LCG

$10 at Walmart. Top drawer supply of hooks weights line and tools. Middle draw creature baits, bottom drawer worms. Stays in the hallway closet and allows me to stock up on sales but still remain organized.

I would recommend looking at soft tackle bags or backpack. I use a Plano weekender 3600 bag and a bass pro backpack depending on the outing. Two Plano thin 3601 boxes for soft plastics and one 3650 box for hard baits. Plus the usual hooks, weights, line, scale, pliers, etc. Whole thing weighs around 8lbs fully loaded. More than you would ever use on a single outing but lots of variety.

15lb braid is great on a spinning rod, but way too thin for a baitcaster. At least 30lb, 40-50lb if your new and still learning how to use a baitcaster. I personally use 30lb most of the time.

Agreed, but forgot to mention I also have a fenwick hmg 6'9 ml-f rod. Good for open water situations.

Zoom trick worm Senko Havoc Pitt boss or reaction innovations sweet beaver. You don't something with too much action this early in the season. 4/0 EWG hook and 1/8-1/4oz bullet weight and your good to go.

I recently purchased a BPS Carbonlite 2.0 6'8" m-xf spinning rod rated for 1/8-1/2oz. It's pretty sensitive and not too fast. I replaced a st Croix mojo 6'8 m-xf spinning rod that was just a tad too stout for what I wanted. I loved that rod, but needed something that was a bit lighter powered. I would say it's close to a st Croix ml-xf. I haven't fished with it yet as here in Canada it's still winter :(. Been playing with it and it feels "right".

I am always willing to share with other anglers. Last year I was at a pond and a guy with his kids was struggling, so I gave him some zman TRDs and a few jigs for his kids. They had a lot of fun that day. And of course when fishing with buddies what's mine is theirs and vice versa.

That Plano box is strictly zman stuff. Would never mix them with other plastics, would not be good.

Bulk storage is a plastic drawer from Walmart stored in the hallway closet. Top drawer has hooks, line, and tools. Middle drawer is creature style baits and bottom drawer holds worms and Grubs. Plano thin 3601 boxes and Plano double sided box for zman TRD, crawz, and tubez. These boxes work well for a fishing outing using either a backpack or shoulder bag, I switch between the two depending on the outing. Stock up the boxes as I need to. Way more than I would ever use in a single outing, but its nice to have variety on hand but the thin boxes keep me from bring too much with me.

Either your thumb bar is engaged or your drag is set way too loose. All of the reels you mentioned are quality products. I own a tatula and fuego. Actually prefer the cheaper fuego. As for a general purpose rod, a 7ft (ish) MH-F baitcasting rod will probably be the most recommended. Myself I prefer a slightly shorter, stouter rod so this year I went with a bps carbonlite 2.0 6'9" MH-XF. To me it's more of a fast- extra fast. I use 30 braid to mono or copolymer leader. This will be for Texas rigs, jigs, and secondary for chatterbaits, and spinnerbaits. Anything with trebles you want a moderate action rod.

Maybe take a look at what they are using for lures and use something different. Ned rig comes to mind.

Using braid as a main line will greatly help with sensitivity regardless of which rod you choose

Figured keep 15lb big game on the MH-XF for Texas rigs and jigs. 30lb braid on the MH-F for spinner baits and chatterbaits or Texas rigs/jigs in heavier cover.

Well I went to bass pro today and still couldn't decide, so I ended getting both the 6'9 MH-XF and the 7' MH-F casting rods. Love the grips, very comfy. I am seriously debating about getting the 6'8 M-XF spinning rod as well. With the trade in deal they are offering, its a hard deal to pass up.

My favorite as well, too bad the wife takes them all

Right handed person who prefers left handed reels. Feels more natural to me and makes pitching, flipping, or casting easier for me personally.

Water and cliff bars. Nice and easy.

Thank you for everyones input. Does anyone know how the Carbonlite actions compare to st Croix?

Going to be picking up a carbonlite 2.0 casting rod next week. Looking for recommendations between the 6'9" Mh-xf and the 7' mh-f. Not sure how fast their actions are. Looking to use braid to mono leader. I generally prefer a stout rod but don't want to risk losing fish. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Wondering if any of you have any experience with big game mono in various test lbs? Specifically 10,12,15lb line and spool memory or coiling. Is the lighter line easier to handle on casting gear? I ask because I recently spooled up with 15lb big game and the memory is a little more than I would like.

I have the mojo 6'8 m-xf spinning rod and use 10lb braid to a 6-8lb leader. The avid x has micro guides so I am not sure how a leader knot will work, but you should be ok as both lines are pretty small diameter. Can you elaborate a little bit more about what exactly you don't like? Is it the extra fast action of the rod, sensitivity or lack of, or the stretch in the line?

Congrats, that's awesome. Enjoy every second of it.

I have the mojo 6'8 m-xf spinning rod. Great rod.

I am in KW. Welcome aboard. Lots of knowledge people here and a great way to help you grow as an angler.

Hello from southern Ontario