Will catch almost every species that swims.

There is nothing like seeing (and hearing) bass blow up on top. My favorite these days I a Chug Bug in bone. Don’t give up on topwaters. Having the “right” combo helps. As does having poppers, prop baits and walking baits at the ready and keep switching until you see what they want and try different pauses. I fish topwaters here in MI from postspawn until late Fall. Mornings and evenings being best but they’ll hit em mid day too. I miss it already!

If going St Croix, I completeyl agree with the others that the M is more what ypu want rather than the MH. St Croixs tend to run on the heavier side in terms of power. That said, Dobyns makes some awesome sticks in their Champion series. Their 705CB would be perfect for the squarebills, bladed jigs and blade baits you mentioned.

Yup, I’ve been fishing from a 2002 Alumacraft multi species rig and have boated my fair share of big smallies and largemouth bass. There’s not many times I wish I had a bigger rig because when it gets too rough for me the bass boats also get off the water. I’ve upgraded the trailer, TM and electronics since and have no desire to bigger, heavier setup since I mostly fish solo. I’m looking to get a used kayak to fish the many small rivers here in the mitten state.

Welcome, Blaine, from Washtenaw county!

If you want to stay with St Croix I would agree with FishTank and get the Legend Glass M or MH. You’ll probably need 2 rods since I’m surprised you felt the SC M fast was underpowered. If you’re on a budget then get the Cashion since you’ve had your hands on it (I’ve never fished one but am sure it’s a nice crankin rod).

Regarding the opinion that spinning tackle is “new” to bass guys in the last 10 years, some of the finest bass anglers ever have fished with spinning rods: Billy Westmoreland, Tom Mann, Guido Hibdon, Charlie Brewer, Jerry McKinnis, Al Lindner - over 50 years ago. Most of today’s Elite pros from the Midwest and Canada grew up with spinning rods. To the OP, the Falcon “swim jig” rod (7’2” MH mod fast) is perfect for traps and square bills.

I have and use a SC legend extreme 7’ MLF for dropshot and Ned. My buddy prefers his Avid MLXF rod. I use 6 and 7 lb Sniper so I like having a more parabolic action of the MLF St Croix. I think it depends on what lines, weights, baits you plan to use. If you dropshot Texas style the MLXF may work better for you.

I haven’t fished the jackhammers but throw and have success with the Picasso version. And I know what you mean about not wanting to lose lures - we have big toothy critters (muskies) that have stolen more than a few $$ jerkbaits!

Thanks, A-Jay and agree 100% anglers often get caught up in fine details vs "right time-right place" (easier said than done). After Jay Yelas whacked 'em on St Clair on a chatterbait recently, no question it's a proven big smallie bait and I am pretty sure he used a Zako trailer, since he's sponsored by GYCB (lucky guy). And often the hardest part is locating the brown monsters, at least on big water. PS: those are some awesome footballs ya' got there! I can understand why the Jackhammer is always tied on!

I’m curious A-Jay if you think I’m success was more due to the trailer or the Jackhammer? Did you try fishing the Jackhammer with a different trailer as well as the Thunder goby on a jighead? My guess would be you’d have similar (or almost) results with say a Fat Impact in Ayu since the smallies are so aggressive hitting the chatter they probably don’t focus so much on the trailer. Don’t get me wrong I’m a firm believer in fishing what gives you confidence just curious if you tried fishing the goby by itself..

So far, tube is MVP for smallies since it accounted for year’s biggest (21”er). For greenies, a swim jig with a Keitech or Rage swimmer as trailer.

Exactly same as NYWayfarer

In no particular order: Poor Boy’s tube, 4” GY Senko, 5” and 4” GY Fat Ika GY single tail grub, 5” Keitech Swing Impact Fat, 3.8 Jackall Crosstail Shad Don Iovino Fat Boy worm, 4.5” Zman TRD