Arv

Thanks! I agree. I really only put the line on because I got if for super cheap and couldn't pass it ups. I already like Sunline a lot, but I may give invizX a try whenever I purchase a new reel.

Cool. Thanks!

I'm thinking I put to much of too heavy of line on there. Thanks for the feedback guys!

Either another worm/jig set up, or a cranking set up.

I've been impressed with the Strike King glasses as well. I picked up the pair in the pack with the squarebills you might see at DSG or wherever just because it was on clearance and I broke my other glasses recently. I wasn't expecting much but I have been pleasantly surprised, especially for what I payed.

Gotcha. Thanks. I'll probably just put the mono back on to serve its purpose till I get a new one. I'm not planning on keeping this reel forever.

Der, never thought to look. Highest is 8#/100 yds... Probably not a "typical" 30 size then. Do you think 10# is too much then?

I tried spooling 10# Yo Zuri Ultra Soft on a size 30 spinning reel. I'm having trouble with the line wanting to spring off of the spool at the end of a cast and it lays very loosely on the spool unless I put a moderate amount of tension on the line while reeling. Granted, the reel is a cheap Shakespear Dimension so the line management is not the best, but I have had 10# Trilene (among others) on this reel before with no real issues. I've heard a lot of guys like the Yo Zuri Ultra Soft for spinning reels, and I've used the regular YZ Hybrid on my bc reels before which I liked a lot, but this experience is pretty disappointing. Should I drop down in # test? Or get another line? And yes, I have sprayed it with KVD L&L. Thanks in advance.

I've been meaning to try the biffle bugs. Do you use the hardhead as well? Or how do you fish them if not?

I'd be interested to hear how your bright colored jigs work out. Keep us posted!

x2 on Dobyns Champ for that price range

you could tie your own

Zoom, Rage Tail, Berkley Havoc and Reaction Innovations make up the majority of what I use. I throw stick worms a lot and have pretty much settled on the BPS Stick-O for that presentation.

Sounds like you're off to a good start. I doubt you could really go wrong with any of those. I've had experience with Dobyns, Powell and Phenix, not all cranking rods mind you, but I feel that they all put out a quality product.

I think Lucky Craft used to make the RC cranks... don't quote me on that. But they are definitely made by Luck E Strike now.

Here's my take on cranking rod sensitivity, for what its worth. I want something sensitive, yes. Does it have to be THE MOST sensitive rod affordable, probably not. I would reserve that for bottom contact presentations. But you still want to know what your lure is doing, when its bumping into something and when you get bit. At the $100 dollar mark, you might be able fine a rod that is up to your standards. Just don't go for something cheap to fill a hole in your line up though. I've done that before and I wind up selling the rod for much less than I bought it for and buying something that I should have waited for and bought in the first place.

If you're looking for a rod that will handle cranks, topwaters and spinnerbaits I'd check out the Powell Max TW Squarebill rod. I have the old Endurance 695cb, which I'm pretty sure is basically the same rod. This rod does a great job with squarebills, lipless cranks and topwaters. I also wouldn't hesitate to throw a spinnerbait on it as well. For a cranking rod I find it to be pretty versatile. TT also did a review you can check out if you're interested. If you're looking for a mid-deep cranking stick, I'd look for something longer.

I've used both. I prefer spinning as well for reasons mentioned by kickerfish. Its definitely possible on bc gear though.

You can hop a swim jig on the bottom

this is a general illustration of different rod actions. like power, not all rod actions will be the same from company to company. http://www.great-lakes.org/graphics-2/Shakespeare/All%20Star/rod_speed.gif

medium heavy is the power. not the action. simply put, the power is the amount of backbone. heavier power rods = more weight that can be handled by the blank. just be aware, this is often different from one rod builder to the next. action is often referred to as the "tip." it is essentially how much the rod will bend. a faster action does not flex as much as a slower action.

Powell. IMO, best rods for the money. If money wasn't an issue, Dobyns.

Lews tss. It has both braking systems. Mine has been a warrior thus far.

Not to jack the thread, but which supreme? I've been considering one for a new set up.

So far everyone has given you good advice. I'll mostly echo what they have said so far. If you're going to stick with braid, go with a larger diameter. The lowest I go is 30#. The only time I experience digging with 30+ is when I'm pulling out from a snag, and even then that's a quick fix. If you do switch to fluorocarbon, don't skimp and buy cheap. Skeletor gave you good recommendations there. The scenario you've described would be better suited fluoro because of its abrasion resistance. The only thing that I'll add that I don't think I've seen mentioned yet is that you could go braid+fluoro leader. This would let you keep braid on your spool and simply tie on the leader when necessary. If you ONLY fish around rough pointy things, I would go straight flouro. If not, maybe consider both.