zell_pop1

I know alot of people say go finesse, but here in indiana with our highly pressured lakes and small bass populations the boaters all go finesse from the start. That's why when I was a non boater I powerfished, I didn't catch many but caught quality. Lip less cranks are quite effective in indiana reservoirs in the summertime for me, maybe because I'm the only one throwing them, so I guess the key is dare to be different.

Last weekend the bass were still deep, but a cold front just came thru so that might change things.

Sexy shad colored spinnerbait. I can fish slow or fast deep or shallow with it.

Kistler magnesium 6'9" ml on sale $110 before discount.

Tatula if your not strapped for cash, I have one of each and prefer it.

I use a 6'6" Falcon ml casting rod thats has a mod flex or a 6'4" All Star m/f casting.

Chompers

Buzz baits early then hollow belly swimbaits, if that doesn't work try finesse worms.

10 lb in yo zuri, or siege, mccoys, or gamma.

I have had my own boat for 4 years now but the previous 4 I was a Co angler and I got really good in the back of the boat, often the boater would resort to what I was throwing. Basically the key is to throw something different than the boater. If a guy is hitting all the docks and won't let you have a turn at them turn towards deep water and cast something that covets alot of water-rattle bait, walking bait, hollow belly, spinnerbait. If the bass are finicky try a grub or tube.

I cast alot more accurately with baitcasters and have fewer problems with them, plus they are lighter and more comfortable in my hands. I only like spinning for ds or skipping or live bait fishing on the bank.

If there is a difference hopefully it's just the eyes are glued in better.

How muddy and high was Tippy? I was just at Manitou it's not too much higher than normal but was more stained than I ever seen.

If the pros went without you'd see old timers like Clunn winning again by pattern fishing.

Since when is 7.9oz heavy?

You can throw any type lure on a mod-fast rod, so look for a mh mod-fast rod if you can only have 1. Like Falcon 6'8" or 7' Lowrider. Instead of a second reel, maybe just buy a second spool, have mono on one spool for cranks, braid on one spool for frogs, and tie on a leader for t-rigs.

I have an Orra inshore reel, basically the same thing, I bought for my Florida vacation and it's an impressive reel, alot like my Citica Es. The 1st Gen Orra I believe are the ones that received shoddy reviews.

Orra Winch at Walmart.com for $65 if your right handed.

So the only difference is the Curado can also be an inshore reel?

Cabelas has all their in house rods on sale including a 6'2" Prodigy for $60. Or for a little more Abu Vendettas have a 6'3" rod, my local wally world did have the old Vendetta in a clearance bin so check there first.

I use a 6'3" team daiwa topwater/twitchin rod, it works great and they were made for over a decade so plenty of used ones should be out there.

I have both the orra inshore and a pq, I like the orra better, it's$150 at Bps but only $100 at Walmart.com.

This winter I bought a used 6'6"falcon ml casting rod paired it with a pflueger asaro and 8lb gamma line and now I see no reason other than skipping docks and drop shot to use spinning rods.

If I were you Id buy a 6'8" MH/MF Falcon Lowrider. Its a perfect Spinnerbait/Buzzbait/Rattletrap rod but can basically be used for anything, as it will give you decent power, accuracy, power, and give. Or if you want more distance and dont need the accuracy they have a 7 footer as well.

I'd look for a used 6'8" Falcon Lowrider on ebay, it's mh/mf so you could fish just about any type of lure plus get decent accuracy and distance.