Outdoor Zack

Shimano Stimula is pretty good. And under $15 on amazon.com

1/16 oz. is my go-to for finesse worms and most plastics under 5" (except the Senko). I have not used a weight over 1/8 oz. at all this season. And I catch fish

So fish them like a curlytail grub?

4" YUM Dinger, Texas-rigged on a 2/0 or 3/0 EWG hook

I had a bluegill no bigger than my thumb smash a 1/8 oz. Rat-L-Trap the other day. Fought like a champ on UL, at least for his size.

I got a pack of YUM Christie critters with my order. They are priced a little cheaper than ZOOM brush hogs, which have been killing it over here lately

Yep, mine are on order already.

Yum dingers at DSG are 5/$10, plus free shipping

You can cut a senko in half and use a 1/0 round bend or 2/0 EWG and still catch fish in the meantime

Yes, excruciatingly slow may do it sometimes

Your pond sounds similar to one that I fish often. I like to toss lizards or brush hogs around the shore or along the edges of lilly pads because they kick up a lot of water and stir up the bass. If that doesn't work, try 4" and 5" Yum Dingers (my go-to color is pumpkin w/ chart. tail) or Ned Rigs around shady spots, downed trees, and other distinct structures. Hope this helps.

I think that it mostly depends on your environment. I fish from the bank in small bodies of water, so I use 1/0 round bend hooks for any lures with a small-diameter (finesse worms, some 3" or 3 1/2" creatures, etc.). For anything "big," like 5" senkos, 6" jelly worms, or 8" lizards, I like to use a 3/0 round bend. With these rigs, light line, and a gentle retrieve, the bass in my area cannot control themselves. Try it out.

You can get Mr. Twister grubs in packs of 50 pretty cheap. Idk if they have the color you want, though.

I use 3/0 for 3"

For numbers, I'd suggest a small lizard (3" - 4") or other small creature bait

Ok thanks. Nice fish in those pictures

What popper is that in the first picture?

I ended up placing an order for the AMP. I want something to use this summer and probably wait until Black Friday or Christmas to pick up a better rod. Still looking for a reel though. Thanks for all of the advice.

Would you choose medium over medium-heavy action for any particular reason?

Hello. Over the past few weeks, I've been keeping an eye out for a decent, but inexpensive, baitcaster to use for fishing the hardbaits I toss the most (namely crankbaits, but also Rat-L-Traps,jerkbaits, and spinnerbaits on occasion). It will be my first baitcaster. I had some questions that I'd like to get insight on, if you're willing to help: 1. What features do you look for when buying a reel for use with crankbaits? Is there a certain gear ratio or ball bearing number that makes the reel versatile enough to fish different styles of lures? 2. Is 6'6" an okay length for a rod used for crankbaits, or is it too short? The places I fish, even when I'm in a boat (which isn't often), are usually pretty tight for longer rods, so I'd prefer a 6' or 6'6". 3. I've been looking through posts on this forum and on YouTube for rod suggestions and have pretty much narrowed it down. I want to know if anyone has any experience with these and if you would recommend putting money into one now or waiting and saving for something nicer down the road: a. An older, lightly used Abu Garcia Black Max combo that I saw in the classifieds b. A Gander Mountain Vortex rod with a matching Vortex reel. c. A BPS Tourney Special combo I would like opinions on these thoughts and any other tips you have for buying a baitcaster for the first time. Thanks for your time.

Shimano FX200 combo. Not sure if they are still made, but I have two and they are awesome. I believe they are in your price range.

That's easier said than done

Just try slowing your retrieve down. I had the same problem when I started last summer but I kept hitting the water until found a cadence that was successful. Also read the articles on Bass Resource and watch YouTube if possible.

Yep. And be willing to fight a stump or rock for your lure