Arv

The Pro Qualifier is a great reel if you ask me. I have 2 and they perform right up there with my higher end reels. There are definitely better reels out there, but for the price, the PQ is VERY hard to beat if you ask me. I've used a Citica G's and old generation Revo's, and to be honest, I'd pick the PQ over both (don't kill me posse members). Also, when I'm putting together a new set up, I invest more money into my rod. Especially if it is a bottom contact rig. It sounds like you will be using this set up for all around presentations, so I wouldn't go any cheaper than $100 on the rod. Just my 2 cents.

For your baitcasting set up, I would recommend this: http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Pro-Qualifier-Reel/CarbonLite-Trigger-Rod-Baitcast-Combos/product/12041705055310/ Get a 7' MH/F rod with a 6:1 or 7:1. That is a pretty solid, all around set up and will allow you to throw most applications. I would spool the reel with something like 12# Yo Zuri Hybrid. You can go a lot of different ways on line though. I think braid is always a good choice as well. For your spinning set up, you can get several nice reels around 50 bucks that will do a good job. The Pflueger President and Shimano Sedona are usually recommended often. I would get something around 2500 size. As for the rod, I would get something 6'6 - 7' M/F or M/XF. I think the Shimano Compre is a good choice at $100, but I'm sure you will get other recommendations here as well. I would spool the reel with about 15# braid and get some fluorocarbon leader material around 8-10#. Good luck in your decision and tight lines!

Whats your price range? Those companies have a bit of a range of rods at different price points.

Senkos and jigs

Spinnerbait, lipless crank, jig, trig, senko, shakey head. Like mentioned before, dark colors.

If you can find a solid used reel, I would go with something like a Curado. Otherwise my recommendation is the BPS PQ. For the price I don't think it can be beat.

I would agree, haha

love sunline sniper

This.

Good tip. Thanks.

x2, I have the 695. I love it for squarebills and lipless cranks.

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/295653_574102359301199_229523684_n.jpg

Really excited about the new line. They're going to offer an opportunity to win one it sounds like.

x2

Thanks guys.

I use straight fc on my spinning gear. I know most people don't like the original Vicious fc but I've never had any problems with the 8# test on my spinning reals.

I don't get hit much on the initial fall. Like most others have said, its usually after I hop it. Even on weightless senkos, which I fish a lot, I don't get hit very often on the initial fall.

That makes sense. I don't have to deal with zebra mussels anywhere I fish but that sounds like a logical application. I will definitely try this out in some areas with the moss you're talking about though. I hate pulling it off my lure every time I reel in.

I guess your "typical" worm and jig rod is usually a 7'0(ish) MH/F rod with a high speed reel (6:1-7:1). But without some more details you could almost be recommended anything out there. Some might suggest a G. Loomis NRX and others might suggest a Berkley Lightning Shock. Neither are bad rods, but there is about a 500 dollar difference. Same thing for the reel. Details like price range, cover you fish, weight of lures you plan on using and much more will help in getting more solid recommendations that will be applicable to you.

Powell Endruance and Max are 109 at fish ranger right now. Thats what I would get.

So I've been reading up on this, and I know there's been a lot written and several posts on here about it. But I was wondering why you would use the Jika rig over a shakey head or a T rig? Other than the situations where you're just not getting bit on those particular rigs and want to give the fish a different look. Thanks.

x2. I love an Endurance. Thats a killer deal. on a great rod.

lol

Since the Endurance and Max are on a special right now I'd get one of those for each application and slap a BPS PQ on top. Power Pro braid or Sunline Sniper FC on the spool. Those would be my "budget" combos. If you can't get those rods, I like the Shimano Compre a lot at the 100 dollar mark. Still haven't tried one but I've only heard good things about the *** line as well.

Already got 2, one being the 723cef and the other being the 695cb. Of the rods I've tried, I share the opinion that they're the best bang for your buck. I will probably add the 714cef to my line up before long.