MrBigFishSC

Symetres are the best $100 reel on the market. Save some money for baits and tackle and go with it.

Dobyns Savvy MLF 6'9" is my dedicated DS rod. I love it and under your limit.

I hate to start another line debate but here goes... I have 2ML and 1M spinning setups all using Shimano reels. For these I use straight FC either Seaguar red label or Sniper in 7 or 8 lb. I spool my own and keep a few extra spools at all times. I have never had the horrific issues with straight FC that are posted. I do apply a bit of line conditioner periodically. I change out line twice per year on these reels. If you spool it right it just doesn't cause problems (for me). I am not a fan of tying leaders to braid and have fished it but again have no reason not to go straight FC. I would not follow the straight FC haters and give it a legit try. Senkos are no problem as the line doesn't sink like a rock so I can line watch easily. DS and SH cast well and the line stands up to abuse pretty well so long as you check for nicks. Knots are not as easy to tie but can be learnedly to work. Double palomar or improved clinch work great for me. Good Luck!

Well you got 6'6" covered. Why didn't you get anything longer when you changed weights? I use 6'6" for jerk baits and crank baits. Most everything else is 6'9" to 7'4". You can get away with shorter rods for treble baits but need a bit more rod for soft baits and frogs. You are also giving up distance on your casts.

Line diameter is key on BC. I never use anything less than .014.

I always take a new soft bait and look at the action in shallow clear water before going off to fish it. Then I plan how to work it based on that feedback. If you do the same with Senkos you can see what happens when they fall. 70% of my strikes are on the fall maybe not the initial but while fishing the bait. Bottom bumping slow retrieve is not what this bait is designed to do. It falls in a way that signals distress (small french fry worms the same) and triggers fish. It doesn't have to be fished hard just presented and allow to do its thing. T-rig, wacky, or drop shot the same applies. Over working is bad.

Enough said. Points made and taken. Fish on...

Yep but it's been entertaining. We've had soft hands, line soakers, scientific theories and rebuttals, and rants against the internet. That's why I like this forum. My 2 cents: it's more about the lure weight, line weight, setup, and fisherman attention and experience than a specific type of line. Fish whatever you want just fish hard and have fun.

Roger you're right in that the fish has to see the bait first. That is determined by presentation, location, and color if the water is dirty. Once that happens the fish has the choice to bite or not. Colors catch more fisherman than fish but color selection shouldn't be thrown out entirely. There is no bubble gum colored forage in the lakes I fish but I throw this color when the natural colors don't seem to be working. I have had fish hammer a BG trick worm when green pumpkin or june bug is slow. Not to get into a color perception topic but I believe it's a subtle difference than can get you more fish in some situations.

The guys that say color doesn't matter I assume then fish only one color bait regardless of the water color and forage. I ain't convinced. Presentation is key but then color choice helps you get the fish to bite. Root beer Senkos will catch fish right behind a pumpkin Senko that didn't produce and vice versa. If I know the bait and presentation are working at a given time and location but can't get bit I won't hesitate to change colors based on the specific conditions. That's just good fishing sense.

Everyone is providing really good advice. Its about knowing where the fish are or should be first and then trying to get them to bite. I fished a local lake for a solid year learning every depth change, cover locations, patterns of fish, etc. Scouting is critical unless it's a small pond. Now I focus on where I know from experience to find them and then fish those spots hard. July means small baits and slow presentation. Yeah you check for early morning top water action but then saddle up on the holding areas and go drop shot or shakey head or pitching into heavy shallow cover. If they don't bite I don't worry just plan to attack those spots again with a different presentation.

What if the question was "You can ONLY" fish 3 baits period so pick'em? For me: Senko Bladed swim jig w/trailer Square bill Tough to do but I could get by

Senkos and soft stick baits are best fished weightless or light weight, wacky, or drop shot. They have a wiggle and action that triggers bites. Ribbon tail and trick worms have a different action that works sometimes better but in more situations than not its easier to get bit on Senkos than any other worm. I say this as IMO but I fish 100 days per year and have found this to be true everywhere I fish.

The Rage Blade rides higher than Z Man so I fish it a bit slower. 1/2 oz is the best general weight to throw. D&M Piranha is also a great bait. Green pumpkin and black/blue are my top choices with bluegill just behind. White is for the shad spawn. Chartreuse has not really produced for me but I throw it sometimes. You can fish a ton of trailers but I get bit most on craws. I like to fish these slow and steadg or rip and pause.

Nice fish! We Dookies are catching a few too in your area. Plus we have the title to hoist as well.

Bluegill Chatterbait over beds in late April. Cast into a spot and the bait must have fallen straight down into the bed and a 9 lb.er locked down on it. Followed up the next day in same area with a 7 lb.er but she thumped the bait off the bed.

I have caught several nice fish this July drop shotting in 8-20 ft water mostly around creek channels. I've caught very little shallow except a few early on Spooks.

1/8 to 5/16 oz. drop shot and bullet weights cover 90% for me. Lighter weights allow for better feel and action.

I can catch a limit with several single baits at specific times during the year but not one bait anytime of the year. Flukes are no different. When the conditions are right they produce but not always. IMO senkos catch more fish more often and over more months per year than a fluke.

I would switch to 7 lb. This works great and is the best compromise IMO. I don't live in Cali and don't fish in super clear water. Also you have to order 7 lb. from TW down here as they only stock 8 lb.

KCW you got 2 great rods that will cover 90% of your spinning presentations. I would suggest a Shimano Sahara or Symetre for the ML. I use both on my ML rods and spooled with Sniper FC in 7 or 8 lb. test you have a great drop shot or light weight finesse setup. I also throw 1/4 oz Rattle Traps on these. You can cast a light lure a mile with that ML XF

Sorry for the pic posting error. So much for smart phones and dumb operators

Drop shot is working. 4" black blue senko

You gotta know where the fish are first and then slow down. I see guys fishing especially this time of year where the fish were in April. It's July, hot, water is down, pretty clear, and the fish have aren't fired up during the daytime. Go where you know they should be or find them and slow down with finesse tactics. Check very early for surface activity and throw a Spook. Afterwards go deeper and straight to drop shot or shakey head. You ain't gonna get a lot of bites but you can pick up some good fish if you are patient. These times make the good times in spring and fall mean that much more. Plus you are becoming a better fisherman. Alternatives are go fish someplace entirely different. This is fun and you don't put pressure on yourself.

Yep to the last post. M is good for SH fishing and ML is better for most DS fishing. Rethink the Sedona. I bought one looking for an economy setup and was wrong. If you are looking to spend less than $80 go with Pflueger. Shimano Sahara is a decent reel at $80. Sedona is not a good reel. It feels cheap and performs the same. Shimano makes a great product but they are bad at low end products. If you have to have one let me know and I'll sell you mine for $25.