BASSclary

You want the MH (703C) It gets confusing sometimes when every rod manufacturer uses different numbers

Yep, those HSTA's are very nice (: Im saving up my pennys for a Lexa though come september, those things look killer!

They're in my signature.

The would just use the ugly stick for top-water. I like 8-10 lb mono.

Powell Max 7' M/XF spinning rod, paired with a Daiwa Exceler High Speed spinning reel. As for line, it's hard to beat good ole braid on spinning as to not have line memory/twist issue. That'll be the best bang for your buck combo, and he really wont need anything more than that. I feel no need to buy anything more than Powell's, because I can feel everything, and they are as light as can be! That should only run you about $250, and if you buy at Tackle Warehouse you'll have no sales tax (Except CA) and free shipping!

Yup, i'd definately go with the 50 size if they have it. If not, the 200 size will be great as well.

I'd go with a 7'3" H or XH with an extra fast tip

There only really difference is size. The 300 is what you want for monster swimbaits, and saltwater. Its not very good for most bass techniques. You definately want the 200 size, and if your throwing lighter baits the 50 size would be even better.

150 you say? There is absolutely NO better rod than a Powell Max. I own 3, and plan on buying more. They're just simply amazing for only 139. Check out my review I did here on them, http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/104608-powell-max-review/

Your revo will do just fine for frogging. For your rod, I'd highly recommend you look at the Powell Max Frog rod. They're only 169, and from all the Powells I have (No frog rod though) I wouldn't trade them for a Loomis. They're by far the best rods you can get for less than 200 dollars, and they feel very lightweight and crisp, but have all the backbone you'll ever need. If you search for a review on Powell Max rods here, you'll find one I wrote a couple weeks ago.

Daiwa is superior to all, (Except maybe Lews) But on a SHE-MAN-O biased forum, I know I will never win the battle. Not enough people.\ Now however, on Tackle Tours forum, They are Daiwa biased. Also, when you join the Dark Side (Daiwas), you will also pay alot more for all those crazy awesome JDM Daiwas that they refuse to give to the USDM. And you're not the only one with warning points, I've got one. But its from way back in 2010.

I like a mix of both. I can do minute movements to the rod with my right hand, so for finesse and pitching/flipping, I use a lefty reel, just because I'm only picking up slack line. However, for moving baits I cant stand LH! The motion feels awkward and my hand will slip off. For any moving technique I MUST go righty. And for spinning, it's always lefty. I think preference has a lot to do with whether or not the reel is on top, or below the rod. Just MHO

i swear to beer i wasn't drinking god, LOL

The Daiwa Lexa for sure. It looks like it could be a new killer in the 150 range for daiwa, similar to what the Curado E did. Time will tell though.

IMO, any SHIMANO rod under the compre just isn't up to snuff with the competition. They just feel heavy, and sort of unrefined. There are much better choices out there, like the Powell Diesel, St.Croix Triumph, Daiwa T-Series, Abu Veritas, and the Shimano Compre. Also, since you mentioned ordering online, I only order from Tackle Warehouse. No sales tax outside of Cali, and free shipping over $50 all day everyday. Also, the Kistler looks like a good deal, but it might be too heavy for what you want. I would pass on all the rest

I've noticed that it seems like Quantum reels have a signature "whirrrr" or "Humm" to them. I guess it's just the braking system.

Snagged a football jig on something, came back a week later, im fishing, and I snag that jig right back up, with just a small bit of rust on the bottom of the head! I was happy (: lol

Please explain how to hold it on with a tooth pick, i've never heard of that

I go to bed at 3 am, and wake up around 11 am, so a good 7 hrs for me.

I though showing the packaging and how it comes would be good, because If they just slammed everything in a grocery bag, I think people would want to know that it comes in a nice box with cards. Just my humble opinion

I always worry about things like, "Mystery Bags" Sure, one out of every 100 or so will get something nice, but the other 99 bags are usually full of crap. They're in it to make money, not to give you a superb mystery deal.

A shimano is just as disposable. I've had three Curado 50Es take a dump on me, all with a different issue. The only reason I keep buying them is I found a local place to get the E's for cheap.

Hitting banks, I carry at most, three. I bring what I think i'll need for that water at the time of year and conditions. However, If I had a boat.... We'll you can bet i'll throw the kitchen sink.

Spooks, poppers, buzzbait, frog, anything on top.