Djohn

Used Simms for years.

Great rig for me all the way up until about Thanksgiving.

Just tie it to a tree and walk it off.

Switzer or Elkhorn?

Suffix 832

Invizx for me. Are you use a spinning or bait caster? On a spinning setup I don't usually go more than 8lb and my bait casters 15 but usually its 12lb.

What Short Fish says is a great setup. For $250 your should be able to get a good rod and reel with maybe some extra for a roll of braid.

I have several smoke & energy spinning reels and won't trade them for anything else. Never a problem and have served my well over the last 7-8 years of heavy use.

Take a look at a Perception Pescador Pro. 10 or 12 ft, it's light and easy to load & unload.

Great bait. I fish it t-rigged with the weight pegged.

Senko, Hula grub, Tube

Look for a #5 at the hardware store.

Senkos and tubes are always good for smallies. I Agree with the previous post about a W.S. Tarpon

Outstanding reel. I own 5 of them.

Never really cared much about resale or thinking I have to buy one of the big brands with all the hype. I've always bought a good quality reel ($150 or so) and I have never wore one out. i'm 64, fish 2-3 times a week, and I have reels that are 20 years old.