The Doctor

You sparked my curiosity...what have you had better luck with?

I think this topic got off topic haha I'm not a pro. I could probably convince you with my gear tho haha.

I had trouble with a quantum code red (i think thats what it was called). It was around $100. I had some real problems with it. Returned it for a Shimano which i stick with exclusively now.

Thats a nice set up. The new citicas are built similar to the curados (the curado being a bit more polished/refined). The citica works great, I've never had any problems with them and they have enough drag to pitch cover with. Great reel. Much better than the old version of citica.

I've had good results with the P-Line CX as well. I throw it with crankbaits on baitcasting gear as it has a thin diameter. So I throw 15# b/c it is the equivalent of 12# diameter. The extra strength is nice. I don't ever have memory issues on baitcasting gear with it. Never broke on me either, even with 5-6# smallies. Spinning gear? haha I have problems with everything so I go braid with a flouro leader but that's a whole different story.

P-Line CX makes a 15# test line that is the diameter of 12# test. I've enjoyed that line for $7 (300 yards) its pretty solid. It casts well on a baitcaster, has a bit of stretch (as does all mono and flouro) for those spinnerbaits and treble hook lures. But best of all it's never broken on me.

Dude, I'm sure it is the line as your others work fine.... but just in case, check the eyes of your rod, make sure there is nothing fraying that braid. Nobody wants any heart breakers!

1. Ribbontail worm 9" (like a zoom mag II) 2. 5" Senko 3. Craw (zoom ultravibe craw) 4. Buzz frog 5. Floating finesse worm (Strike King 3x finesse worm...for shakey head or drop shotting) 6. 4" grub (great trailer for swim jig or on a jig head for smallies) 7. Craw Chunks for Jigs 8. Creature bait of your choice, I'd go with something with some bulk to contrast smaller craw and thin worm: Lizard, brush hog, whatever else

5" Senko (wacky rig or t-rig and let it fall onto the weeds) 7.5" Ribbontail (surface lure or hop through the grass) 4" tube (surface lure or hop through the grass) Frog (on top of the slop) Jig & Pig (shoreline structure) I think those would be my basic choices

I think it depends on the cover you are throwing that hoola grub in. If I was pitching cover: MH to H rod 7' or +, braid or heavy flouro, 5/0 straight shank hook. Open water smallies I may fish it on a football head shakey head and a spinning rod.

I just stick to the basics: If it's clear water I go with a natural color that mimics the forage (ie crayfish or perch in my parts). If the water is dirty I go with a chartreuse or black color. So I may throw a chartreuse and blue crankbait and a black/blue jig. Thats how I deal with colors.

Tough one! The last season I caught more on a lizard. But I find the slim profile of the lizard could be mimicked by a worm of similar size... So I would keep the brush hogs as they are a much bulkier bait to contrast a ribbontail worm. If you already had ribbontail worms in your bag than that would cut out the lizards and save some room. I like the lizards tho and will always keep a couple with me!