UNCfan1981

Good advice in here. Not sure what I can add but I will tell you what I used during the 4th of July at Lake Eufaula and had great results. 7:1 lews speed reel, 7 ft berkley MH rod with 50lb spiderwire braid. I constantly changed my retrieval speed and sometimes didn't even swim it just hopped It and what not. Swim jig was a strike king sexy shad with a Yamamoto pearl colored single tail grub I forgot the length but I believe it was 4 inches. Best combo to date for me.

I have switched over to braid and it's been awesome!! I feel everything and its super strong. No issues with my line and my knots held perfectly. Strung my baitcasters with spiderwire and my spinning reels with power pro. I wish I would have switched sooner.

Lew's laser mg speed,7:1 ratio its around $80 and pair it with St. Croix mojo bass rod, about $110 6'6" mh. Great for jigs and worms. The shorter rod will help in tighter spots off the banks imo. Of course my local academy sports has a Lew's combo for under $ 100 which would really work for a beginner, use the rest for lures and line. Don't give up if u start backlashing. I almost did, finally figured it out, got dialed in and love using baitcasters now.

I 2nd the swim jig suggestion. Maybe a variety of soft plastics to go with the jigs. Was going to suggest senkos before opening the thread, I love senkos and have had great luck with them.

I bank fish alot as well unless I'm with my brother in law. Pflueger President is an awesome reel that won't break the bank and mine is paired up with a $25 Berkley cherrywood rod. Pulled many bass with zero issues the last 2 years.