RB 77

My combos range from about $300-$500 with most right around $400 mark for the combo. The least expensive reel I own is a Citica (I have "hot-rodded" it with CU parts :) and the most expensive is a Calcutta D. Most of my bass reels are Curado's and Calcutta's. I feel like this is the best ROI as far as price meets performance. YMMV...

Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't. Frogs never get a leader, Drop Shot always does and a little bit of either or in between. I like a leader for abrasion resistance and to be able to break free on a deep water snag.

Reels: Shimano Rods: G Loomis, Shimano, Falcon and Kistler Rods (Salt): Batson, Calstar, Shimano and Daiwa

You think a Spinnerbait vibrates your rod tip and line... Wait til' you fish a Chatterbait! They got their name for a reason!

Yes sir! I use it for a lot more than just crankin', but its perfect for that.

Yup. Love my "older" CU's and CT's!

Nope. I use to hate fishing spinning reels because of line twist. I solved that by going to braid. Then I got wind knots. Finally I jumped up the line diameter (pound test) on my spinning reels and have never looked back!

I noticed you are in the Southern California like myself. Whether an angler likes it or not (most don't), if you don't learn to fish deep, you run the risk of not catching certain times a year IE (winter/ summer). There are always shallow fish to some degree, but learning to identify and properly fish deep structure (sometimes 50' plus) can mean the difference between a great day catching vs. a long boat ride. Good on ya for finding that key to success to unlocking some spectacular fishing out this way.

I also throw my 6" Punker on similar gear.

I'm pretty darn close to this myself. haha

Yes and yes. A very solid feeling reel and one of the most durable you will ever find.

That looks like a nice jacket for $40. I use Grundens for my foul weather gear.

We have all seen it before... 99% of the time its the archer, not the arrow. With that being said, it certainly does help people "enjoy" certain aspects of it more. My decision making process when buying equipment is where the threshold lies for equipment that will stand the test of time. That's why I feel I get the best ROI on Calcuttas and Curados.

30 lb, but I do not care for that light of braided line on a baitcaster. I prefer 50 and 65.

Those sound like great places to throw those baits. Creature baits can be money at times.

Two of my favorites. Cant go wrong with either in stained water. Junebug is my go-to overall and B & B is at night.

The CBR845C. The older style, not the EX6 line. I personally would not use this rod for topwater myself. It would work in a pinch, but it has the feeling of a "true" crank bait rod and I prefer a much faster action with heavier power for top water applications. Not to mention if I'm using any type of walking bait I want a shorter rod. Don't get me wrong I love this rod and own TWO, but is a very technique specific rod for me and that is medium and shallow cranking. I do fish a lipless shallow on one of them from time to time that I have a faster gear ratio mounted on it. It sounds like you made a great decision on the IMX CBR and I'm sure you will be pleased with your purchase for many years to come.

I have tried many and Sunline is my favorite by far.

I have two of the 845's and love them. They are great rods for medium divers and shallow stuff. That rod should be perfect for what your looking for.

Reminds me of when I was blazing the bank one day and stumbled upon a pair of very nice pair of forceps. I took them home and looked up the serial number and discovered they were a medical grade specialty tool for Gynecologists. I cringed little bit...

Dr. Cosmo Kramer, Proctology...

These are the exact three techniques/ presentations I would suggest as well.

Just one more thing...

They both seem like very nice boats and good luck and tight lines with which ever one you go with.

Simply amazing.