Hammer 4

Maybe tell us what size, and weight baits you would want to use, this would help recommending a rod and reel.

I use the 50 lb smackdown, so far I have no issues with it. It does what it's suppose to do.

Oh boy, this could get a gazillion different answers...I'll wait to see how this goes.

There's guy, in his 60's that had been fishing a local park lake. He only used 1 type of worm, a 7" ribbon tail in Grape. Not so unusual, but he's caught the biggest bass out of lake, one went 12 lbs, and a few over 10 lbs..And as you may have guessed, a bunch of the locals started tossing the same bait.

True..Along with that, I think sometimes folks get in a hurry, and don't tie them properly and wind up having knot failures, especially true with a Palomar knot, and using Fluro..

The Cardiff will be a good starting point..

For the price, I was happy with it, never had any problems as I kept it well maintained. But in comparison to my old 301 E Curado, no contest. Then again the 301 cost almost $ 100.00 more.

You could get away with a 200 size reel for the 2 oz baits and under, however as Tom pointed out, throwing the 3 oz and heavier baits will be a problem, meaning your casts will be much shorter than if you used a 300 size reel, been there, done that. I used that same Okuma rod with a 201 Cardiff, and tried throwing 3 1/2 oz baits, really never could get em out there far enough, then I bought a 301E Curado, and then the distance was way better, and much easier to cast. Like Boat Squirrel, I use the same set up for my 6" Huds.

I have a few spinnerbaits that are about 15 yrs old. They fish just as well as a few of the new (2019) spinnerbaits I bought. Is there a difference..? Can't say for sure, the components look very similar to me.

I use the same sizes and colors..

Thinking back to the early 80's, all my t rigs were fished mainly with a spinning outfit on 8 lb test, as were some of my jigs. When I bought my first baitcaster, I spooled it with 10 lb, figuring better safe than sorry. Even in the 90's up until about 2001, 10 lb mono was my heaviest line, but I was still using 8 or 10 lb for t rigs.Then I tried a spool of 12 lb Yozuri ultra soft, it became my go to line. Other than using braid for swimbaits, frogging, and some bottom stuff in really heavy slop, 12 lb was the max. Just for giggles, I've caught some decent bass, over 5 lbs on 6 lb mono and FC.. As Tom mentioned, about folks using what I consider much heavier line than is sometimes need. Until I start breaking off due to to light of a line, I'll continue to use as light of line that I can get away with. I've caught saltwater fish that fight WAY harder, and have TEETH, on 10 lb test..

Re: the mono part.. Tell that to all the bass I've caught throwing a jig on mono.

I have both of those reels. I would be tempted to go with the Fuego. I use mine for froggin.

Ideally you would use braid for frogging, and either fluro, or mono for jigs. If you had to use a line for both, I would choose a good mono, like 15 to 20 lb Big Game mono..If you fish heavier cover, then 20, sparse or little cover then 15 lb.

Yup, just save the plastic end caps, wrap the tip in Styrofoam, or bubble wrap.

I'd give this a try. 2.8 kietech on a weedless beasty underspin, fished Very slow right off the bottom. https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Owner_Flashy_Swimmer_with_CPS_2pk/descpage-OFSCP.html

8: 1...Diawa Fuego..Great reel.

Well, the Fury cost's a tad more. Quality wise I would say they are pretty even. I've owned Dobyn's rods in the past, and liked them. I don't think you can go wrong with either of them, I just prefer the Diawa XT rods.

The Sahara is in fact metal. Just checked mine.

Back on topic... Not all swimbaits are fished the same way. Very different techniques depending the type of bait, what depth your targeting fish at, water temps, cover, and so on. I fish soft bodied baits a bit different that say a jointed hard bait, also the time of year plays a part in how one would fish them. Knowing the brand and type of swimbait would be important to give a educated answer.

Keep in mind, the Sahara does Not have the reverse lever any longer. I bought one about 3 months ago, and it sits, cuz I use the reverse lever often. Otherwise, a good reel.

This ^^^^ I've caught 6 lb white sea bass on a Sahara 2500 spinning reel with 8 lb hybrid line. Keep in mind these fish being in salt water Fight 10 times harder that any fresh water bass you may encounter. I've never had an issue using a size 2500 reel even for a 7 lb rainbow trout.

6 or 4" Roboworm, in various colors. Usually MM, MM II, or hologram shad. Using the lightest weight possible.

Sad day..RIP Mr. F.L. Woods.

Have a look at this 6" trout swimbait, IIRC this sold at close to $200.00..Back when I bought mine, it was $150.00. https://www.316lurecompany.com/Top-Hook--Line-Thru--6-Freestyle-Trout_p_72.html