PGA Dropout

Gross.

Siebert jigs best jigs.

Remove a few strands to preference. Trimming doesn't seem to do anything except stiffen the weedguard, which is good or bad depending on what you're doing.

I would maybe wait and see what the Met MGL looks like. Or if you're looking for a DC, the new Antares DC looks pretty sweet. If you're going to spend DC money, why not get an Antares?

Did you check jpangler?

That Hi Seas stuff actually doesn't suck. Seems similar to Hybrid, maybe stretches more.

Much better game than I expected.

Yes, definitely. I find the Ci4+ to be wild. The '13 Metanium is an exceptional reel.

San Diego Jam

Are you planning on attending? I went a few years ago and it was a terrible experience. Narrow aisles, sort of lousy vendors, and way too many Rascals. Also not enough space around the "teach your kids to fly-cast" area. Almost got a free piercing.

Hard to improve upon the Avid for under $200. I enjoy the Shimano Zodias at that price but it's a smaller lineup and the warranty is not as good. Plus we're all sick of black with red highlights.

If St Croix still has Legend Inshores in their Bargain Room, get the 6'6" MLM. SCIV graphite for $150. Can't beat that.

I would have purchased a DX 705 but for whatever reason they weren't discounted.

Not tickling me.

Groovy!

On my side, I like Green Pumpkin with a little copper or gold on it.

God I hate winter.

Yeah, neutrally bouyant is the term. Phone autocorrect is the best.

So this doesn't exactly help you because it's $200 over budget, but I use an XX Flat Side Special for large poppers like you describe. It's pretty much what you want. My on-budget ideas are a Dobyns Fury 703c or a new generation St. Croix Mojo 7' MHMF or 7'1" MF. If you can get your hands on any rods in store, that would be ideal. Some of your desires are subjective from person to person.

On the more ridiculous end of the spectrum, I throw light Texas rigs on an NRX 853c. The MH of the brand you have in mind is also suitable.

Mine floats or is normally buoyant. Hard to tell. It knots well. I use the 6 lb for Smallmouth and catch big drum by mistake. Strong line. I think the sensitivity is lousy compared to fluoro but it's cheap and available.

Sometimes. Swapping reels or spools is a pain in the behind though. I just carry more combos unless mobility is extremely important. Then maybe extra reel or spools.

Skip gap hooks and mend it. Cost of doing business.

The XX Flatside Special is what I use for 1.5's. Versatile rod, does a lot of things right. If you went for the Levante model, you'd have $150 left over to snag a gently used Shimano 50 or close to enough for a new Alphas SV. There's currently nothing USDM (reel-wise) in your price range that I'd personally buy new.

Topwater and larger jerkbaits.