evilcatfish

You really don't need light setups or fly rods for smallmouth fishing in our rivers, unless the fish are being super finicky that is

Tubes Tubes Tubes! I guess they aren't cool anymore but they tear em up for me. Also when other guys fish ned rigs I look to the tube

New jigs/heads from Siebert Those darn ebay coupons get me every time

The "is it worth the price" debate on swimbaits could go on for eternity and people still wouldn't agree. That said, I feel like a $100 handmade by one man swimbait is a much better value than a $12 crankbait made by machine or underpaid workers in Asia. Just my thoughts.

Tubes tubes and more tubes here.

I've got 4 or 5 now and I really like them so far. No monsters on one yet but lots of smallies in the 12-16" range. They fish well in most all cover types from what I've experienced on the river. As far as price goes, you are definitely paying for the Megabass name, but they are very durable and I haven't lost one yet due to a snag

Ha I was going to post the exact same setup suggestion, or maybe a 704c instead.

I have a bud that swears by them, and from my little experience handling his they seem like nice rods for the money, especially if you can order them during a sale. There are a lot of other options at that price point I might give an edge too though. Plus, I can't get over the yellow color, I'd rather have the pink W&M trait Zaldain rods haha

Reels: Daiwa Rods: Dobyns and Megabass

The fish won't mind that smell, if it really bothers you let the box sit open and the smell will dissipate

Check out the Owner Jungle hooks, I've been using them on braid and couldn't be happier. These things are tough and scary sharp http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Owner_Jungle_Wide_Gap_Hook/descpage-OJWG.html

The 6" wood is my preferred model, you will tear them up on that thing

At one point the wooden ones sold for $25-40 new and were easy to get, then they stopped making them for a bit and when production started back up there were subtle changes, a higher price, and more limited availability. Generally, it's the original or "OG" Punkers that carry a higher value as the newer ones have had serious QC issues, not to say there weren't at least a few bad OG Punkers. Size, color and condition are also a factor in value. Post a pic and I can confirm which generation yours is

Just ordered a Fuego CT for me and a boomerang tool for my dad with the ebay coupon. Almost went for a rod but figured I was in more need of another reel

I know you mentioned versatility in your top post, you won't get more versatile than a 7' MH casting setup. Do it!

I fish out of a boat and from the bank. These days, my spinning setups are pretty much loaners for non fishing friends that want to come along

I've been considering the Sierra 682 or 683 for some time now, love the full grip. What do you feel is the sweet spot on the 682? How heavy can it truly go? I have a DX 2 power and it's my understanding the Sierra while being a 2 is slightly heavier

There are a lot of good subdivision and gold course lakes if you have access. Otherwise, have you tried the Ozark Anglers forum? Its pretty Missouri centric

Have you considered the Megabass USA destroyer series? Sensitivity and build quality is superb, though you can't really go wrong with the NRX either

Unless this is a dedicated 100% frog rod I wouldn't give up too much sensitivity by going cheap. I know when things aren't froggy my frog rod often has a jig on it. A Tatula or Fury are good options

As mentioned by zeth, the tucked out one have a white pearlescent belly.

Tucked out refers to the colors being a little different than the original i.e. Herring vs tucked out herring. No difference in body shape

Can't go wrong with the Fury series, but there are a lot of options out there

Tatula SV and Fuego both provide a lot of bang for your buck

I'm no expert, but I'm a little surprised nobody has mentioned spinnerbaits? Burning a double willow in a shaddy looking color has done well for me in these situations