SausageFingers

I have a 7'-0" Winch. Its paired with a 6.4:1 Revo SX. Easily one of my favorite setups. The rod is excellent for cranking. You'll enjoy throwing your combination.

Chrome/Blue most of the time. My best producer this year has been a Royal Red Xr50.

I use Hybrid on all of my casting setups. I love the stuff.

XCalibur XCS 200 KVD 1.5 and 2.5 XCalibur Xr50 Rapala DT series Spro Little John, Aruku Shad All have produced well for me.

Chrome/Blue and Gold/Black are great choices. There is one body of water I fish where red is the deal. Recently, I had a great outing there using the XCalibur Xr50 in Royal Red.

I'm trying to get there. I have a couple different preferences depending on the situation. Im weaning out the other stuff. I've been buying two or three colors in the bait styles I like and keeping the supply reasonably full.

Rapala DT series. Top shelf stuff at a reasonable price.

In terms of square bills, the KVD's are very good. The XCalibur's and Bandit's are worth a look also. Square bills are made to deflect off hard objects like wood or rock. They're also productive when fished along the outside weed edges.

Grubs, paddletails, and craws are good places to start. I also like the Rage craws and the Havoc pit boss.

I had an earlier version of the Black Max. Hated that thing. I agree with the suggestions made by DVT.

Xr50k. Killer bait.

If you can't find it, the state can issue a new one. Check with your state's Marine Patrol for guidelines.

Keel weight that bad boy. Or throw throw it weightless. Thats the Rage bait that got me hooked on the entire series.

Baby Rage craws on a shaky head

The Kinky Beavers are pretty solid as well. They just came out this year and look like they'll throw a little more action.

I run with three also, mainly because of limited space. Here's what I have: 6'-6" MH Veritas / 6.4:1 Revo SX - Jigs, flipping (swimming, bladed, etc.) 7'-0" M Veritas Winch / 6.4:1 Revo SX - Cranking (Just got the winch. Love it so far). 6'-6" M Vendetta / 7:1 Revo STX - General use, no specific application. I actually like this setup for jerk baits. I also have a 6'-6" M Vendetta spinning rod that I swap out with the casting version when I think I'll need to go lighter. It also works well for lighter jerk baits.

The square bills and the Xr50's are great baits.

Pro Qualifier and Lews are good choices under $100

Great rod - strong, light, balances well, and affordable. I've experienced the tip breaking problem on one occasion. It was right after they hit the market. Haven't had any issues since and I'm pretty tough on my gear. They do tend to run a little heavier than the rating, at least in my opinion.

Feeling a little inadequate after rifling through this thread... 6'-6" MH Veritas / 6.4:1 Revo SX 6'-6" M Vendetta / 6.4:1 Revo SX 6'-3" M Vendetta / 7.1:1 Revo STX 6'-6" M Vendetta / Okuma Avenger

Here's how I organize my plastics. I have multiple trays for creatures, craws, etc. I keep them all in my Spiderwire Wolf tackle bag.

Blade Runner bluegill swim jig with a hard candy rage craw trailer

Thats a good idea. I have a notebook as well. Once I'm off the water I download my notes into an excel spreadsheet.

That would be me. Still have hard water here, though its going fast. It might actually be out for good by the weekend. I really hope it is because I can't take much more of it.

Wow. Nice fish. We're getting into a little warming trend here. Hopefully we'll get ice out soon. We're a couple of weeks ahead as well.