Missourifishin

I'm not sure what it's called. But I have one in one of my tackle boxes somewhere around here that I need to find, because those things catch fish!!

I have the Avid M/F. I love it!! But, as others have pointed out, it does fish a little heavier. So ML might be something to consider.

When people in this topic first started suggesting that the OP find somewhere else to fish, I didn't immediately agree. I thought to myself, "Why should he have to go elsewhere? He's not in the wrong." But after thinking about it, I agree. I usually drive just a few miles out of town specifically so I can enjoy nature and not even have to see other people, besides fellow fishermen, nature lovers, etc.

Strike Kind KVD 1.5 (I also use the 1.0's and 2.5's) Favorite color is chart/black back, followed by any of the shad colors.

I agree with the guys who say spend just a little more for a better Lews.

I'm not too picky with my spinnerbait rods. But I usually use a MH/F

Wow

If you're catching and releasing, how do they even determine what species you were targeting with any certainty?

You're getting some great advice here. All I can say is be patient. At one point in time I was content to just have a couple good spinning rigs. But I love my baitcasters now, and I couldn't imagine going back to spinning only for bass fishing. Don't try to overpower your casts. Focus on smooth easy casts without backlashing before you even think about bombing long casts. Also, if you haven't tried casting a baicaster sidearmed, give that a try. For me personally it is much easier to not backlash sidearmed. Different casting styles have their time and place, but get one thing at a time down proficiently.

Both have their advantages. I do a lot of fishing alone though, and kinda wish I had company more often.

I personally would be fine with throwing squarebills on that rod too This topic is linked often here. I think they are some good guidelines: You could adjust it a bit since you're looking at 3 casting setups.

You didn't mention the length power and action of the Mojo. The medium action ghost would be fine for squarebills, though I prefer a reel in the 6.4ish:1 range for that.

Fishing private property without permission doesn't really fly around the small town I'm originally from. Especially when you really get out in the country on the farms. It's a good way to get approached by someone with a gun. My buddy and I even call ahead to some of the places we have permission to fish just so they know we're headed out there.

This. Plus, going slightly lighter than what the rod says isn't going to do any damage. I usually go with 1/4 myself.

Googling some nearby lakes' water temps, it seems to be in the low to mid 50's. Obviously it will be going up in the near future. I am not able to get out very often right at the moment, so I'm kind of thinking ahead too, as it gets warmer.