Amarley

7' MH with Fast tip is definitely a great choice. You can use it for spinnerbaits, swim jigs, texas rigs and even carolina rigs in addition to the other techniques you mentioned. I like the Veritas, Mojos, etc, but I would also look at Halo Daylite, Powell Diesel for some different options. Those are also great choices under $100.

I'm open to other options as far as brand goes. I'd like to stay under $200. iRod looks like it could also be a good option.

I'm looking for a rod that I can use for both umbrella rigs and 6" plastic swimbaits with 3/4 oz-1 oz jig heads. The Shimano Crucial 7'9 looks like a good option for both and it's 25% off at TW. I also like the GL2's, but they look like they might not be as versatile. Any other suggestions or rods that you like?

Bass Angler magazine hands down

I paired the same rod with a 7.1:1 Pro Qualifier and use it for buzzbaits, spooks, and other topwater lures mostly. Sometimes I'll use it for spinnerbaits as well. It's a pretty good rod, especially for $60.

If you're looking for a good budget flouro, I'd go with P Line or Seaguar Red Label. It really depends on what technique you'll be using the rod for mostly. I use my 7' m rod more than almost any other. I like it for worming, topwater, underspins, spinner baits. 12 lb flouro is good for all of these.

Where did you find that deal? I'm looking for a 7'5 mh GL2 now.

I don't think you can beat a Lew's. I like the profile of a Lew's better than Abu Garcia.

Time to switch to Bulleit and Woodford Reserve!

Reaction Innovations for their skinny dipper and sweet beaver. I like the Net Bait Paca Craw and Paca Chunks for jigs YUM and Zoom for the varieties of senkos and worms

Looking at some Tightlines UV plastics. Is there any truth to the UV colors that "fish can see them better"? Just curious if anyone has made the switch and produced bigger numbers before I try to buy some. Here's the overview I read about them: http://uv-tackle.com/UV-Process.php

I'm a big fan of the videos and content on this site! Can't beat the price either:)

Pick up a few Bomber flat a crank baits. They're awesome for cold water cranking!

How long of a flouro leader do you typically use when flipping/pitching jigs? I typically do about half of the rod length when tying flouro to braid.

I got a G Loomis GL2 7'1 Mag Heavy rod and started using it for frogs in heavy cover and a flippin stick. Very awesome rod for heavy braid and heavy cover, and not too bad on the wallet for a Loomis. I ordered mine from American Legacy Fishing, but Tackle Warehouse sells them, too.

The Berkeley 100%, Berkeley Vanish and Suffix Invisiline were the three I've tried in 20 lb test. No super high dollar line, but I'd rather have one good spool than three not worth having! It sounds like line conditioner is the big tip, too. I will definitely use the 20lb for flipping and pitching. I got a 7'5 MH G Loomis Mossyback Flipping rod and Lew's reel that should be perfect for it!

I'm convinced on the Seaguar invizx. I've tried the Red Label on lighter test and liked it. Thanks for saving me some $$$$!

What is the best 20 lb flouro you've used? Several of the brands I've bought are almost impossible to control on the spool. I would like a good 20 lb flouro to use in thicker cover in clear water.

Gambler makes a sweet double tail grub. http://www.***.com/Gambler_Twin_Tail_Swim_Jig_Trailers/descpage-GTT.html

I run the iPhone version on iPad. I didn't even realize there was an iPad version! The version looks kind of funky at first, but then you can zoom the screen in to fit the full iPad pannel. The graphics on the iPad version may be better, but I think the iPhone version should be just fine. I don't have any complaints.

Thanks for the great info! I'll check those out!

I just bought the app. Considering that most paper maps are $10/ a piece, the app is a total bargain. I have it for iPad and it's awesome. I will use it for studying the day/night before a trip.

I'm trying to learn a variety of techniques and try them all to see what styles of fishing I like the best. I ordered all 6 seasons of the Bass Pros and have recorded Classic Patterns on TV. I think the content is good, but you soon realize these shows are nothing but 30 minute infomercials to push products (Bass Pros is owned by Bass Pro Shops and Classic Patterns by Pradco). I also read Bassmaster, Bass Angler and sometimes Bassin. How did you learn bass fishing techniques? DVD's, magazines, books, etc? I know there's no substitute for time spent on the water, but these DVD's help with cabin fever in cold KY! I want to spend my time on the best resources available and cut out all the crud!

It's getting harder to find the Strike King Rage Tail Shad, topwater plastic. They are a deadly alternative to a buzzbait/frog and are impossible to hang up in the mats when rigged weedless.

I've had a lot of luck with Reaction Innovation Skinny Dippers. I got put on to them on a trip to Okeechobee and haven't put them down since. They are a great post-spawn into fall lure and you can fish any depth. I like to texas rig them either weightless or with a weighted belly 4/0 hook. Rigged this way, they are completely weedless and I can honestly say I've only lost 1 or two over the two seasons I've fished them. You can pitch/swim them on a jig, do a true texas rig with a bullet weight, even put them on an umbrella rig. Very versatile and inexpensive way to catch a ton of bass. I also like crankbaits. The Strike King squarebills are tough to beat. For deeper cranks, I prefer the Bomber Fat Free shad. I bought some of the deep diver square bill fat free shad over the winter and can't wait to try them out.