So, here's what I got - what do you suggest?

[CybrSlydr]

I'm currently using this rod, the 6.5' Medium - http://www.***.com/No8_Tackle_Co_BlackOut_Spinning_Rods/descpage-NES.html

I'm using this reel the 4000 size - http://www.pennfishing.com/penn-reels-spinning-reels-penn-battle/penn-battle-ii-spinning/1347894.html

Here are the lures I currently have (I bought them at the local outdoors shop with little to no idea what I was buying)

2-3ft - http://www.bomberlures.com/product/long-a/

4-8ft - http://www.bomberlures.com/product/flat-a/

8-10ft - http://www.bomberlures.com/product/fat-free-shad/

Crawfish - http://www.rebellures.com/rebel-teen...h-fishing-lure

I also picked up these from WalMart recently:

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Booyah-Pond-Magic-Okie-Craw-3-16-Ounce/38430404

I don't have that specific one, I have a black with gold willow/colorado blades and a white with silver willow/colorado blades.

I'm mostly interested in lures as bait fishing doesn't really appeal to me.  While I understand it's a tried and true method, I just cannot muster the desire to sit in a chair while waiting for a bobber to move - especially with the lack of luck we've had with lures.  I'm figuring it's just too dang hot right now and the fish are too far away for us to reach from shore.  I like to be more actively engaged in the process, so spinners, jigs, lures, etc. 

So far, I've caught a catfish with the Flat A (must have been on a slope or the pond was really shallow) and that small bass with the Long A. 

Appreciate the input folks. 

[Catt]

What types of water ya fishing?

[CybrSlydr]

10 minutes ago, Catt said:

What types of water ya fishing?

I have local access to the Muskingum river as well as the AEP ReCreation Lands ponds/lakes.  Possibly sometime this month and definitely next month I'll be hitting up the Alum Creek Reservoir near Columbus.

I figure lakes/ponds will be the majority of my fishing.  Shore-based.

(I was stationed at Fort Polk, I know exactly where Lake Charles is - I believe I bought a Sirius XM radio at the Best Buy there lol)

[Catt]

Ya wanna tailor your arsenal to the bodies of water you'll fish most often.

Texas rigs weighted or unweighed are extremely versatile

Plastics come in a huge selection of colors, shapes, & lengths