LCG

Hang in there buddy. I started fishing in when I was 34 and it took me an entire year to catch one bass. But that fish was worth it, I started to finally understand some things I was doing wrong. I am 40 now and have learned a ton. My advice is to stick to two techniques that are opposite of each other. One finesse technique and one moving bait. Master them. Don't give up. Personally a zman TRD rigged on a size 2 ewg hook and a 1/16oz bullet weight pegged on 6lb line is my go to finesse rig. For moving baits with vibration hard to beat either a 3/8 oz spinnerbait or a mepps inline spinner #3 or 4 in gold color. For moving baits with no vibration, my go to is a white curly tail grub. Maybe find where people are fishing and watch them. See if they can offer any advice on your bodies of water. If all else fails live worms never ever fail to catch something.

Marketing 101. $$$ Nail weighted Wacky rig (old fishing technique) vs neko rig (New hot technique from Japan). Same with the "Ned rig" vs old finesse technique of using sub 3" plastics with light jigs that came about in the 1950-1960's. The good thing about the marketing hype is that is resurges an idea that lost its popularity and teaches a new generation of anglers new (old and proven) techniques, just with a trendy new name

A Ned rig weighs in at about 3/16oz with a 1/20oz jig head. A 5" senko is 3/8oz. Find a rod that you like the feel and balance of that falls within those Lure rating and you should be good to go. I use a 6'8 M-XF rod rated for 1/8-1/2oz and does everything I need it to do well. Some companies that's a medium light others a medium.

Weightless Texas rigged senko Ned rig TRD and TRD craws mepps inline spinner #3 gold undressed Tried and true.

I would say both easier and harder. With the internet, YouTube, and forums the amount of information can be very overwhelming. I know that I fell into that trap and it set me back a bit. Then I learned slow it down and learn two or three new things/techniques each year and above all else practice on the water. But I am highly grateful for this forum and YouTube for teaching me so much I probably wouldn't have learned.

Inline spinners are fantastic for catching mutli-species. Simple and effective is fine by me. In fact using an inline spinner and a Ned rig is a good combination of fast moving bait and a more subtle approach. Both proven methods that have stood the test of time, nothing boring about it.

Hello from Ontario... KW. The weather is changing fast, not much time left in the season. Get out and fish if you can.

In the same boat, keep debating between Shimano stradic ci4+ and Daiwa Tatula Lt. Keep going back and forth. Currently have a pflueger president xt. No issues at all with it just debating about upgrading.

As many will tell you there is a big difference from one manufacturer to another. I have had medium light rods that fished more like medium and vice versa. I find it easier to look at line and Lure ratings to compare accurately. My current favorite spinning rod is 6'8" rated for 1/8-1/2oz lures and line 4-10lbs. It is labeled a medium, extra fast action. And even the action is subjective. I believe this rod would be equivalent to a st croix medium light. It works very well for Ned rigs, drop shot, Wacky, and Texas rigged senkos.

I have mine set with spool tension just a little side to side play and brakes set at 10. Never really need to adjust anything from there.

Just kidding, elaztech is reactive to the plastasol in soft plastics and Plano type boxes. Some times they will melt if left in direct sunlight at high temperatures. I have never tried spike it before, but have heard it doesn't take to the material well, ie does not color the bait well.

Keep it simple and fun. My personal advice to you is try two techniques only. One soft plastic technique and one reaction Lure. Specifically weightless texas rigged 5“ senko on a 4/0 EWG hook and a 1/2oz spinnerbait white/chartreuse and/or bluegill/sunfish colors. YouTube these techniques then fish them. You will catch fish and have a blast.

When I first started fishing about 7 years ago I made the mistake of trying to learn way too much way too soon. Read a lot of info on here and even more on YouTube. Bought so much stuff the I have never used to this day. Caught my fist bass on a jig head with a curly tail worm. Took me all year Second year I focused on one technique for soft plastics and one type of Lure (drop shot and inline spinners), then my catch rate dramatically improved. Next year same thing (Texas rig and crank bait). Been doing it this way each year and have learned and retained much more than I imagined. That's part of the fun for me. Learning the equipment, techniques, bass behaviors and seasonal patterns,etc.

EWG size 2,texas rigged TRD, and 1/16oz bullet weight works well.

I have been able to find very good deals buying used equipment. However, I only buy in person, not on ebay. People that own mid to high end gear tend to take care of their stuff in my experience.

I love a gold inline mepps, undressed, #3-4. My only issue is the line twist they can cause, so I use a swivel with them.

since you used a hunting reference let's put it this way. A friend of mine said it best, spinning VS baitcasting isn't a vs thing, it's a pairing thing. Think rifle and shotgun, two tools for two different type of hunting or game. For me, spinning is for more light line finesse fishing. Ned rigs, drop shot, weightless worn, etc. Baitcasting is for heavier, thicker plastic baits and lures. Spinnerbait, chatterbait, Texas rigged plastics. For me, I am more accurate with casting gear and pitching feels very natural with baitcasters. heavier line and stouter rods for heavier cover is also a good fit for baitcasting gear. Generally I carry both when I go out.

I picked up a ugly stick youth combo, it's 5'6" and recently gave him a pflueger president xt reel to replace the cheapy reel that it came with. My 8 yr old loves it and has started to appreciate fishing a lot more. The rod is decent and plenty durable for a young boy. Spooled it with 10 lb braid which helps with sensitivity and will do the job for pretty much anything he will catch.

Either Plano 3601 thin boxes or Plano double sided 3500 boxes. Works well for my style.

Look for trick worms or other brands that have no salt. Zman elaztek will float if not stretch out the bait and loosen up the salt. I use black trick worms with no salt and they work well.

Not ideal but should work in a pinch.

I would use as light a weight as possible, maybe 1/16oz if you can get away with it. Maybe try Ned, neko, drop shot, or Wacky rigs. For reaction bites maybe a spinnerbait.

Thanks to everyone who responded. Lots of information to digest.

Was wondering people's opinions of Shimano reels, specifically the curado k and stradic lines. I currently use daiwa tatula and daiwa fuego baitcasting reels, and pfluger president xt spinning reels as a point of reference. I was playing with both in store and they seem very well put together and smooth. Obviously the price is a step above what I currently use. Is there a real world advantage to upgrading my reels? None of the reels I currently have have let down in any way, but curious if they offer any appreciable difference in daily use and longevity.

It comes down to two things. Technique and cover. Open hook or treble baits in open water with no cover (weeds, grass, wood, etc) a medium light will do fine and it's a good fight. Larger baits, Texas rigged techniques, jig and worm, spinnerbaits, chatterbait, etc require a stiffer rod and a medium to medium heavy if around cover. Medium is more versatile. It's not just about casting its about getting the fish out safely, assuming you are catching and releasing. Every rod company is different and with no industry standard for power and action, buying a rod sight unseen is not advised unless you know the rods characteristics. Every person has their own preference as to what they like as well, so take that into account when hearing advice from others. No 1 rod will be perfect for all things, that why people own so many rods and reels. But in general terms a medium power fast action rod will be recommended most frequently for an all purpose rod.