Oklahoma Mike

I use 40lb Smackdown. It is just a personal preference - I fished them on 12-15lb mono for many years and would have no concerns about using that line.

40lb Smackdown with a FC leader.

Sounds exhausting. I'm worn out just reading that!

Spinnerbait would be my top preferences out of those for most situations, as I seem to experience a better hookup rate with them... but I may opt for a squarebill or chatterbait instead if the conditions warrant it.

One of my favorite baits these days and almost always start with it as a search bait. Which brand were you using? I have become very partial to the Jackyll rythm waves - great action at any speed and more durable than Keitech or Strike King. I believe my PB on a paddletail is a little over 5 lbs.

Switch to mono. I'd recommend Defier Armilo.

I'd second the Baby Bull Shad if you want a hard bait. If you're going the route of soft paddletail baits, I'd recommend the Jackyl Rythm Wave.

Personally I prefer two different reels for those techniques - a 5:1 for cranks and an 8:1 for lipless. If I had to pick one from your list I would choose the 7.4:1 and just run it more slowly for regular crankbaits.

As for length, that is mostly going to be based on personal preference and situation (a longer rod might help you get a little more distance on your cast, for example, but if you're going to be bank fishing in tight quarters around a bunch of trees, you will want something shorter). But the length isn't really going to affect your technique for fishing those baits. As others have said, MH/F is ideal, although I would also consider an extra fast action. You can use it for a number of other lures, like smaller jigs, senkos, etc.

For me it will be finesse jigs. I am dragging along a dedicated rig just for them, and the returns are not worth the hassle.

I have several different plfueger spinning reels and absolutely love the patriarch xt. It is my favorite spinning reel.

https://basssmasher.com/blogs/news/the-ultimate-lure-selection-chart

I keep them in the original packaging. If I decide to take one off to change baits or something before its torn up, I will throw them in a Plano box and will often end up using it later as a trailer on a jig or buzzbait.

Using a leader will resolve that problem.

You should be largely be choosing your type of topwater bait based on how much wind/how calm the water is.

Hard to go wrong with the S-waver for hard swimbaits. For soft paddletails, I use the Jackall rhythm waves. They are less expensive than keitech and I like the action better. More durable too.

Yes, and I prefer the Pompadour.

This. I throw a ton of weightless plastics and can run them just fine on pretty much any setup I have that isn’t a swimbait or punching rig.

LC Pointers. Cabelas usually puts them on sale once a year, and I always stock up.

For many, many years it was a Cavitron buzzbait. But the Jackall Pompadour has moved into my number one spot. Honorable mention to the Sammy and the Pop-Max.

Another vote for the Alberto. Fast, easy, and reliable. Small enough to go through micro guides without issues.

With the XT you get the carbon fiber drag and carbon handle, overall a little lighter. I think the XT also has 1 or 2 more bearings, can’t remeber exactly. Otherwise it’s about the same feel, just have to decide if those features are worth the extra cost for you. Both are very good reels and you can’t go wrong with either. I really feel like Pfleuger has the market cornered in the “best reel for the money” category. I’ve gotten rid of all but one of my Shimanos spinning reels in favor of Pflueger ... and that lone Shimano rarely ever sees any action.

LOL I don’t know that I’ve seen a more perfect use of a gif, ever.

I’m not a fan of Kistler but the Dobyns and Hammer are both great choices. I’m especially fond of Hammer rods and would pick that among your choices. The Avid X as mentioned above is an exlceellent option as well. I’ll also throw Major Craft into the conversation because they have some nice options for DS rods in your price range.

I’ve owned both and prefer the pflueger. In fact I’ve sold off all but one of my shimano spinning reels and replaced them with pfluegers.