MacP

I use red hooks at the rear of all topwaters. I think it helps.

Suffix and Power Pro.

I didn't know about Zorro. Thanks. I've used the Freedom before. They are expensive and don't have the motion that the one pictured has.

Guy at my local store doesn't remember what rep. brought them and couldn't find the package.

Savage Gear Line Thru and 3D Real Trouts look quality. I've not fished them yet but I've got several now waiting. It's too cold out!

Rebel Pop-Rs and Heddon Chugs.

Savage Gear Line Thru's and 3d Trouts are in my aresental now. I've got some Castaic smaller swimbaits to try too.

1. Roboworm Fat in Bold Bluegill. 2. Zoom Baby Brush Hog in Green Pumpkin 3. Zoom Super Fluke in White Pearl.

All my spinning set-ups are Pflueger. I love them. If you can find the old Red ones, XTs, they are salt rated and very nice.

I asked the same question a while ago and picked up a 7'6' Okuma Guide Select rod. I've got a tuned Abu 6501 C3 on it. It's perfect. Very nice rod. If it weren't 11 degrees here, I'd be on the rivers looking for rock fish.

I can fly in my Hobie

Pfluegers are better from a performance standpoint. I used to say that until 100 dollar price point, Pflueger was the best. Hands down. No argument. I'm bumping that to $150. I don't think any spinnign reels made are as smooth or nice as the Pluegers at their price points. Above $150, I'd go shimano. Below, Pflueger.

Orvis makes a small tacklebox on a lanyard. It can hold 2-3 rapala's 07ish size and 4 inline spinners plus hooks grubs and nips. I love it. Can't seem to find it online though!

I've not used everything out there but I like Seaguar stuff.

Reel Butter Oil and Grease here. I'm not crazy about their grease, but their oil is quality.

http://www.hydroponics.net/i/132623 Done.

One of my friend's guides for Musky on Melton Hill. It's sure addictive. I don't even wanna know what he's got invested in his baits.

I'm probably the only one who uses them, but I use pruning scissors for Bonsai trees. They are fantastically sharp and generally made of quality metal.

I have some of their braid which is fine. I steered clear from their Fluoro due to the negative reviews.

There is a higher learning curve with baitcasters. That's it. As for what I wished I knew....I wish I knew how much easier it is to crank and throw larger baits with them.

+1 on the Sweet Beaver.

Thanks again. I've handled the Musky Rods before, they are big, big sticks. I'd rather have the lighter rod. I really do like everything Okuma offers. I've just not seen the Big Guide rods. Over the counter warranty is hard to beat.

I only target big browns. 20+ inchers. I throw shallow shad raps, shallow rogues and flat raps in the smaller two sizes. I fish 8 lb clear trilene for all of them. I like the stretch. I usually fish when they aren't generating. I don't want to fish deep. If I did, I'd be using a fluoro for everything but the rogues.

Thanks for the responses. The guy at my shop said that I should go with the lighter rod and if it breaks, he'll honor the warranty. I think if it's got enough backbone to throw 5+ ounce baits, I should be able to fight a rockfish or musky with it.

Thanks. That's the rod I'm leaning towards. I can get it for $130 locally and get over the counter lifetime warranty. The MH that's rated for 1/2 to 5 oz baits is the lightest and has a full cork handle. The EVX Musky rod seems to really big and bulky. I'm going to guess that if it can handle 5 oz baits, it can handle a rockfish too