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.

I agree with the NRS Chinook. Sometimes I forget i have it on. I'm leery of the inflatable types i've read about some not inflating when that time comes.

I've fished in a kayak in cold weather for years. I wear a frog togg wader pants and a pair of shimano wader shoes. This is the only way I can stay dry launching my kayak. Be careful when selecting a jacket making sure that it's made of something that won't absorb to much water just in case you flip. This happened to me once in about 2 feet of water while getting in my kayak. I was wearing an insulated hoodie and I could barely stand up because of the weight of the water.

Best reel i ever bought is a pflueger patriarch baitcaster. I now own 4 of them.

Spinner baits are my favorite for early morning fall bass. I go with a 1/2 oz. with a grub trailer usually in white.

It amazes me how you guys can so easily bash brands other than the one you like and use. I'll put my Quantum smoke reels up against any reel of comparable price you can find. I think the real truth is that any reel priced at $100 or more is probably a good reel.

I agree with the Quantum Energy I own 5 of them and they are heavy used with issues. Other than this all your options are good. This is a Chevy versus Ford argument. I happen to be a Toyota guy.

I don't remember the model but I used that green one. Great reel.

4" plastic salamander close to shore.

I'm a lefty and i want the rod in my left hand for feel and setting the hook.