Random Tackle

I've never felt the need to upgrade from my Trions. Wonder if I'm missing out but the value on Trion is soo good.

As a righty using spinning gear for most of my life the choice was quite easy to go lefty when I bought my first baitcaster.

I just got off the river (water levels way down had to drag the canoe over many laydowns. All fish were in deeper pools) and slayed them on a weightless Ol' Monster and a speedcraw with a 1/16 split shot. Caught one fish on a small War Eagle before I clipped it off in favor of throwing 2 different plastics. They seem to favor a quicker retrieve instead of my regular speed for plastics.

Bone is king

On the newer ones I've had to loosen the eye and back treble that the props are attached to. Out of the box they were so tight that the props did nothing for me.

Spook Jr. and Jumpin' Minnow but lately all I've used is a Sammy.

Great lure once you get it tuned right. I've not had one that hasn't needed the props dialed in, normally loosened. Can be a killer river lure in eddy water. Old School!

For what it's worth, I own two TFO fly rods and they're great. Also they have a great warranty.

The ST. Croix Premier falls in your budget and I've gotten good use out of mine. Thinking hard about this one in 6'9" MH. Kistler Magnesium TS Casting described as an all purpose special and on sale at TW currently

Went from double uni w/ 10# 832 and 10# Red Label leader on spinning gear to the FG knot this year. Would recommend

Probably the most boring yet most effective bait to throw at least for me. Last summer I fished some black trick worms on a light Scrounger. fun times!

Maybe.....

I like fishing spook type baits a good deal. always used the spook jr or Rebel jumpin minnow. Had read a lot about the Sammy and was skeptical at first. Broke down and bought one in a color I've had success on and it didn't disappoint. I don't even know if 15$ is considered expensive anymore which is funny in and of itself. Also you really have to try to lose a topwater which is a plus....

Have you tried buzzbaiting with no trailer or stinger? Using a black/black Cavitron I've never felt the need for addons.