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Why, please elaborate on why an XF rod is not good for Jig and Plastics?

What are your concerns, I have not heard of this being a problem.

Just a thought, you may want to check your rod, for chipped or cracked guide inserts, it is possible that your line is being cut.

The MG is a magnetic brake reel, this would not make it my first choice for long distance casting. The Tatula and the Magforce Z braking system would perform better IMO.

All the major mfg's are producing great reels in this price range. Find one that feels comfortable and has the type of braking system that you enjoy most. At this price range it is hard to make a bad decision.

The F and XF rods will load a little differently, the XF will be just a little stiffer in most cases and may take just a little more weight to load and cast properly. The weights you have suggested would work fine to load either, and in my experience when using rods of the same series the XF tend to be slightly more sensitive. The 714 may be a stout enough rod to handle baits up to 1oz but I don't think that most 3 power rods are something that I would want to try and fish that much weight on. There should be no problem using braid on either of these setups although my line of choice for the given applications would be FC.

This is a good one, Hags Undertaker Jr. this is a floating bait. Green Sweet Tator

Have you tried the knobs that are on the Tatula, they are a little thicker paddle type grip, and support 4 bearings.

At 100 dollars the Tatula would be hard to go wrong with, the Curado E5 is a very good reel, I use the older winch on one of my rods and like it a lot as well. Lot of good options in your price range.

glass, composite or CF? While I have an older St.Croix glass rod I prefer composite for my deep cranks and CF for the mid to shallow runners. If I was only going to own I crankbait rod it would be a CF rod, you get a little more sensitivity and that can be very helpful sometimes when learning cranks. Of the CF rods in your price range I would look for a Carbonlite that would work or maybe a St.Croix Rage, these rods are clearance for 99 dollars at our local Gander Mountain.

Donkey Rig

Man I am glad that I don't have to pick just one. I was running over the different scenarios in my head and if there were only 1 line to cover every technique, I would probably have to go with braid, with the caveat I could use a leader as I wanted.

I prefer full cork in my jig rods, and crankbait rods, other than that I kinda like the look of a split grip and they don't bother me.

Not quite the same thing but along the same lines. I have a pair of line clippers that I have had for a good long time, they are probably worn out truth be known. I have convinced myself that if I do not have those clippers with me while I am fishing that I will not have a good day. I recently purchased a new pair of superline clippers, but I could not leave the others at home so they are clipped to my tackle bag so I won't forget them.

Not normal, should not take on that much water. You can try working the bait back and forth on the hook, sometimes it helps it seal and keep the water out. If it don't contact SK, they will make it right.

Get in where you fit in! If you can afford it and enjoy it, I say do it, we only get to do this once, and no one gets out alive.

At 150, you may be able to score a used Dobyns Champion series rod, 704C 705C,734C 735C, but you have to be quick as they move fast.

Anyone remember the 2012 Classic and this bait?

Spooky Nasty, Old Glory and Chrome Olive have all produced well for me.

I have caught fish on both baits but there are some differences between the two. The Spro dive quicker, pull harder and have a narrower body (litte john) and flatter sides than say a 3X or 4X SK, the result is a tighter and faster wobble. They both work, sometimes one will when the other wont. I think the quality of the Spro is slightly better than the SK, but that is just my opinion.

Never used it and probably won't based on what I have witnessed. Fishing partner spooled some 100% onto a couple of reels and treated them with KVD the night before we went fishing. He did not enjoy the line and it was removed immediately after our short fishing trip was over. I have never heard anyone say anything positive about the line.

It's always a good practice to support the small business guy. Good Job!

Nice, I think I just heard them say thank you.

Nice fish! Did they whisper anything about catch and release?

I would throw a nice heavy jig or two in the box, 1/2+