Arv

There is a spot in a lake that I fish that sounds like exactly what you're talking about. I really like weightless plastics (especially a wacky rig) and presentations where the weight is away from the lure (C rig, mojo rig, drop shot, etc.). I'm not completely algae free, but I don't need to go searching for my lure through the green clump before each cast either. Also, C rigs etc. will pick up more algae on the weight, but fortunately thats not what is catching the fish.

I really like a moderate tip for cranking. And for squarebills I like a MH power rod since I am usually throwing these crankbaits around heavier cover. I have a Powell Endurance 695cb that works great.

I got the M1. I wanted a faster tip and everything I read said that its more durable. Not that I think the Recon is going to snap the first time you set the hook, but with what reviews said it was worth the extra 10 or so dollars.

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-videos/dropshot-fishing.html

Yes. Very manageable, not too expensive. If you feel like you want to try out another line after you get comfortable casting then definitely try it out. But the last thing you want to do is have to cut out some 30 dollar line because of a backlash.

Traps, and every once in a while a spinnerbait. Then a lot of finesse presentations - shakey head, weightless plastics, mojo rig, finesse jigs, wacky rig senkos all work well in the colder temps for me.

Great post!

Mono or fluoro depends on the application. I prefer fluoro, braid or co polymer.

I would recommend 12lb Yo Zuri Hybrid as well. I have that on half of my set ups. Great all around line.

Most will say the E is a better series. The closes comparison I have is a Curado 51e and a Curado 200g6 (which I just sold). I would say the E is more solid feeling in my hand where as the G series feels a little more "plasticy." Beyond that I honestly couldn't tell much of a difference. Others may say different, but thats my take.

Hit me up! I'd love to go fishing if you're game. PM me if you're interested.

Powell Endurance 695CB, I believe its composite. I love it for lipless cranks and squarebills.

Honestly, I have no idea about the difference. Hopefully someone else can help you with that. I do have a Powell Endurance cranking rod though and I really like it a lot. So if you're trying to decide, you can't go wrong with the Powell. It does a great job for me.

Couldn't have said it better myself

I think that might be beyond what he is looking to spend. Obviously a great reel though.

True that! Start reading as much as you can if you're interested in different lures for different situations. People have already given you solid answers for your crankbait questions. But the answer of what type of bait to throw in a specific area would turn into a book. There are a lot of good articles and videos on here that will help you get started. Then get on the water and try it out! That's the fun part

LOL! This weather is strange. Welcome to NC I guess. I was out today and got bit on a spinnerbait, C-rigged brush hawg, black/blue jig and wacky rigged senko.

From what I've gathered, pitch brakes are for heavier lures, lures you would use when pitching and flipping. The other brakes are more for your standard applications. I don't do much pitching/flipping so my gen2 revo s has one pitch and one "normal" brake on and I can cast 1/2oz spinnerbaits between 1 - 1.5 miles. For real though, I can sling a lure out there with that reel. I love it.

http://www.bassresou...baitcaster.html

Ditto

Centrifugal brakes will act more heavily upon the spool when it is spinning its fastest (right at the very beginning of a cast). From my experience, this when I am prone to get the nasty type back lashes that may need to be cut out. Especially starting out, getting the timing, touch and control can be a little tricky, which is where I feel the centrifugal brakes are important. Magnetic brakes will act on the spool based on the distance of a magnet to the spool. This system will act on the spool ALMOST the entire time, except for that initial high velocity of the first portion of a cast. They can also be tougher to dial in for the weight of your lure. Starting out, I had the mag brakes on my Tournament SS, but quickly turned them off. I know several other people that have done the same thing. Now, I only turn them on if I'm flipping or casting light lures into the wind. I don't want you to think that I'm a magnetic brake hater or anything like that. I've really only heard good things about the Gen 3 SX as well. Just as your first reel, I wouldn't want to get something that might make you hate casting reels all together. It just happened to my girlfriend's dad. He got a casting reel with only mag brakes. I don't think I saw him not backlash one time. Finally he caught one so bad that he gave up on it. The reel is still sitting on a shelf with line sticking all out of the spool. Now, the SX and the other reel are not on the same level, but that's the big reason I'm suggesting otherwise. Again, I could be wrong. You may never backlash once with the SX. Just my 2 cents.

Agreed.

I think it would be a good combo. I may have said this already, but I would recommend looking for a different reel. If I remember correctly, this is your first baitcasting combo. If I'm wrong, I apologize and disregard what I'm about to say. But, for a beginner I would not recommend the SX since it has only magnetic brakes. I would recommend either a Lews Tournament Speed Spool or a Shimano Curado. The Tournament is 150 most places and the Curado is 160 most places. The Tournament has both centrifugal brakes and magnetic (this was my first casting reel and I'm glad it was, the brakes being one of the biggest reasons) and the Curado has centrifugal brakes. I strongly feel that someone starting out learning a casting reel will learn a lot quicker and deal with a lot less frustration with centrifugal brakes. I have both the Tournament SS and Curado and I love them. You might wind up loving the SX, I dunno, but that's my 2 cents. If anything else, the SX and Vendetta will look really good together.

The power of the rod will most determine how heavy a lure you can throw with the rod. The rod Mike D suggested is a medium power rod rated from 1/4oz to 5/8oz. I think this sounds perfectly suited for what you plan on throwing. It should handle cranks up to 1/2oz. And I'm assuming you won't be expecting to throw any plastics with weights over 1/2oz either. I would stick with that rod.

I just don't mess with it. All the gear I have has good warranties, but I don't want to have to use it if I don't have to.