anderb54

I really like the Owner Jungle flipping hooks for that application

I use the deep tray 3700 size tackle boxes for my swimbaits

I've got a Chronarch matched up with a Destroyer FMJ, it fishes like a dream. Great rod for jigs and weighted Texas rigs, but also fishes spinnerbaits and chatterbaits really well too. Sweet spot is 1/2 oz jigs with trailers, but I've fished my fair share of 3/4 oz with trailers too and it handles it well.

I use 20 lb braid as a mainline with either 10 lb fluoro or 11 lb Defier Armilo as a leader. I like that the Armilo floats, and it pulls double duty as a popper/walking bait rod when the temps come up

If you're willing to spend a bit more, the Destroyer FMJ is a fantastic jig rod. Super sensitive with great ergonomics and balance. Mine is paired with a Chronarch MGL and it makes a killer combo. It throws spinnerbaits and chatterbaits very well too.

Understandable... Tackle Warehouse allows you to try out rods for a refundable deposit. I understand that it's a hassle but that rod blew me away when I got it. If it weren't for the Oneten Special, it'd be my go to smallie rod for sure.

For GLX money, I can't recommend the Destroyer Addermine enough. It's a special rod.

I've got a Mitchell 300 on one of my older spinning rods, and I feel that it's a pretty good reel for the money. You can find them online for ~$40.

The Pad Crasher in Ole Smokey has caught more fish for me than any other frog... love that color.

I promise you won't regret it. Also, I have an Aldebaran (2015 version) and have had no issues with the drag... 10 lbs is more than enough. The Chronarch is an awesome reel too, the difference in performance between it and the Metanium is very, very small.

I've switched all of my jerkbaits over to the TGW Nano Finesse hooks by Gamakatsu... wow. Sticky sharp doesn't even begin to describe them. I used to use the Owner ST-36, it's an awesome hook.

Sunline Sniper is a good one to start out with. It has a well deserved reputation of being manageable and doesn't have serious memory issues. It's also not going to bust your wallet either. I'd go with the 14 lb if you're going to throw chatter and spinnerbaits.

The Orochi XX Perfect Pitch, or if you can find a used Destroyer FMJ for that price, do it.

I use 20 lb braid with either 11 lb Defier Armilo or 10 lb Shooter FC as a leader. I know a lot of guys who aren't too crazy about Vanish, and although high end fluoro is expensive, a spool of Shooter will last me a season to a season and a half.

Most of those Lakes I listed are going to still be frozen in March. The spawn on the majority of them isn't until mid to late June

Grand Traverse Bay, Torch and Elk Lakes, Lake Charlevoix, Burt and Mullett Lake, Long Lake and Hubbard Lake over by Alpena, and Waugoshance Point up by Mackinaw City are top notch Smallmouth fisheries. I slayed them this year wading up at Waugoshance... definitely a really cool experience that everyone who loves smallmouth fishing should try. If you happen to go there, I can give you a few spots on the map that seem to hold the biggest fish/best numbers. https://www.boyneoutfitters.com/our-waters/waugoshance-point

There's 3 that every angler (especially smallmouth anglers) should have: the Vision 110 (and/or 110+1), X-80 Trick Darter, and Ito Shiner. I'm in the minority of people who like the Ito Shiner better than the 110. I've had killer days with the 110, and it's the better bait in cold water, but if it's above 55 degrees, I've had more success and bigger fish on the Ito Shiner. The Trick Darter is a secret weapon when the fish are a tad deeper, especially in the fall ? For what it's worth, the fish in my profile pic was caught on an Ito Shiner in Pro Blue.

I really only use the Smallie Beavers in the Green Gobi color

Just do yourself a favor and get Lite Trout

The new one is more in line with the Destroyer Javelin in terms of taper, power, and overall uses. I use my Javelin for lipless and medium diving cranks, and have used it for lighter jigs, which it handles just fine. I'd say the overall power of this rod is planted firmly between a traditional medium and traditional medium heavy.

What's you budget like? I have a Destroyer Javelin that I use for lipless baits, and it's awesome at that job.

I like the Jackall TN series lipless baits.

x2 These aren't really the kind of lures that you fish, as their value only increases with time. I've got a few Megabass collectables that are displayed in my fishing room. There are plenty of other, well established Megabass colors out there that work ridiculously well in clear Northern waters

I don't throw swimbaits an awful lot in the summer, but I will fish the Gantarel and Gantarel Jr. around laydowns or edges of weeds. I honestly pitch and flip them more often than I swim them. Give it a sharp jerk and some slack and it'll do a 180 degree turn. If you're looking for a great bait for burning in the summer, I'd highly recommend the Jackall Gantia

Tie a dropshot weight on the hanger under the nose and pitch it into beds during the spawn... I promise you wont regret it