Jaiden

I like hollow bodies around this time so I can walk the lure right over a bed.

Green pumpkin and watermelon red. I use Strike King and BPS brand. I rig mine on 3/16 oz tube jig heads. 2/0 or 3/0 hooks I think.

Squarebill cranks and jigs. I have to have multiple sizes and colors for every situation possible.

KVD 1.5. I love this crankbait, but I picked up a couple different brands to try.

I don't own one, but a Daiwa Lexa has gotten great reviewsbon here. I heard it's great for lighter lures such as weightless soft plastic.

Correct.

KVD 1.5 in bluegill.

Do you own a spinning rod? They excel at lightweight baits. That's what else I'd get if I was in your position.

4" senko wacky rigged.

Along with what dave said, if he was fishing straight braid without a backing, the line could of slipped off the spool. I'm not sure if this would cause a backlash though.

Right now I fish mostly visible cover/structures, but I am working on fishing deeper, offshore structure this year.

Or you could take any reel without line, spool your braid on to that, spool backing on to your baitcaster and then put your braid back on your baitcaster.

And after watching a bunch of the MLF, skipping a jig under a dock would have to be another one for me.

I use Kick'n Bass in garlic and have had good success.

For me it's topwater and spinnerbaits. I haven't had much luck with either of the two.

Wacky rigged soft stick baits. Lift, drop, set hook.

PB&J, bag of chips, gatorade, and some juice boxes.

A baby brush hog.

I love Carolina rigs. I'll hit deep structure and shallow waters as well. I'll go with a baby brush hog or a Rage hawg. Very effective set up.

I prefer lakes, but if I can't get out on a boat I like ponds.

The BPS that I used to go to actually sold $5 reels that you could turn around and trade in.

Green pumpkin is a versatile color for clear to dirty water.

A bait that stays over the bed for a long time. A weightless senko or drop shot. I adjust the lenght of the tag end on the drop shot until I know my lure is right in front of the bed fish's face. Patience is key. It might take many casts to catch one fish. A good, quick release is nice for once you catch one.

I own two and like mine a lot. The micro guides definitely reduce a lot of weight and I love the feel. I have read online that some have had issues with durability. I own the 7'6" heavy cover and had no issues pulling bass out of vegetation though.

~7' Medium Heavy, Fast action. I've heard good things about Shimano Compres and BPS Carbonlites. I personally use a Skeet Reese micro guide rod for the applications you listed. All the rods above are ~$100.