Jrob78

The only baits I would ever even consider using a snap for are crankbaits, and then only a snap, never a swivel. I don't use snaps with crankbaits but a lot of people do. I would never use a snap on a jig, soft plastic, spinnerbait or anything else. Practice tying good knots and don't use snaps. Definitely don't use swivel snaps.

A DVR is a must!

I used to have Time Warner. They offer a sporting package (here in TX) that includes The Outdoor Channel and the Sportsman Network. I think it's an extra $7 or so a month. TW doesn't carry WFN. Outdoor Channel and Sportsman Network show more hunting than fishing but do have some good fishing shows. A dvr comes in real handy.

Get a pair of Texas Tackle Split Ring Pliers, they are awesome! The other guys are correct, a size 4 short shank is what I have on my 1.0's too. I use a size 2 on 1.5's and size 1 on 2.5's. As long as the hooks don't get hooked on one another, you shouldn't have any problems.

I use a Powell Max 702c for the same techniques from time to time. It's a good topwater rod.

If I remember correctly I run the KVD Short Shank Triple Grips in a size 6 on 1.0's. I would have to look to verify but i'm pretty sure a 4 is too big.

I like the E5 Shimanos, (Curado or Chronarch) and the Gen 2 Revo Winch. If I were buying a new cranking reel today, I would look hard at the Daiwa Lexa.

You're on the right track. I would get a 7' medium heavy/fast casting rod and a reel with a gear ratio in the 6's. Make sure your reel has an aluminum frame and not graphite. This combo will be good for t-rigs, jigs, spinnerbaits...etc. I would get a 7' medium or medium light, fast action spinning rod with a 2500 size reel. This combo will be good for drop shots, shaky heads, wacky worms and anything that is too light for your casting combo. Learn what these 2 combos do well and do poorly and expand from there, down the road. Your Ugly Stik might make a good crankbait rod. They normally have a slower action.

Skeletor is right, cranking rods are the exception, they do not usually make good general purpose rods. Their actions are too slow for a lot of techniques.

Rod companies have started putting techniques on rods so that people will think they need a rod for every technique. It's mostly a sales pitch. In general, any rod that says "spinnerbait", "worm", "jig", "frog", "soft swimbait" is a general purpose rod. The only differences will be the length and the power. A spinnerbait rod isn't going to be as powerful or as long as a frog rod. The rod doesn't care what bait you use it for.

Ish's Phat Frog or Jackall Iobee Frog.

I wouldn't want my frog to sink either.

People will disagree with me but I feel like $120 is about where you need to start to get a quality rod OR reel, not both. There are exceptions but not many. You will find more for your money on the used market.

One of the main things (IMO) scents do are cover up human odors. Gasoline from filling up, cigarette smoke, soap...etc. Anything natural that will help mask those things should improve your fishing. I wouldn't hesitate to use a craw scent on a worm or crankbait or any other bait.

WFN definitely has its weak points but I still watch it at least three times more than I watch anything else. There are a few shows and hosts I can't stand but for the most part it's worth watching.

Think of Sufix Elite as Trilene XL and Sufix Siege as Trilene XT. I don't use a lot of mono but Elite is the one I use when I do.

Also, 17# is pretty heavy for light t-rigs. The heavier the line, the harder it will be to cast and the more memory it will have. Next time you buy fluoro, (if there is a next time) get a better brand and get it in 12# test. With KVD L&L you should have no problems.

I like the Yellow Magic, Zell Pop and Lucky Craft S8 Popper.

They're 2 completely different things. KVD cranks are shallow square bills made of plastic. Most Rapala cranks, (DT line) are standard round bill cranks, offered in depths from shallow to deep and are made of balsa. Both are good baits and have their place but are apples and oranges.

For the baits you will be throwing, I would go with the MH rod. Especially if the rods are specified to have a "medium or medium fast" action. To me, that indicates the action will be slower than a traditional fast. You could probably get by with a med power but a mh will allow for better hook sets. In general, I like a 7'-7'3" MHF for most t-rigs, Senkos and Flukes. I have that particular "medium action, medium power" Micro guide Bucoo and I wouldn't use it for t-rigs or flukes. I like it for small poppers, small cranks and small jerkbaits. It doesn't have the power for setting large worm hooks and the action is slower than I like for soft plastics. Your mileage may very though.

I know for a fact that some of the first A-rig rods were built on existing swimbait blanks. I think that rod would work well for your needs and would be a lot better than using your spinnerbait rod.

I know you said your guide inserts are good and I assume this is how you checked them but it never hurts to repeat it for anyone else who might read this. Get Q-tips and run them all the way around the guide inserts, if there are any cracks the Q-tip will leave strands of cotton behind. If there are any cracks, it can wreak havoc on line, especially thin braid. You might also try pulling off 10yds or so of line in case it got nicked up from fishing or from wind knots.

Looks like you're wearing her shirt in your avatar, I don't see what the big deals is.

I've gotten to where I try to buy multiples of just a few colors. I like to have a shad, a bluegill and a bright, normally chart/black, blue/chart or firetiger. The H20 baits are great, especially for the money. They have excellent paint jobs and decent components. They also make a silent version now. The KVD cranks and XCalibur XCS cranks are also very good for the money.

I've worn Oakley's for years and have always been happy with them. Ive probably had 8 pair over the past 15 years, I wear them everyday and they always hold up well. I take care of my glasses though. The polarized lenses do cost more but are well worth it. I am considering Costas for my next glasses purchase though. Get a good pair of glasses, take care of them and they will take care of you. Don't skimp on glasses.