Smallieseeker

Never used the E6x but you won't find a better rod for under 100 dollars than the aetos. It's my favorite rod I own even at the regular 180 dollars I would still buy that rod. I'm not to impressed with the newer models coming out though.

Great catfishing reel but for the price there are so many great reels that are more suited for bass fishing. Not saying it's impossible to use if it's comfortable for you then keep using it. They are a well built reel

I'm applying it to the co poly not braid. I'm pretty sure your right it doesn't do a whole lot to braid

Happens quite a bit to me when I use mono or co poly. Never had it happen to me with braid. I normally spray some kvd line and lure to it and it seems to help manage the line twist a little bit

Senkos and baby brush hogs

Check out the swivels made by spro they are super small but super strong. I think they call them power swivels

If temps are that hot than try some night ops if possible. Less pressure and cooler

My vote go towards zoom also

I don't know how many people use power team lures on here but they are having some really good deals in their close out section on pro packs of the colors they are discontinuing. I made a pretty large order of their swing impacts and Texas rig jigs.

The 2 colors I use most for senkos is watermelon red flake and green pumpkin chartreuse but I do use black blue flake as well from time to time. Those 3 colors work almost every time

Try topwater like a buzzbait or jitterbug. I use those quite a bit around here and they do well in the current. If primarily fishing eddies or slower current consider a popper. Spinnerbaits are also good options in dirtier water if there is enough water to retrieve them in

I bought a spinning mojo over the winter and so far I love it. Its been my number 1 setup this year! Perfect for dragging tubes and throwing weightless t-rig senkos

Congrats on the fish! I really need to go salt water fishing sometime it looks awesome!

Just make sure your spool tension and brakes are set up for the lure you are using and the conditions. There are a ton of videos out showing how to set up a baitcaster. Also sounds like your trying to hard to launch it. Just worry about accuracy and technique first and the distant will come. Maybe try practicing with some mono or copolymer, if you do try those I recommend some line and lure conditioner. That stuff really works to help control memory.

I would agree with the st croix mojo but ml would be my preference.

Also they have some rage baits and kvd cranks on sale

Have you looked into the spike it markers? If they have the color you are looking for I would go that route.

Wow I might make a trip up there to check it out sometime. Was you fishing shoreline cover or out farther more?

I have been to oxbow a while back a few times but never caught much but I was also alot younger and really was pretty new to bass fishing. Defiance I have never fished before.

I heard of it but never fished it I'm a bit south of you by van wert reservoir

Try to make the farthest cast you can and try to parallel the shore the best you can. I live right next to a upground in Ohio and have alot of luck with the smallmouth. I generally through willow leaf spinner baits, crankbaits, and 2-5 inch soft swimbaits. Top waters are another option especially at night but on the one I fish it isn't the best option. I try bottom contact baits alot like tubes, dropshot, and Texas rigs with decent success but if your reservoir is anythin like the one I fish than you will loose quite a few baits in the rocks. Which upground are you fishing? I might be able to help you out more if it's one I have fished before.

x2 for big joshy I love his swimbaits. Been using the smaller ones for years but I just received some of the j5s to try out for the first time.

I was watching major league fishing a while ago and saw Greg Hackney doing something similar to this with rage craws. Buzzing it over vegetation and then letting it fall in the pockets. I think he was using just a plain white or pearl color

I personally would use spinning gear with lighter line unless there is heavier cover around. Same outfit you would throw a wacky senko on.

Wow good stuff right here I throw alot of shad raps floating minnows and small square bills on spinning rods but after reading this I think I will try this route out.