LCG

This ^. In fact, since buying the st Croix mojo 6'8 m-xf spinning rod and St Croix Avid X 6'6 Mh-f casting rod, I don't use my other rods much. These two rods are so versatile.

A zoom trick worm is my confidence bait. Texas rigged and drop shot rig.

I have two of these reels and do not have this issue. You will have to keep in mind that light braid, 10 lb in my case, is a thin line and you need to spool it on tight. Also be sure to stop the line with your finger as the lure hits the water, helps keep the slack line down. Always close the bail by hand to avoid line twist. And always leave some room at the edge of the spool, 1/8" seems about right. I use braid on all my reels and following these techniques works well for me.

Trust your instincts. "do or do not... there is no try" Yoda

I fish the same conditions and use a St Croix Mojo Bass 6'8 m-xf spinning rod with a Pflueger President XT 30 spooled with 10 lb yellow braid and an 8lb fluorocarbon leader. Vmc size 1 drop shot hook. Next time I might use 15lb braid for a little more reassurance but it works well so far.

Agreed that power pro or 832 would be better than spiderwire. Power pro would be my vote. For affordable quality, try out kastking braid. I have it spooled on all rods this year and last. 10lb on spinning, 30lb and 50lb on casting. No issues and really affordable, 547 yard spools for $15 ish. It's 4 carrier braid but seems to hold up well so far.

Daiwa fuego ct or Tatula ct Shimano casitas

X2. I have the St Croix Avid X 6'6 Mh-f casting rod that I use for 1/2 oz jigs plus trailer for fishing from the bank in ponds, rivers, and small lakes. Very sensitive, good power, comfortable and light. I use it with a Daiwa Fuego CT 8.1:1 and have no complaints. I prefer a shorter rod due to tree limbs and brush. But they have longer versions that may suit your needs.

The only hard lure that I have total confidence in is a mepps in line spinner, gold, #3 or #4. Works well every time.

I have caught quite a few fish on the ned rig in a pond that is muddy. Usually start by hopping, then dragging, then dead sticking. Caught a few good size catfish on it as well. Just make sure to leave zman elaztech baits in their original bag, they don't play nice with other plastics or Plano boxes.

St Croix 6'8 m-xf. Mojo, avid, or avid x.

Reel: Daiwa Fuego CT or Tatula CT Rod: a bit more subjective but St Croix Mojo and above, Dobyns fury and above, Fenwick HMG and above, and the new BPS carbonlite rods seem like solid choices. I personally have a strong preference for St Croix rods, but YMMV.

Any rod that you use techniques that require bottom contact or feeling light bites. A typical jig and worm rod would be my most sensitive personally. I don't have any of the rods mentioned. I primarily use a St Croix Avid X 6'6 Mh-f casting and Mojo 6'8 m-xf spinning rod. I have no problems with sensitivity.

Kind of like asking which tool you use more... Hammer or screw driver? Each has there time and place. I am 50/50 as of now.

I got into fishing in my mid 30's also with a cheap Walmart zebco combo. Quickly upgraded. I would say an ultralight for crappie sounds right, length is a personal thing. I would recommend a medium powered fast action spinning rod, 6'6" - 7'. Check for used deals as well, you can find a much better rod for 1/2 of retail. St Croix, dobyns, fenwick, shimano, Bass Pro shop carbonlite are all good rods. Pflueger is a solid choice for value.

I bought a used combo last year, my first baitcaster. It was a 2 piece 6'10" MH-XF Shimano Compre with a Daiwa Tatula reel. Really just wanted the reel but figured what the hell. Even after I bought it I wasn't sure about the rod. After a few outings and a few dozen fish, I really like it but it does not get very good reviews, not sure why. Not my favorite rod (that's for my st Croix avid x) , but its pretty sensitive and will be keeping it. Goes to show you, you have to try it for yourself before you judge it.

I am still learning but what I have learned is that you need to focus on accuracy, not distance. A nice cast with a good smooth follow through, no whip casting. I started with pitching, then sidearm, then overhead. Slow and smooth to start. Magnetic brakes half way, spool tension a bit tight at first then backing off as you learn. Give it time and you will get it. Dare I say I am starting to prefer it to spinning reels. Baitcasters are meant for accuracy and total control, keep that in mind. Good luck to you.

How do you find the sensitivity compared to cork? I love the grip of Winn grips but also love the feel of traditional cork (St Croix rods).

I find the June bug color works well. I use bps stick o's, but same concept.

Daiwa fuego ct. Aluminum frame, longer handle, solid braking system. You will not be disappointed.

I like to equate it to driving down a busy street with fast food restaurants littered on both sides of the street. Burgers, pizza, subs, fries, pitas, burritos, etc. Do you stop at one? Which one? Are you even hungry? Are you busy trying to get somewhere? Same concept with fish. Sometimes the bite is just off.

Thats an awesome deal. It's really personal preference but I find the 6'8 m-xf very versatile. YMMV

St Croix mojo, Bass Pro carbonlite, and fenwick hmg would be my short list.

Went through exact same thing last year, same two rods as well. Tried three fenwick elite techs, two had stripped threads on the reel seat. Found the st Croix 6'8 m-xf spinning rod and it felt like the one. After fishing with it for a year and a bit, zero regrets. Very versatile and sensitive. I use the rod for all techniques I would use a spinning rod for. Comfortable, solid build with great backbone and a nice tip action. I also have a fenwick hmg 6'9 ml-f that I really like, but I use the st Croix more. Keep thinking of selling the fenwick, but can't bring myself to do it. It still has a special place in my heart. Both brands are great, but St Croix is winning me over. Especially when I picked up an Avid x 6'6 Mh-f casting rod, very impressed. Between the mojo spinning and avid x casting, I have all my bases covered for what I do. I did look at a fenwick 6'8 world class casting rod that felt awesome too.

For me I choose which power of rod based on conditions. Open water is a medium light. Cover or wood nearby is a medium. A zman TRD weighs about .15 oz plus the weight of the jig, so your in at roughly 3/16oz range. The rod I fish all those techniques with is a st Croix mojo 6'8 m-xf spinning rod. Very versatile.