Darren.

That's a negative for me @Bertmt, but good luck! Someone will have an answer for ya. Welcome aboard!

Anywhere from 4-15# But of late it has been 6, 8, and 10# fluoro.

The new version, or previous? Either way, that's a nice price.

As for leaders, I use them on every setup. There's a LOT of debate here on this topic, and frankly, it doesn't really matter if you use one or not. Here's my quick reasoning, and it's just one reason, but it's good enough for me: Power Pro and Power Pro Super Slick 8 braids are not the cheapest out there, so I like to keep as much of it on my reels as I can. I tend to retie hooks a number of times during an outing, and by using a leader I don't cut into the braided mainline as often, thereby extending its life a bit. If you learn to tie a good leader knot, be it a uni-to-uni, an Alberto/Albright, an FG knot, you can have 100% confidence in the knot. I know I do with uni-to-uni and mod'd Albright/alberto knots. That argument (leader or not) gets "religious" in nature so suffice it to say, use one or don't. The above is a solid reason for me.

That, too.

Clearly it is something we are doing wrong. Perhaps laughing every time we cast a bubblegum colored lure thinking "this'll never catch any fish" and sure enough it doesn't.

Heh. BIG swim baits, BIG cranks, BIG jigs, BIG baits in general. Oh, and bubble gum colored lures. They work for everyone but me. Everyone else.

Sounds like you got what advice you needed. Never tried the Jackall hooks, but I've eyed them quite a bit when I've visited BPS. Those along with the Gamakatsu G-Finesse wacky jig heads. Both a bit more than I want to spend at this time...

Welcome aboard! Father of 4 boys from 12-19 here! I use 20# on my baitcaster, but @Kidflex's recommendation is solid. For spinning reels I use 10 and 15#. And I use a leader for everything, but it's not a requirement. Reason for braid is that nothing really compares to it when it comes to line management. Especially on spinning reels. No coiling line jumping off the spool....

Welcome aboard! Never fished Orange, Anna or Briery. But the latter two are on my list of fisheries to hit in the near future.

I second that! OR ... worth its weight in bass!!

Welcome aboard! This is the place to find answers to your question! Jig fishing specialists abound

Daiwa definitely makes great reels. Never held a Legalis but I've owned a Lexa and handled many other Daiwas. Good stuff. Though my personal favorite is the Shimano Stradic in a 1000 size. Extra drag handled by the palm of my hand And welcome aboard, @Berta.

Yah, that's quite a bit of breakage... Would significantly change the rod. Edit: I take that back. The second guide is just missing, the rod's not broken, right? In that case, you can take it to a rod repair shop to have them both fixed.

Welcome aboard! Quite a story for your first post!

Nice little feller.

Wow, what a budget for a jig setup!! You have options and more options than I have ever considered. I like what @.ghoti. and @J Francho said. If I had your budget I would definitely look at a custom rod. Spent time drooling window shopping custom rods via Google images and boy there's some nice stuff you could have.

I'm all about testing in-store before buying, so @Choporoz is right there. Of the rods you have mentioned, St. Croix is the only one I've used. I've handled Ducket, but they didn't strike my fancy. Not that it matters since it's my fancy.

Welcome aboard! You're at the right place to fill up your tackle box with more stuff. Just beware, there's this creature that lurks here called the BaitMonkey. Once he's on your back, it's quite difficult to get him off. He will always find a way to make you, no, FORCE you to spend money whether you have it or not. Your two setups now should be able to do a lot of what you need with new tackle like cranks and top- waters. Maybe spend your $ there before jumping in to a baitcaster. Unless of course, your funds allow.

I normally use the jigs on MXF spinning and casting, 1/8 oz is my go-to unless the wind is up... I was using BPS wacky jigs and tying my own weed guard, but they no longer carry them, so that option went out the window. Yes, the Buckeye jigs are too pricey, on that we agree. Looks like the VMC weedguard is the same as Buckeye. I'll still look at those Revenge jigs when I can put an order together. Thanks for the tip on 'em.

A MH spinning rod to replace a broken one I used for single-hook swimbaits.

Unfortunately my Valentine doesn't consider fishing as part of her hobbies as I do... Which is actually OK. At least she encourages me to enjoy the sport! (Which does NOT include buying gear, sadly)...

Just looked those up at TW. Not bad, never considered before, but I might have to try some. I really like the football head on the Buckeye FlickIt hooks, but the wire guard leaves a bit to be desired. Do you trim the weedguard or is it aok (not too stiff) as-is?

Welcome aboard, Chris!

Good topic. Personally, the best I've found -- that is -- the ones I like best, are the Buckeye Flick-It football jig head weighted wacky. Can't remember the last time they went on sale, tho... http://www.basspro.com/Buckeye-Lures-FlickIt-Jigheads/product/10205000/ Prefer black coloration myself.