Cornsnaggler

You may be setting the hook too hard!....Todays sharp hooks often dont require the "cross their eyes" mentality of old.

Make it simple and inexpensive for a topwater rod...Composite glass rod....Less missed fish(forgiving tip) ,fewer broken rods,strong, and dirt cheap.......Great fun too!......Leave the high end rods for other presentations!..... :

Brett, yu think that bigger bass is nice, shoulda seen the smallie I lost today on potatoe.......I'm sure it as a 5lber?....

Dont worry about expensive equipment out of the chute....Just get a MH rod, Shimano reel, 30lb braid, and learn to fish plastics by going out fishin, preferably with someone with a bit of experience....It will all come to you in short order, then expand lure choices.....Have at it!..... 8-)

Brett faked the pics!.....I should know, I'm his dad!.... 8-)