SausageFingers

Its an excellent reel. Solid all around. If you end up purchasing one - open it up and grease it up. The one I've open was dry right out of the box. Not a drop in it.

I prefer the baby craw when the water temps are a bit cooler. Give the regular and lobster sizes a rip once the water temps climb. They're unbeatable.

I have an older generation SX (2009) and the current version. Delaware Valley Tackle's method of adjusting the breaks is spot on. Once I have it dialed in, the reel performs flawlessly.

Cuplrit worms are awesome. I use the 7.5" original in red shad.

Black. And for some strange reason, green pumpking without any flake. With flake, no problem. I think its just a confidence thing for me.

I have two SX's (both 6.4:1) and an STX (7:1). To me, gear ratio isn't necessarily as important as the IPT. I actually prefer the SX to the STX. Just personal preference but I feel like I have more control with it. I use the SX for both cranking and swim jigs. They are my go to reels.

The Veritas is an excellent rod. In my opinion, they tend to be a little stiffer than the rating. They are super light and very strong. A very good value for $99.

I've had pretty good success with the Rapala Husky Jerk, HJ-10 and HJ-12.

Size, depth, brand. I keep similiar colors together.

Mann's Waker Elite

Havent tried these yet but I plan to pick up a couple of the square bills. I've heard good things about them.

I'm partial to the Abu line (Vendetta and Veritas). The Veritas is an excellent all around rod but, in my opinion, it tends to act a bit stiffer than the specs.

Hybrid is awesome stuff. I use the 10 and 12 lb test in smoke. Its a co-poly so it will stretch more than some of the higher end flouros but its manageable and doesn't have a lot of memory. The price is excellent. I can get 600 yd spools for $13.

I take them home and dispose of them properly. I've caught many trout that have had soft plastic crayfish baits lodged in their stomache.

My 2009 Revo SX-L (6.4:1). I love that thing.

Im a little late to this one it appears. I have both and actually prefer the SX. I feel like I can dial it in a little better without the centrifugal brakes. The STX is a great real nonetheless.

I love my Abu rods but, in my opinion, they tend to run a little stiffer than advertised. Of the ones you listed, I would go with the Veritas 7ft m/m.

I have an STX on a Veritas and it gets loose on occassion. Same with the Vendetta. The real seats on those two rods are my only issues with them. As others mentioned, wrapping the feet solves the issue.

Swim jig and a squarebill

My top three producers were: 1. Blade Runner blue gill swim jig with a lime-purple passion pit boss 2. XCalibur XCS 200 in Oxbow 3. Manns Waker Elite in Matte Tiger

I have both. The Vendetta is a solid rod and I use it frequently but the Veritas is in heavier rotation. I prefer the sensitivity and reduced weight of the Veritas over the Vendetta.

My personal preference are the XCalibur XCS'. They've held up to some abuse this season.

Good to hear. Northstar is an excellent company. Top shelf service and products.

I've heard nothing but good things about them. A friend of mine uses the Speed Spool quite a bit and has good things to say about it.

Rage Craw or Lobster Havoc Pit Boss