Djohn

I have a 7ft medium in both a casting and spinning version. They about right to me ( maybe abit stiffer) but i love both of these rods.

I started with 832 and never looked back. Tie direct for top water and a leader for everything else. I don't understand why you say its can be very frustrating to fish with braid. Twist is minimal I run braid for two seasons and no degrading from sun and age.

I look for current with breaks like large rocks or other debris. Senkos are a great option for river bass or my favorite a Fat Ika.

Wacky rig or a weedless tube is a good start

As others have said just stay here.

I use a Gamakatsu 1/0 circle hook. Good hookup rate and rarely gut hook a fish.

Xrap works for me but i can't say i've used much else.

Store it inside the Vehicle

I had one several years back and loved it, right up until i accidentally slammed in my storm door. Nice rod for the money.

decent fishing but heavily pressure.

CXX here

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/VMC_Neko_Rings/descpage-VMCWR.html

15-20 lb braid with a florocarbon leader

GY senko 5"

If you are looking for a rod for both I would go with a 7 ft medium fast spinning rod and a size 30 reel. For $250 you should be able to come up with a nice combo. I would checkout Fenwick, Abu Garcia, or Dobyns in the $100 range. Any Reel in the $140 range will do nicely for you.

Don't notice much difference between my 6.x and my 7.1

Nothing like the fat ika that lasts any longer. Its a great bait on a river.

Top water or a darker color 4" senko. Agree with everyone location,location,location

I use Oldham's Weedless Tube-Lure. I fish rivers with a lot of snags and these do a great job for me.

They work really good around wood or in the weeds. weightless is the way to go.

Didn't know they had Ike reels i'll have to check them out. I have one of their rods and love it.

Caffeine Shad should do the trick

I've always spent extra to get good cork handles. Recently I was given a couple of nice rods with Winn grips and I find myself using them more often the not.

20lb brad with 8lb florocarbon leader

Baitcaster - Pflueger Patriarch Spinning - Quantum Smoke